In November 2016, UNESCO-IHE and Water Youth Network (WYN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen their partnership, and create more opportunities for IHE students to contribute and learn as future water leaders. Through MOU, the institute will support students to gain exposure in international events such as water weeks, water forums and water related events.
Shortly after signing the Memorandum, WYN and IHE selected two students to attend the Budapest Water Summit, in November 2016. The Summit’s focus was the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that are related to water and sanitation and of water-related aspects of the Paris Climate Agreement. The event was composed by five panels with different approaches to achieve the SDGs, including youth participation. In this opportunity, WYN organized sessions to discuss how young professionals from different youth organizations are engaged in water related activities around the world.
On February 22, WYN in partnership with UNESCO-IHE and its Student Association Board gave a presentation to the new students of IHE to meet the Network. The presentation aimed showing goals and activities developed by Water Youth Network and its thematic groups to encourage students to engage as new members. Nnebuo Chidiebere and Vittorio Nespeca, members of WYN and IHE senior students, gave inspiring speeches on the opportunities given by the Network to connect with other young professionals in the water sector and make a difference in the world. Thirty five students participated in the event and subscribed as new members of WYN.
The collaboration between Water Youth Network and UNESCO-IHE can bring many benefits to students in extracurricular activities in which they can improve their professional skills, participate in water related events, and gain a voice in global debates. The Network is organizing youth participation in upcoming events such as Stockholm World Water Week 2017, World Water Forum 2018 and XVI World Water Congress 2017 among others, which are an asset to students who can participate.