More Than a Conference: What the IWA UK YWP 2026 Conference Revealed About the Future of Water

By Dr Natalie Lamb, Chapter Chair, IWA UK YWP

The IWA UK Young Water Professionals Conference 2026, held in Birmingham in March, brought together a diverse mix of people from across the water sector. Researchers, industry leaders and early career professionals gathered all in one place to share ideas, experiences, and perspectives on the future of water. The event was made possible with the generous support of Mott MacDonald, whose hosting enabled the IWA YWP UK Chapter to bring the YWP UK community together.  

The programme itself was both rich and varied. Across two days, sessions covered topics ranging from water quality in the UK’s Lake Windermere to drought prediction in Nigeria. Yet what stood out most were the conversations taking place beyond the formal agenda. Discussions about careers, frustrations, ideas and what needs to change in our sector. They gave the event a deeper significance. Alongside the conference programme, the delegates explored behind the scenes of Birmingham Aquarium, the underground tunnel systems of Dudley and enjoyed a Latin-inspired feast at our Gala Dinner.

Asking the question we often avoid

One of the most open and impactful sessions took place early in the programme during the workshop on workforce retention, led by the Institute of Water Rising Stars. The discussion centred on a fundamental question: why are young people not joining or staying in the water sector?

There was no single answer. Some participants pointed to the limited visibility of the sector compared to others. Others highlighted unclear career pathways, the need for more inclusive and flexible working environments, and the importance of purpose-driven roles.

What made this session particularly valuable was its honesty. It was not a polished or scripted discussion, but a genuine exchange of experiences and perspectives. Importantly, it was led by young professionals themselves. While the sector often focuses on attracting talent, this session emphasised the importance of listening to what that talent is actually saying.

Leadership is not a straight line

The “Meet the Leaders” session reinforced an important message: there is no single pathway into leadership within the water sector.

Hearing from leaders such as Jo Parker, Simon Ayley, and Kenny McGibbon highlighted the diversity of career journeys. Some began in engineering, others in policy or entirely different fields. Their experiences demonstrated that leadership is shaped over time through varied roles, challenges and opportunities.

The informal format of the session created space for open dialogue. Participants asked candid questions about career transitions, setbacks and the realities of leadership. The responses were equally candid, offering practical insights that resonated strongly with early-career professionals. 

A global mindset from early careers

The technical sessions highlighted an encouraging trend: many young professionals are already engaging with water challenges at a global scale. Presentations explored decentralised water systems in Gabon, simplified sewer systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, and machine learning approaches to drought prediction in Nigeria. These complex topics were presented with clarity and a strong sense of purpose.

At the same time, the programme maintained a clear connection to UK priorities. Sessions on water efficiency funding and nitrous oxide emissions reflected the immediate challenges facing the sector domestically. This balance between global awareness and local relevance underscored the breadth of perspectives within the YWP community.

Innovation goes beyond technology.

Not all impactful ideas were technical. One presentation focused on outreach and how to inspire more young people to consider careers in water.

This served as a reminder that some of the sector’s most pressing challenges are not solely technical. They are fundamentally about people. Who we attract into the sector, how we support their development, and whether they can see a clear and meaningful future within it.

What happens next

The conference felt less like a standalone event and more like a catalyst for ongoing action. Funds raised during the event will support young professionals from around the world to attend the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition 2026 in Glasgow, extending the impact of the conference beyond the UK.

Participants are encouraged to follow the IWA YWP UK Chapter on LinkedIn to stay connected and engage with upcoming initiatives, including the IWA YWP UK World Water Camp 2026.

If there is one clear takeaway, it is that the YWP community is not lacking in ideas or energy. The challenge now lies in translating this momentum into sustained, meaningful change for the sector.