The Danish YWP National Conference 2026

By: Francisca Braga, Denmark YWP Chapter 

Between 19th- 20th March 2026, the IWA Young Water Professionals Denmark Chapter (YWP DK) held its 11th national conference, bringing together young professionals from across the Danish water sector for two days of learning, collaboration, and dialogue. Hosted across multiple locations around the city of Aarhus, the conference combined technical insight, hands-on experiences, and strategic discussions on the future of the sector. 

Day One: Water Resilience, Technical Exchange, and Community Building

The first day of the conference took place at Aarhus University, where the focus was on water resilience and knowledge exchange across disciplines. The day opened with presentations and discussions highlighting current research and challenges related to resilient water systems, setting a strong academic and strategic foundation for the conference.

This was followed by technical presentations from YWP DK members, showcasing a wide range of projects, perspectives, and experiences from across utilities, consulting, and research. These sessions created an open and supportive space for peer-to-peer learning and demonstrated the strength and diversity of the Danish YWP community. 

A key highlight of the day was a hands-on workshop on geological modelling. The interactive format encouraged collaboration and helped bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application. The first day concluded with a social dinner. During the evening, the YWP DK Awards were presented, celebrating engagement, leadership, and outstanding contributions within the Danish YWP community.

Day Two: Generational Dialogue and Sector Engagement

On the second day, participants gathered at DANVA, where the focus shifted from technical topics to the human and organisational side of the water sector. A central element of the programme was a joint workshop with senior utility professionals, addressing how the sector can better retain young professionals and strengthen collaboration across generations.

Through open discussions and group work, participants explored barriers to retention, expectations from both early-career and senior professionals, and concrete actions that organisations can take to close the generational gap. The workshop highlighted the importance of inclusive workplaces, clear career pathways, and mutual understanding in securing the future talent base of the water sector.

As in previous years, the YWP DK General Assembly – our moment to reflect on the past year’s activities and set priorities for the year ahead – was held on the second day of the conference. To close the event, participants visited Aarhus Vand for a guided tour focused on leakage management, offering practical insight into utility operations and innovative approaches to water loss reduction. 

By connecting research, practice, and people across generations, YWP DK continues to strengthen collaboration within the Danish water sector and empower young professionals to play an active role in shaping its future.