Young Water Professionals in Action: The Specialist Group on Rainwater Harvesting and Management

By Andrea Carranza Muñoz & Marina Batalini de Macedo, IWA YWP Steering Committee

Rain falls on everyone, yet few of us pause to consider its full potential as a water resource. We spoke with Professor Mooyoung Han, Chair of the IWA Rainwater Harvesting and Management Specialist Group (RWHM SG), to explore how this often-overlooked element of the water cycle is being reimagined as a solution to some of today's most urgent water challenges. The RWHM SG focuses on rainwater as an important resource for addressing contemporary water challenges. According to Professor Han, climate change is increasingly expressed through changes in rainfall patterns, leading to more intense floods, longer droughts, growing water scarcity, and conditions that contribute to extreme heat and wildfires. He argues that rain should not be viewed solely as a challenge to manage, but also as part of the solution. By understanding and managing rainwater more effectively, communities can respond to these challenges in a more integrated and sustainable manner. He also highlights that in the context of SDG 6.1, local water sources are often more appropriate than long-distance systems, and rainwater can play an important role in providing safe, resilient solutions.

The group engages members through practical initiatives that connect technical knowledge with community experience. Young Water Professionals play an important role by bringing fresh perspectives and new ways of communicating water issues. More than a technical network, the group encourages members to explore water through technology, philosophy, and culture. One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation was the "Teach the Rain" initiative, which Professor Han is leading under the UN Rain School Initiative, registered in the UN Water Action Agenda. The inspiration came from a simple observation: people experience rain every day yet rarely reflect on its meaning. Although technology is essential for addressing water challenges, Professor Han believes that philosophy, culture, and communication are equally important. Rain is not only something to manage — it is something to understand. Recognising the need for more meaningful and engaging ways to communicate water issues, particularly to younger generations, he developed the "Teach the Rain" initiative as a platform for storytelling and reflection. The initiative will be further developed and presented as a workshop during the RWHM2026 conference (September 1–6, 2026). The concept is intentionally simple and accessible. As he summarised it: "Not a paper. A story. Not a lecture. A message."

The initiative includes a dedicated YWP track that offers YWP opportunities to contribute their perspectives and connect local experiences with global audiences. Participants can communicate water issues in creative and accessible ways, helping to broaden public understanding of rain and water resources. At the same time, they gain visibility, build international networks, and expand their understanding beyond purely technical frameworks. Professor Han emphasised that support may enable participation, but purpose is what deepens engagement. Through initiatives such as "Teach the Rain", young professionals are encouraged not only to share knowledge but also to explore the deeper meaning of water in society and everyday life.  

Participation is intentionally simple and accessible. YWP chapters can encourage involvement within their networks, coordinate submissions from their country, and support dissemination through social media and local engagement activities. Participants are invited to create short videos of up to five minutes that share their own rain stories and experiences. No academic papers are required, and no funding is needed. Young Water Professionals and interested participants are invited to submit their expression of interest by June 30, with more detailed work and video submissions to follow by August 10. The group is also exploring the concept of BiTS (Bi = Rain, Teacher and Students), inspired by the Korean word for rain, to connect students and young people around the world through shared experiences of rain. The objective is to make participation meaningful, enjoyable, and open to anyone who wishes to contribute.

The closing message from Professor Han was clear: do not wait until you are an expert. Today's water challenges require communication, creativity, and a sense of purpose in addition to technical knowledge. Many meaningful contributions to the water sector, particularly in areas such as rainwater management and community-based solutions, do not follow traditional career pathways. If you begin with your own experiences and perspective, you already have something valuable to contribute. Water is not only a profession; it is a lived reality, and everyone has a story worth sharing.

If rain is something you think about, or something you have simply always taken for granted, the IWA Rainwater Harvesting and Management Specialist Group would welcome your participation.  

Interview conducted by Andrea Carranza Muñoz (IWA Young Water Professionals). Our thanks to Professor Mooyoung Han, Chair of the IWA Rainwater Harvesting and Management Specialist Group, for sharing his insights and vision. To learn more about the "Teach the Rain" initiative and opportunities within the RWHM SG, visit the group's IWA ConnectPlus page.