Young Water Professionals in Action: The Specialist Group on Sustainability in the Water Sector

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

With this post, the IWA YWP Steering Committee begin a new blog series on IWA’s Specialist Groups, exploring what they do, why they are important to Young Water Professionals (YWPs), and how YWPs can contribute. As YWPs ourselves, we (Andrea and Marina) have been speaking with members across different groups to hear their perspectives. In this first conversation, we met Miriam Feilberg, from the IWA Specialist Group on Sustainability in the Water Sector. What we learned is that this group is not only addressing one of the most urgent themes of our time (sustainability), but also creating space for YWPs to take part, share ideas, and shape the future of the sector.

The group’s focus is broad and ambitious. It takes its starting point from the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and this means thinking about water far beyond pipes and plants. Sustainability here includes the environment, yes, but also social issues, governance, and finance. Water is at the centre of equity, resilience and innovation. As Miriam put it, the group has been working with Environment, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) thinking long before it became a buzzword. That perspective struck us: water is not just a technical challenge to solve, it is a global driver of change.

The way the group operates reflects that breadth. It has working groups dedicated to themes such as industrial water use, climate adaptation, women in water, and indigenous perspectives. These are not side projects; they are active spaces where members meet, organise webinars, and exchange experiences. The leadership committee guides the group, but the real energy comes from its members, especially the YWPs. Many of the most dynamic activities have been initiated and led by younger colleagues who bring fresh approaches and new voices to the table.

For us, this highlighted why engaging with YWPs is so important. Diversity is not a box to tick. It is a source of strength. Miriam explained how creativity, energy and new ideas often come from the younger side, while experienced members bring knowledge and networks. It is the mix that matters. The IWA Specialist Group on Sustainability in the Water Sector thrives because it combines perspectives across generations, regions, and disciplines. That is what makes its work relevant and impactful.

Joining this group also brings concrete benefits for YWPs. Conferences and international meetings can feel intimidating at first, full of people who already seem to know one another. Specialist Groups make that first step easier. They provide a platform where YWPs can test ideas, propose activities, and collaborate directly with senior professionals. In Miriam’s words, it is not just a chance to be part of IWA, but to actively shape it. For us, this sounded like an ideal way for YWPs to grow into leadership roles, gaining both confidence and experience along the way.

For Miriam herself, being part of the management committee has been a new experience, but already an enriching one. It has given her a platform to engage deeply with sustainability, collaborate with professionals worldwide and enrich her understanding of the sector outside her daily tasks. Hearing this reminded us that these groups are not just technical forums; they can be communities that inspire and shape the people within them. Her closing message was direct: if you are a YWP with a passion and a desire to impact the water sector , this Specialist Group is where you should be. It offers a chance to share your voice, expand your network, and contribute to global discussions on how water can drive a sustainable future. The group is currently looking for new members to join its management committee, and it especially welcomes young professionals ready to step forward.

Interview conducted by Andrea Carranza and Marina Batalini de Macedo (IWA Young Water Professionals). Our thanks to Miriam Feilberg, member of the Specialist Group on Sustainability in the Water Sector, for sharing her insights.