Emerging Water Leaders Forum (EWLF)
The IWA Emerging Water Leaders Forum (EWLF) is an event which sets an open platform for young water professionals to connect with their peers from around the world. The Forum is a place to share professional experiences and highlight the critical responsibility of Young Water Professionals (YWPs) working on solutions for the future of water. The Forum is a platform designed to engage and empower young professionals in the water sector. It aims to provide opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and skill development among future water leaders. The Forum typically includes various activities such as workshops, seminars, panel discussions, and interactive sessions during IWA major events, namely the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition and the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition.
EWLF 2026
The 2026 edition of the EWL Forum will be held during the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Glasgow, United Kingdom (4-8 October 2026). The forum is being developed under the theme of "Blueprint for Water Action: People, Skills and Leadership in Practice". This theme positions Young Water Professionals as key actors in translating the water sector’s “blueprint” into tangible outcomes. It focuses on how early-career professionals can apply skills, leadership, and interdisciplinary approaches to deliver practical, scalable solutions across water systems. The Forum will explore how YWPs build confidence and agency, bridge research and implementation, and contribute to real-world impact through collaboration and knowledge exchange.
2026 EWLF Programme Committee
Chelsea Hayward
YWP Australia Chapter
Daphne Calazans
YWP Brazil Chapter
Denisa Cadkova
YWP Czech Republic Chapter
Federick Pinongcos
YWP United States Chapter / IWA LeaP
Harsh Desai
YWP India Chapter
Mawunyo Kofiloto
YWP Ghana Chapter
Monica Ndagire
YWP Uganda Chapter; IWA & Grundfos Youth Action for SDG6 Fellowship
Natalie Lamb
YWP United Kingdom Chapter
Ruobin Dai
YWP China Chapter
