Water for Prosperity: Empowering Youth, Shaping Prosperity Through Water

Water is fundamental to sustainable development and a critical enabler of economic prosperity, social well-being, food and energy security, and resilient communities. Yet, as the world approaches the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), progress towards SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation remains uneven. Climate change, population growth, urbanisation, environmental degradation and increasing demands on water resources further reinforce the need for accelerated and integrated action.

In the lead-up to the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, this webinar will explore how sustainable water management can contribute to prosperity at both community and broader societal levels.

Through expert presentations and an interactive youth dialogue, participants will examine different dimensions of the relationship between water and prosperity, including valuing water, the Water–Energy–Food Nexus, integrated and sustainable water resources management, water-use efficiency, and wastewater management.

The session will combine technical perspectives with practical experiences to demonstrate how improved water management can generate social, economic and environmental benefits. Particular attention will be given to the role of young professionals in developing innovative solutions, strengthening collaboration and contributing to water policy and decision-making.

The webinar will conclude with a youth-led synthesis capturing key messages and recommendations from the discussion. These contributions will help inform broader youth engagement and positioning towards the 2026 UN Water Conference.

• 1st webinar: Introduction to the 2026 UN Water Conference and the Global Youth Movement for Water
• 2nd webinar: Water for Planet: Nature-based Solutions to Protect Aquatic Ecosystems
• 3rd webinar: Water for Prosperity: Empowering Youth, Shaping Prosperity Through Water
• 4th webinar: Water for Finance: Youth dialogue on Investments, Financing, Innovation and Impact
• 5th webinar: Water for People: Advancing Equitable Access to Water and Sanitation

This webinar is intended for: -Young water and sanitation professionals -Students, researchers and academics -Youth-led organisations and networks -Water and sanitation utilities -Public institutions and local authorities -Policymakers and decision-makers -Private-sector representatives -NGOs and civil society organisations -Professionals working across the water, energy, food and environmental sectors

By participating in this webinar, participants will: -Understand how sustainable water management can contribute to economic prosperity, social well-being and resilient communities. -Explore the interconnections between water, energy and food systems and their implications for sustainable development. -Identify approaches for integrated and sustainable water resources management that can support community prosperity. -Examine how improved water-use efficiency and wastewater management can generate environmental, social and economic benefits. -Strengthen their understanding of how young professionals can contribute to water policy, innovation and global discussions towards the 2026 UN Water Conference.

Speakers

• Ahmed Legrouri, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Morocco
• Amadou Gueye, Ministry of Water and Sanitation of Senegal, Senegal
• Géraldine Thérèse Mpouma Logmo, African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA)
• Mamadou Kane, AJPEAS, Senagal

Moderator

• Maïmouna Seck, INNO, Senegal

This webinar is part of the Global Youth Movement for Water (GYMW) & UN Major Group for Children and Youth (UNMGCY) Capacity Development Series towards the 2026 United Nations Water Conference. The series brings together young water professionals, youth-led organisations, international organisations and sector experts to strengthen the capacity of young people to engage meaningfully in the preparatory process for the Conference.

Through eight interactive webinars, participants will explore the key themes of the 2026 UN Water Conference, deepen their understanding of global water governance, and connect with a global network of young leaders committed to advancing water security and sustainable development. The series will culminate in the development of a Youth Position Statement, reflecting the perspectives and recommendations of young people from around the world to support youth engagement before, during and beyond the 2026 UN Water Conference.

The Global Youth Movement for Water is a collaborative initiative led together by the International Secretariat for Water (ISW), UNESCO, the International Water Association (IWA), the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), the Water Youth Network (WYN), the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth (UNMGCY), AJPEAS, AFR'EAU, Wavemakers United Foundation, and other partners committed to empowering the next generation of water leaders.

The UN Major Group for Children and Youth (UNMGCY) engages on water-related issues through the Water Youth Network (WYN), which serves as the SDG 6 constituency lead.