Call for volunteers – 2026 Emerging Water Leaders Forum

The IWA Secretariat is seeking Young Water Professionals (YWP) with active IWA membership to volunteer as part of the Programme Committee (PC) for the 2026 IWA Emerging Waters Leader (EWL) Forum to be held during the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Glasgow, United Kingdom (4-8 October 2026).

The position is open to any Young Water Professional with an active IWA membership. This is a volunteer position and does not include any form of work agreement. The Programme Committee meetings will be held online (dates to be defined). Costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence of the 2026 EWL Programme Committee to attend meetings and the forum will not be paid by IWA. 

The primary responsibility and duty of the Programme Committee is to develop and ensure the quality of the scientific and technical programme for the 2026 IWA EWL Forum.

The Programme Committee shall be composed of young water professionals, 35 years old or below, using the following diversity principles:
i.        A balance of geographical representation, endeavouring to have each major continental area represented; a balance between research and practice, science, technology, and management.
ii.       A balance of interest/expertise between advanced and developing country interests and technologies;
iii.      A balance of technical expertise to represent the full range of subject matter addressed by the Association and discussed during the 2026 IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition;
iv.      A balance of gender.

WHAT IS THE IWA EMERGING WATER LEADERS (EWL) FORUM?
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 EWL 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.

The date of the Forum will be confirmed. More information will be added soon.

Timeline

• Mid February – Online call for applications open
• Early March – Close of the call for applications
• Late March – Shortlisted candidates are notified
• April 2026 – Online publication of the selected YWPs to compose the PC
• April – October 2026 – Activities related to the organisation of the Forum
• October 2026 – Forum in Glasgow, United Kingdom

If you want to apply for this volunteer position, fill out the form available here.

For the available Forum positions, please see them here.

Deadline to fill out the form: 2 March 2026 (successful applicants will be notified in late March). 

This is a volunteer position and does not include any form of work agreement. If you have any questions regarding this volunteer opportunity, please get in touch with Isabela Espindola, IWA Membership Engagement Senior Officer.