Second cohort of the IWA Leadership Programme for Young Water Professionals (IWA LeaP) announced
Published on Sep 29, 2026
The International Water Association (IWA) is proud to announce the 12 Young Water Professionals (YWPs) selected to join the second cohort of the IWA Leadership Programme for Young Water Professionals, IWA LeaP.
Following a rigorous selection process, 70 applications were received, 20 candidates were shortlisted and interviewed, and 12 YWPs were selected to take part in the programme.
The second cohort brings together emerging water professionals from 11 countries across six regions, with eight women and four men represented in the group.
Meet the second IWA LeaP cohort
| Young Water Professional | Country |
|---|---|
| Axel Martínez-Nieto | Honduras |
| Gints Dakša | Latvia |
| Jeremy Duke | Australia |
| Joelle Solowiejczyk | United States |
| Lucie Movva | Germany |
| Nannono Maria Linda | Uganda |
| Njeri Ngugi | Kenya |
| Rachana Mattur | India |
| Samar Al Kreidy | Lebanon |
| Samia Anwar Rafa | Bangladesh |
| Thiago Lappicy | Brazil |
| Veronica Denise Sykora | Argentina |
A 12-month leadership journey
The second cohort will embark on a 12-month leadership development journey, beginning in November 2026 with a dedicated launch session.
The programme will combine leadership development, peer learning, engagement with IWA leaders and opportunities to contribute to the Association's work. In early 2027, the cohort will come together for a YWP retreat, providing an opportunity to strengthen relationships, exchange experiences and develop a shared vision for their year as IWA LeaP participants.
Following the retreat, the YWPs will take part in monthly activities throughout 2027, creating a continuous programme of learning, collaboration and engagement. The activities will support participants in developing their leadership skills while giving them opportunities to connect with other water professionals and contribute to the wider IWA community.
Becoming ambassadors for IWA
As part of the programme, the cohort will also act as ambassadors for IWA, helping to strengthen connections between IWA, Young Water Professionals and the wider water community.
Through their participation in IWA activities and initiatives, the LeaP participants will have opportunities to share their perspectives, promote engagement with the Association and contribute to conversations about the future of the water sector.
A key milestone in their journey will be participation in the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition 2028 in Malaysia, where the cohort will come together with the international water community and showcase the experience and leadership developed through the programme.
The second cohort builds on the experience of the inaugural IWA LeaP cohort and reflects IWA's continued commitment to developing the next generation of water leaders and creating meaningful opportunities for Young Water Professionals to contribute to the Association and the wider water sector.
“IWA LeaP is an opportunity for Young Water Professionals to develop their leadership skills, build lasting connections across the water sector and become active contributors to the IWA community. We look forward to supporting this new cohort throughout their 12-month journey and seeing how they bring their ideas, perspectives and energy to IWA.”
Learn more about the IWA Leadership Programme for Young Water Professionals, IWA LeaP, and its role in supporting the development of future water leaders.
IWA LeaP is supported by the EWL Endowment Fund.