Description
In May and June 2024, the Central Asia Youth for Water network (CAY4W) engaged young water professionals in two of the most important global appointments of the world of water – the 10th World Water Forum and the attached 6th General Assembly of the World Youth Parliament for Water, which took place in Bali, Indonesia between 14 and 24 May; and the 3rd High-Level International Conference on International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” together with the workshop organized by OSCE and SDC “Drops of the Future”, which took place respectively in Dushanbe and Vahdat, Tajikistan, between 6 and 13 June.
The CAY4W delegates participated equally actively in the working sessions of the workshops and in the events organized within the World Water Forum and the Water for Sustainable Development conference. Here are their impressions and reflections after attending these appointments.
“As a Central Asian representative of the World Youth Parliament for Water at the 10th World Water Forum, I had the great honour of giving a speech on Transboundary Cooperation in panels featuring global leaders such as H.E. Dr. Shavkat Rakhimovich Khamraev, Minister of Water Management of Uzbekistan, and H.E. Mr. Calle Schlettwein, Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform of Namibia. I sent a message of cooperation and kindness through a story I shared about a man who, after his death, realised that the difference between paradise and hell is not the place but the people.
The Bali water purification ceremony was a particularly intense experience for me. While walking on the beach, I saw a small turtle struggling to reach the water. I picked it up and released it into the ocean, feeling both happy and sad. The turtle’s struggle made me think about how fragile and strong life can be. It taught me the importance of kindness and caring for others, but also how important it is to protect our water resources. Just like the turtle needed clean water to survive, our ecosystems and communities depend on good water management. I realised that our work in water conservation is not just about rules and technology, but also about protecting life. The World Water Forum in Bali made me realise just how connected we are to nature and how important it is to look after our planet’s water for future generations”.
Kuanysh Uzbekov, CAY4W Delegate from Kazakhstan
“Participating in the Youth and Children’s Water and Climate Forum at the Third Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference was a transformative experience, where I became part of a shared effort to reinforce the importance of youth engagement in addressing water and climate challenges and highlight the need to continue empowering young people. The collaborative spirit, innovative ideas and passionate engagement of my fellow participants have inspired me deeply. As a speaker in a session reviewing the results of the Water and Climate Youth Development Plan and Agenda (YDPA) at the Youth and Children’s Water and Climate Forum, I contributed to identifying key obstacles, challenges, opportunities and solutions related to youth involvement in water and climate initiatives. I also participated in two Interactive Dialogues, where I highlighted the crucial role of youth in transboundary water management and discussed how youth can galvanize action on the international water agenda before 2030.
During the forum, I was fortunate to connect with remarkable individuals and water leaders: these interactions were invaluable and unlocked access to a diverse array of perspectives and solutions to common challenges. Moving forward, we need to continue fostering youth engagement in water and climate initiatives, not only by building the capacity of young leaders but also by ensuring that their voices are heard in global decision-making processes and they are acting as contributors for the water and climate agenda. I look forward to continuing our collective journey towards sustainable water and climate solutions, ensuring a resilient and prosperous future for all.”
Begim Zhanuzakova, CAY4W Delegate from Kyrgyzstan
“I participated in both 10th World Water Forum and the Third Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference, contributing to a High-Level Panel on Hydrodiplomacy and Peace and to a Cross-Cutting Session on the role of science for building capacity and dialogue across transboundary basins and participating in the Women and Water & Youth and Children’s Water and Climate Fora. Participating in these events was a profound learning experience, which I hope helped to demonstrate the indispensable role of young professionals in advancing global water security and sustainability.
While the 10th World Water Forum emphasized high-level policy discussions and international collaboration, the WYPW General Assembly fostered grassroots advocacy and skill development among young professionals. Both events underscored the power of international cooperation, scientific innovation, and active youth participation in building a peaceful and sustainable world.
The General Assembly of the World Youth Parliament for Water (WYPW), held in conjunction with the World Water Forum, had a profound impact me and over 60 young professionals participating in the initiative. The General Assembly was a unique platform to participate in training sessions, exchange ideas with peers from all over the world, and advocate for youth representation in water management. It was instrumental to develop advocacy messages, concrete initiatives, and international synergies; moreover, as young professionals we had the opportunity to work closely with experts, discover different cultures, and form new friendships. This gathering underscored the essential contributions of youth in shaping water-secure futures, fostering a sense of global community and collective action.”
Mira Dzhakshylykova, CAY4W Delegate from Kyrgyzstan
