The Youth for Water and Climate (YWC) Programme is an initiative focused on capacity building, spearheaded by the International Secretariat for Water - Solidarity Water Europe. It is supported financially by Erasmus+, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and the Agence de l’Eau Artois-Picardie. The program’s structure, content, and resources were developed in collaboration with various partners, including the Global Water Partnership, Global Water Partnership – Central and Eastern Europe, cewas, Global Water Partnership Hungary, and Good Planet Belgium.

Within the water sector, there is a significant shortage of skilled professionals, influenced by a variety of factors such as disparities in skill requirements across urban and rural areas, insufficient incentives for workers, and a lack of alignment between educational programs and industry needs. The YWC Programme seeks to bridge these gaps by empowering young people to become leaders and innovators in the sustainable management of water resources, thereby strengthening climate resilience and advancing progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Following the pilot phase of the program, all participants successfully pursued employment or further studies in the water and climate field. In December 2023, the second phase of the program was launched in Strasbourg with the objective of reaching a wider audience.

The initiative is designed for young individuals aged 18 to 30 who are eager to enhance their skills and build networks to establish careers in the water and climate sector. It also targets those aiming to refine entrepreneurial projects within this domain.

Benefits of Joining the Programme

Participants in the YWC Programme will have access to two international workshops, ongoing mentorship, an active community of practice, and a comprehensive online curriculum. These resources aim to help young professionals develop the expertise and skills needed for leadership roles or entrepreneurial ventures in the water and climate sector.

Upon completion of the workshops, participants will receive a Youthpass, a certification recognized across the European Union that formally acknowledges the competencies and knowledge gained through the program.

Skills Development and Learning Opportunities

The program includes two intensive international seminars. The first will take place in Budapest, Hungary, from January 19 to 25, 2025, and the second in Strasbourg, France, in August 2025. These seminars provide a European perspective on water-related challenges and include field visits to meet local experts. Personalized workshops during the seminars will focus on themes aligned with the YWC Curriculum, a freely available online course designed to prepare participants for climate and water challenges.

The curriculum is structured to equip participants with cross-disciplinary skills in leadership and project management, enabling them to implement solutions in professional or entrepreneurial settings. The themes covered include exploring careers in the water and climate sector, honing leadership abilities, launching impactful projects or businesses, and navigating professional roles in relevant organizations.

Mentorship Opportunities

Throughout the program, participants will be paired with experienced professionals from the water and climate sector. These mentors may include directors of water agencies, managers of environmental organizations, and representatives from national and international institutions. Regular interactions with mentors will provide tailored guidance on career development, insights into sector-specific opportunities, and valuable professional connections. A Mentorship Guide has been developed to help participants make the most of these relationships.

Costs and Financial Details

Most costs associated with participation are covered by the program organizers, including international travel, accommodation, meals, and program activities. Participants will be responsible for covering local transportation, mandatory insurance, and any personal expenses.

This program offers a unique opportunity for young individuals passionate about addressing global water and climate challenges to gain practical experience, expand their networks, and kickstart meaningful careers or projects in the sector.

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