Applications are open for the Young Water Diplomats Programme 2027, a six-month hybrid training opportunity offered by IHE Delft Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands. The programme is designed for early-career diplomats and professionals interested in international water governance, environmental affairs and cooperation over shared water resources.

Running from 4 February to 7 July 2027, the programme will equip participants with scientific knowledge, practical diplomatic skills and a deeper understanding of the challenges affecting freshwater resources and related ecosystems. It will bring together emerging professionals from different countries to explore how diplomacy can support cooperation, prevent water-related conflicts and promote sustainable water management.

The programme combines online lectures, individual assignments, collaborative learning and two in-person workshops in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and Delft, the Netherlands. A limited number of full and partial fellowships may be available for eligible applicants from low-income and middle-income countries.

About the Young Water Diplomats Programme

The Young Water Diplomats Programme is an advanced training course that connects international relations and diplomatic practice with water management, environmental sustainability and transboundary cooperation.

Delivered under the Cross-regional Learning for Transformative Water Diplomacy (CroWD) project, the programme aims to develop a community of young professionals who can contribute to more equitable and sustainable approaches to water diplomacy.

Participants will examine the effects of climate change, infrastructure development and environmental pressures on water resources. They will also learn how governments and other stakeholders can work together to manage shared rivers, lakes, groundwater systems and related ecosystems.

Programme Details

• Programme: Young Water Diplomats Programme 2027
• Host institution: IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
• Duration: Six months
• Start date: 4 February 2027
• End date: 7 July 2027
• Format: Hybrid — online learning and in-person workshops
• Workshop locations: Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and Delft, the Netherlands
• Programme fee: €1,500, excluding VAT
• Scholarships: Limited full and partial fellowships may be available
• Application deadline: 30 November 2026, at 23:59 Central European Time (CET)
• Expected cohort: Up to 18 participants

What Participants Will Learn

The programme focuses on developing the knowledge and practical skills required to address complex water-related challenges through diplomacy and international cooperation.

Key learning areas include:

• Understanding water resources, hydrological systems and water management.
• Examining the impacts of climate change and infrastructure development on freshwater resources.
• Applying water diplomacy tools to real-world challenges.
• Analysing experiences of water conflict and cooperation across different river basins.
• Understanding transboundary water governance and institutional arrangements for cooperation.
• Integrating scientific, environmental and political perspectives into problem-solving.
• Working effectively in intercultural and interdisciplinary teams.

These learning outcomes are intended to help participants engage more effectively in water-related negotiations, environmental policy discussions and international cooperation initiatives.

Programme Structure and Workshops

The six-month programme combines online learning with practical, face-to-face engagement.

Online learning

Participants will take part in online webinars, lectures, discussions, presentations, preparatory readings, group assignments and individual learning activities throughout the programme.

The expected workload is approximately four hours per week, amounting to around 152 hours over the full programme. Webinars are scheduled on weekdays during working hours in the Central European Time zone.

First workshop: Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Dates: 12–15 April 2027

The first workshop will be organised in collaboration with the Scientific-Information Center of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination in Central Asia. It will include participation in the 8th Water and Peace Seminar, offering participants exposure to regional water cooperation and diplomacy.

Second workshop: Delft, the Netherlands

Dates: 5–7 July 2027

The second workshop will take place at IHE Delft and will provide an opportunity to consolidate learning, exchange experiences and engage with other participants and water diplomacy practitioners.

Attendance at both in-person workshops is mandatory. Applicants should therefore consider the travel and related expenses involved before applying.

Scholarships and Financial Support

Although the standard programme fee is €1,500, excluding VAT, IHE Delft indicates that a limited number of full or partial fellowships and discounts may be available.

Funding opportunities are offered through the IHE Delft Water and Development Partnership Programme under the CroWD project. Priority eligibility includes applicants from least-developed, low-income and lower-middle-income countries. Applicants from upper-middle-income countries may be considered for partial support on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants interested in financial assistance should indicate their interest in the application form and review the institution's scholarship requirements.

Those applying for a scholarship will be asked to provide formal confirmation from their employer stating that they can participate in the six-month programme and dedicate the required time to complete it.

Important: Funding is limited and is not guaranteed for every applicant. The programme fee does not cover travel, visas, insurance, accommodation or living expenses associated with the in-person workshops. Applicants should confirm the exact coverage of any fellowship before making financial commitments.

Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

• Motivation statement using the required template.
• Bachelor's degree certificate or diploma and academic transcript.
• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• Copy of an identity document.

Selection is competitive, with applicants assessed against the eligibility requirements and the strength of their motivation statement. The programme accommodates a maximum of 18 participants annually.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official IHE Delft application portal and create an account.
2. Locate the application for the Advanced Training Course, Young Water Diplomats Programme 2027.
3. Complete the application form and provide the required personal, academic and professional information.
4. Upload the required documents, including the motivation statement, academic credentials, CV and identity document.
5. Indicate whether scholarship support is required and provide any additional documentation requested.
6. Submit the application before the deadline.

Official Application Links

• Apply for the programme: https://apply.un-ihe.org/application-process/short-course
• Programme information: https://www.un-ihe.org/courses/on-campus/young-water-diplomats-programme
• Scholarships and discounts: https://www.un-ihe.org/courses/on-campus/scholarships-on-campus-short-courses
• Motivation statement template: https://ihe-delft-ihe-website-production.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2026-10/template_for_the_motivation_letter_ywd_programme_2027.docx
• Frequently asked questions: https://ihe-delft-ihe-website-production.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2026-10/YWD_2027_FAQ.pdf

Early-career professionals seeking to strengthen their expertise in water diplomacy, environmental governance and international cooperation are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements, prepare their documents and explore available scholarship options ahead of the deadline.

The programme offers an opportunity to build practical knowledge, learn from experienced water diplomacy specialists and connect with a small international cohort working towards more cooperative and sustainable management of shared water resources.

The deadline to apply for the Young Water Diplomats Programme 2027 is 30 November 2026, at 23:59 CET.