By Dr Natalie Lamb RSci MIWater MRSB (she/her), Spring
My journey with the International Water Association (IWA) began in 2017, at the IWA UK Young Water Professional (YWP) Conference—my very first time presenting at a professional conference. I was honoured to receive the “Best Presenter” award, which earned me a spot at the IWA YWP Eastern European Conference 2018 in Zagreb. That trip marked my first international presentation, and it opened my eyes to the focused expertise, global collaboration, and rich opportunities that IWA offers. From that moment, I knew this was an organisation I wanted to be a part of. Multiple events, online activities and countless meetings later and suddenly I have been volunteering with the IWA United Kingdom (UK) YWP Chapter for 6 whole years!
International Learning
In 2022, I was able to attend the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Denmark due to my engagement with the first in-person World Water Camp. This immersive “conference within a conference” brought together 50 students worldwide for lectures, field trips, and a three-month online programme. I was proud to receive the Best Engagement Award during the camp. In 2024, I was fortunate to attend the World Water Camp again—this time in Toronto, Canada.
I stepped into a new role as Global YWP Chapter Coordinator for the IWA YWP Steering Committee (2024–2026), where I’ve set up some monthly informal drop-in calls with global IWA YWP Chairs to help share knowledge, best practices and ideas. I am very keen to learn from other countries and their efforts to help me as we form a new IWA YWP UK Steering Committee. We hope to launch our version of World Water Camp for the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Glasgow in 2026, giving others the same chance to grow and connect as I’ve had.
A Low-Carbon Adventure
Rather than flying straight there and back to the 2024 IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition, I decided to turn the trip into a low-emissions, budget-conscious East Canada overland adventure. For under £800, I travelled from Manchester to Dublin to Halifax, then journeyed overland through Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Niagara Falls—all the way back to Halifax and home to London. Over 2500 km of travel included 3 trains, 3 coaches, underground trains, and even a replacement bus service, between 3 and 20 August 2024. Along the way, I slept in university halls, hostel dorms (ranging from 6 to 12 beds), on a >20-hour sleeper train, and even in an old prison! When I finally arrived in Toronto, hiking backpack in tow, my colleagues were amused—but I was beaming with pride and gratitude.
Paying It Forward
None of these experiences would have been possible without the kindness and support of the IWA UK Governing Member, and the voluntary work I’ve committed to over the years, especially with the IWA YWP UK Chapter. I’m incredibly thankful, and I wholeheartedly encourage other young professionals to get involved. Volunteering with the IWA has given me invaluable professional growth, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories.
I’m committed to paying this opportunity forward—and ensuring the next generation of water professionals gets to write their own incredible IWA stories, both at the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Glasgow 2026 and beyond. Applications are open now to join the IWA UK YWP.
Find out more info on how to join the IWA YWP UK Chapter here.
Find out more info on the IWA UK YWP Conference 2025 here.
Look for more information on the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Glasgow soon!
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