The International Water Association announces the newly elected 2020-2022 Emerging Water Leaders Steering Committee. This Steering Committee is the representative body of the IWA Young Water Professional who are IWA members aged 35 and younger.

The IWA Emerging Water Leaders Steering Committee (EWL SC) provides advice to the International Water Association about the young water professional perspective for the sector and the Association’s strategy. They encourage and enhance ways to engage the new generations of water leaders and support the professional development of  IWA YWP members activities at the national and international level.

Dedicated and passionate to support the empowerment of young water professionals the EWL Steering committee comprises IWA members, and provides them with the opportunity to represent and lead the YWP community, by supporting the YWP country chapters, supporting the YWP events, support increased integration of YWPs in all IWA activities (with a special focus on IWA specialist groups as well as through the strategic council). As part of their voluntary contribution in this committee they:

• Build their professional network
• Acquire new skills in leadership
• Build their profile and recognition in the International water sector
• Empower other young water professionals, as well as themselves
• Work with their passionate peers to contribute to a water-wise world

Every two years, the IWA Young Water Professionals community elects the Emerging Leaders Steering Committee. Following a call for application, IWA Young Water Professionals membership voted for their preferred candidates.

The new IWA EWL SC will formally take office in November 2020 and will be honoured in a dedicated ceremony at the IWA #WorldWaterCongress & Exhibition in Copenhagen, Denmark, in May 2021. 

The newly elected EWL Chair, Emily Ryan, says about her election, “I’m excited to join the 2020-2022 Steering Committee of the IWA Emerging Water Leaders as the committee chair. Given this extraordinary year that is challenging our world and our societies in so many ways, the water sector has once again demonstrated to be the pillar of our communities, economies and for the environment. Chairing the IWA EWL in these times is an amazing task. The Young Water Professionals shape our water future, we are the agenda setting energy for today and tomorrow.”

“I’m really looking forward to seeing at this unique time, our energetic group of water professionals working for the sector and engage at the fullest with this global network of water professionals”, states John Sekabira Fisher , incoming IWA EWL Vice Chair. He continues “The IWA provides us with this chance to go further, to push further and to reach our professional and sectoral goals. The IWA EWL Steering Committee plays a key role here. I am looking forward to work with my peers, my friends and continue on the great work of past committees”

“Connecting international Young Water Professional from across the world creating a community where everyone feels belong, learn, lead, grow, and succeed is my main goal by serving on the EWL Steering Committee. I would like to contribute to solving the worldwide water-related issues by empowering potential Young Water leaders”, says Farokh Laga Kakar who is taking over the YWP Chapter Coordination for the next two years.

To connect with the IWA #FutureWaterLeaders  please link with them directly on our global platform IWA Connect, and start a conversation.