Youth Leadership in Water and Sanitation: GWOPA’s Mission for Sustainable Urban Development

Urban October is UN-Habitat’s global campaign that brings together stakeholders from around the world to address pressing urban challenges. From World Habitat Day to World Cities Day, UN-Habitat engages in critical dialogues and actions aimed at promoting inclusive, sustainable, and resilient cities for all.

The GWOPA Secretariat is launching a campaign on social media and our Community of Practice as part of Urban October, centred around the theme “Young Changemakers: Transforming Water and Sanitation for a Sustainable Urban Future.” The campaign focuses on the essential role of youth in the water and sanitation sector. Young professionals bring innovative ideas, fresh perspectives and energy, which are crucial for tackling the challenges faced by urban water utilities and communities today.

We will be screening the EU film Water Generation—Young professionals shaping the future (available via the EC AV Portal), which highlights the stories of young professionals tackling real-world issues in the water sector. The campaign  also features testimonials, quotes, and videos from young voices in the WOPs (Water Operators’ Partnerships) and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) sectors.

The campaign will emphasize the importance of youth leadership in driving sustainable solutions for urban water utilities and communities. Stay tuned for updates as we engage and share the inspirational contributions from young changemakers throughout the month.

You can explore a wide range of events and activities happening worldwide through the Urban October page. Whether you’re looking for conferences, workshops, or grassroots movements, it is an opportunity to connect with key discussions on sustainable urban development and the role of youth in shaping resilient cities.

For more information visit UN Habitat Urban October.

Empowering the Next Generation: GWOPA’s Commitment to Young Water Professionals

GWOPA works to create  spaces where youth can connect with more experienced professionals, share their ideas, and access opportunities that will shape their careers and the future of water and sanitation services.

One such platform is the Young Water Professionals Community of Practice (CoP), a dedicated space within the Global WOPs Community designed for young professionals to network, exchange knowledge and collaborate on best practices in water and sanitation, with a particular focus on WOPs.

Through this community and network of youth, GWOPA supports young professionals through:

• Capacity-building initiatives: Offering learning resources, training and opportunities to participate in knowledge-sharing activities and events that enhance technical and leadership skills.
• Mentorship and networking opportunities: Facilitating mentorship connections between young professionals and seasoned experts in the sector, helping to bridge the experience gap and create valuable career pathways.
• Inclusion in strategic discussions: Actively inviting youth participation in high-level discussions on water and sanitation, allowing their voices to be heard at international forums and decision-making platforms.

We believe that youth are not just beneficiaries of water and sanitation solutions – they are crucial changemakers who will lead us toward a more sustainable urban future. Whether through WOPs, peer learning exchanges or global advocacy, we are committed to ensuring that young professionals are at the forefront of transformation in the water and sanitation sectors.

If you’re a young professional looking to get involved, we encourage you to join the Young Water Professionals CoP on the Global WOPs Community via this link. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with like-minded peers, share your insights and take part in the movement to build resilient water and sanitation systems globally!

For inquiries on our youth thematic area, please reach out to Ashmeet Kharbanda, GWOPA’s Youth Focal Point, at ashmeet.kharbanda@un.org