100 young leaders from 75 nations to shape global water agenda at UN Conference in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi– A cohort of one hundred young leaders, representing 75 nations, has been chosen to contribute to the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, as announced by the Arab Youth Center (AYC) during a virtual press conference on Tuesday. The Global Youth Water Envoys, as they are called, will undergo a virtual learning program from October to November, culminating in specialised tracks aligning with the conference's six Interactive Dialogues.

Their discussions are expected to yield six thematic youth statements and a consolidated Global Youth Water Statement.

The Envoys hail from diverse academic backgrounds, including research, public policy, engineering, entrepreneurship, and community programs. They possess expertise in hydrology, environmental law, and water governance, as well as experience in launching water-related ventures. Out of 2,000 applicants, the cohort was narrowed down through a multi-stage evaluation process, designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and impartiality.

The selection committee comprised 20 representatives from 12 organisations, including UNEP, UNESCO, UNICEF, WaterAid, and the World Water Council.

The Envoys were welcomed at a virtual press conference, with two representatives addressing the audience. Fatima Behzad Afghan, from the UAE, expressed her desire for the conference to foster public-private partnerships for wastewater and stormwater projects, emphasizing the need for clear frameworks to reduce risk and recognize the long-term value of resilient systems.

Lissong Diop, a PhD student from Senegal, highlighted the importance of integrating scientific data and the knowledge of pastoral communities in water governance. Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, the UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Vice Chairman of the AYC, stated that the Envoys would serve as informed contributors, with their impact hinging on their knowledge, preparation, and capacity to convert experience into actionable proposals for decision-makers.

Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, emphasized that young people have historically been excluded from water diplomacy, but this would change, with the UAE aiming for the Envoys to participate in decision-making. Fatima Al Hallami, the AYC's Executive Director, explained that the curriculum, developed in collaboration with Bon Education, focuses on practical application, encouraging participants to analyze water technologies from various perspectives to understand their effectiveness in real-world settings.