The United Arab Emirates has launched the Global Youth Water Envoys Programme, a new initiative designed to place young leaders at the forefront of global water diplomacy as the country prepares to co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi this December.
A New Platform for Youth-Led Water Diplomacy
The programme was announced during the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in New York, marking a significant step toward strengthening youth leadership ahead of the UN Water Conference, which will be held in Abu Dhabi from 8 to 10 December 2026. It was launched by the Arab Youth Center in strategic partnership with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with support from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation.
The initiative aims to equip, empower, and integrate the next generation of leaders into global water policymaking while advancing Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) on clean water and sanitation. Organisers said up to 100 young delegates from six global regions will participate, with a particular focus on water-stressed areas across Africa, the Arab States, and Asia and the Pacific.
Officials Highlight Youth’s Role in Global Water Policy
Speaking at the launch event, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Abdulla Balalaa stressed the importance of giving young people a meaningful role in shaping international cooperation, describing them as key drivers of the solutions needed to address today’s and tomorrow’s water challenges.
Kate Hampton, CEO of the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, echoed that message, saying young people have made it clear that water stress is already affecting their lives and limiting their opportunities. She added that the upcoming conference should ensure global water governance reflects the needs and perspectives of children and youth in an increasingly water-stressed world.
The programme is also supported by partnerships with UNESCO, the Green Africa Youth Organization, and WaterAid, expanding its reach through international networks dedicated to sustainable water management.
Who Can Apply
Applications are now open to young people around the world. Individuals aged 18 to 35 with working proficiency in English and a background—or a strong interest—in water-related fields such as governance, public policy, climate, sustainability, innovation, or finance are encouraged to apply. Selected envoys will be expected to actively participate throughout the programme while serving as ambassadors for youth engagement within their own communities. Applications can be submitted through the Arab Youth Center’s official website.
Part of a Broader Water Diplomacy Strategy
The Global Youth Water Envoys Programme is the latest in a series of UAE-led initiatives building momentum toward the 2026 UN Water Conference, the first UN water summit to be co-hosted by two Global South nations—the UAE and Senegal.
Earlier this year, the UAE also helped launch the Youth4Water Flagship Initiative alongside UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme at Khalifa University to strengthen youth participation in water governance, education, and capacity building.
Throughout 2026, UAE officials have used platforms such as Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and London Climate Action Week to promote investment, governance reform, and youth leadership as key pillars of the global water agenda. They have increasingly framed water as not only a development issue but also an economic and security priority, highlighting growing water stress and major financing gaps as reasons for stronger international cooperation.
Why It Matters
The 2026 UN Water Conference comes at a time when an estimated 2.1 billion people worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water, while billions more live in water-stressed regions. A significant investment gap continues to slow progress toward achieving global water-related goals.
By giving young people a direct voice in international water diplomacy, the UAE is positioning the Abu Dhabi summit as more than a forum for government commitments. It aims to create a platform where the next generation of leaders can help turn global pledges into practical, long-term action.
Applications for the Global Youth Water Envoys Programme remain open, with selected participants set to receive training and contribute to preparations ahead of December’s conference.