The All-Russian Water Congress, the country’s main forum on water issues, was held in Moscow from 18 to 20 June. Within the framework of the event, the first Youth Water Council in Russia was formed and its strategic sessions were held.
“We are delighted to have succeeded in creating Russia’s first youth organisation tasked with promoting the agenda of conscious, sustainable water management and protecting natural water bodies. It will engage in analytical, research and representative work to ensure that the youth voice is heard at major industry events,” said Anastasia Valeryevna Tsvetkova, General Director of the Lake Baikal Foundation.
Ten young leaders from different cities were elected to the first Presidium of the Youth Water Council (YWC), representing the main universities of the country: MGIMO, St. Petersburg State University, RTU MIREA, GUU, ITMO and others. MYS members shared their experience in promoting eco-advocacy and their views on the future work of the youth organisation. The Lake Baikal Foundation and the Russian Water Supply and Drainage Association presented the winners with certificates and memorable prizes.
The staff of the Lake Baikal Foundation organised two strategic sessions at the congress site for the participants of the YWC, during which the focus themes of the YWC for the year were formed and the concept of the first projects of the association was worked out.
At the final event of the Congress – the panel discussion “Job Exchange” Olga Amelkina, Deputy General Director of the Lake Baikal Foundation presented the Youth Water Council and told about the nearest plans of the new youth formation.
“Colleagues did a great job at the Congress. The Youth Water Council is our future,” commented Elena Vladimirovna Dovlatova, Executive Director of the Russian Water Supply and Drainage Association.
In the near future, the YWC will prepare its proposals for inclusion in the Resolution on the results of the All-Russian Water Congress, and in a year’s time, the Council participants will present the Youth Water Strategy of Russia at the event.
The Lake Baikal Foundation will be the operator of the Youth Water Council, and the scientific supervisor will be Natalia Ryazanova, Candidate of Geological Sciences, Associate Professor, MGIMO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.
We thank the Russian Association of Water Supply and Drainage for the invitation to the event and BARRIER for supporting the initiative. We hope for continuation of fruitful co-operation in this area!
- Young leaders between 16 and 35 years old who wish to join the YWC, please fill in the membership application form.
- Video from the panel discussion “Job Exchange”: (YWC presentation from minute 82).