With preparations progressing for the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition in December 2025, the Programme Committee of the 7th Emerging Water Leaders Forum (EWLF) has held its first online meeting and set out its workplan to deliver the next edition of the Forum during the Congress in Bangkok, Thailand (8-12 December 2025).
The Forum is a platform designed to engage and empower young professionals in the water sector. It aims to provide opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and skill development among future water leaders. The EWL Forum typically includes various activities such as workshops, seminars, panel discussions, and interactive sessions during IWA major events, namely the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition and the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition.
Programme Committee
The content of the Forum is being shaped by a diverse and motivated Programme Committee, a committed group of Young Water Professionals (YWPs) consisting of members of the YWP Community. The Programme Committee (PC) of the EWLF provides advice to the IWA Secretariat about the content and structure of the Forum’s agenda and helps shape a relevant and useful experience for its participants.
The members of the Programme Committee of the 7th EWLF are:
| Name | Organisation |
Country |
|
 |
Chelsea Hayward | IWA YWP Steering Committee
IWA YWP Australia |
Australia |
 |
Chotiwat Jantarakasem | IWA LeaP
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Thailand |
 |
Dania Al Khafaji | Blue Peace Middle East | Iraq |
 |
Dylan Clarke-Herbert | Barbados Water Authority | Barbados |
 |
Evelyn Mukajusi | IWA YWP Uganda Chapter | Uganda |
 |
Hayat Raza | IWA YWP Canada Chapter | Canada |
 |
Iftita Rahmatika | Universitas Indonesia | Indonesia |
 |
Merceline Olala | University of Leeds | Kenya |
 |
Nicole Nawrot | Gdańsk University of Technology
IWA YWP Poland Chapter |
Poland |
 |
Omi Kumari | IWA Strategic Council Member
IWA YWP India Chapter |
India |
 |
Yumeng Zhao | IWA LeaP
IWA YWP China Chapter |
China |
About the IWA Emerging Water Leaders Forum
The EWLF is an event which sets an open platform for young water professionals to connect with their peers from around the world. The Forum is a place to share professional experiences and highlight the critical responsibility of YWPs working on solutions for the future of water.
The global water sector faces unprecedented challenges, exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and urbanisation. To address these challenges effectively, it is crucial to empower and equip the next generation of water professionals with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to champion the course for a climate and water-resilient future.
The primary objective of each EWLF is to empower young water professionals to become leaders in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity. Through engaging sessions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, participants will gain valuable insights and practical knowledge to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient water future.
More information
The agenda and the date of the Forum will be confirmed. More information about the Forum is available here.
If you have any questions regarding this event or about the IWA Young Water Professionals community, please contact Dr Isabela Espindola, IWA Membership Engagement Senior Officer.
