Promoting Youth Engagement in Water Governance through Youth-Led Research and Innovation

Youth engagement in water governance is essential for achieving water security and to successfully implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Giving credibility to knowledge and projects induced by youth will dramatically accelerate improvements for a more sustainable world. Unfortunately, there is still a lot to be done to concretely include youth in water governance and to find ways to scale-up the innovations they are generating.

Youth and Young Scientists not just as beneficiaries but as essential actors in finding solutions to the challenges they face. Youth are often just as active within their local communities as young water professionals; however, they sometimes face challenges with connecting with global networks. (UNESCO-IHP)

We are committed to support youth-led research and innovations as well as to raise the attention of decision-makers about their importance, this is why we are happy to support this key event at the 7th Africa Water Week in Gabon.

This session was organized by UNESCO-IHP (UNESCO’s International Hydrological program) and the International Science Council Regional Office for Africa (ICSU ROA). The objective was to present and discuss youth research and innovation for achieving SDG 6 in Africa as a way of Mainstreaming youth engagement in Water Governance.

Our youth-led project « TonFuturTonClimat » was showcased by Oumar Noël Salami during this session. It aimed at filling the gap between youth and decision makers. It is supported by the government of Quebec and the Global Water Partnership.

Abstract of Oumar Salami’s presentation: «Building a sustainable water future with young entrepreneurs innovation capacities – #TonFuturTonClimat»

Water resource is directly affected by climate change and represent a challenge for Africa as it has many consequences for people, affecting young people more seriously. More and more, Benin will have to expect longer periods of drought and more severe floods marking the effects of climate change. The answer to these major transformations must come from both authorities and local communities. Thanks to #TonFuturTonClimat, young people contribute with their capacities for innovation, to the restoration of the ecosystems of the water head of the Mekrou Basin of Benin by mobilizing the youth, through environmental education and through agricultural practices transformation. To succeed in front of these challenges, Benin must now be equipped with prevention, mitigation and adaptation mechanisms. Protecting the ecosystem is a challenge for all young people.

Oumar Salami est is a system and network ingeneer, he is also the treasurer of the ‘Jeune chambre internationale Natitingou Baobab’ association.

For more information, consult https://africawaterweek.com/aww7/sub-theme-3/