Launch of the Pan-Canadian Network for the Next Generation of Water Leaders

The International Secretariat for Water (ISW) is proud to collaborate with the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) on the project "Pan-Canadian Network for the Next Generation of Water Leaders: Water and Youth as Catalysts for Innovation and Economic Development", carried out with the financial support of the Government of Québec through the Canadian Relations Support Program (PARC). This project aims to establish a pan-Canadian network for the next generation of water professionals, through the creation of the Canadian Youth Parliament for Water, a permanent space for exchange, collaboration, and participation for young people across the country.

Objectives

• Structure a pan-Canadian network for the next generation in the water sector, fostering exchange, the sharing of best practices, and the transfer of expertise between provinces and territories
• Develop the next generation and strengthen cross-sectoral partnerships, by creating bridges between education, research, and employment — with a strong focus on innovation, the green economy, and the valorization of Indigenous knowledge and approaches

Led by

The project builds on expertise developed in Québec over more than 30 years, notably through ISW's Water Generation strategy and the World Youth Parliament for Water (launched in 2002, now over 65 chapters worldwide). It is carried out in collaboration with UNU-INWEH, a leading centre of expertise that bridges scientific research and public policy.

The Canadian Youth Parliament for Water

Its founding cohort will bring together young Canadians from at least six provinces and territories who want to engage on issues related to water, the environment, innovation, and sustainable development, through spaces for exchange, training, and collaboration.

Key project milestones

• Formation of a founding cohort (call for applications coming soon)
• Founding Forum in Montréal (two days): a panel showcasing Quebec’s expertise, networking and sharing of experiences, followed by the Parliament’s constituent assembly
• A series of bilingual virtual activities to sustain engagement and progressively expand the network across Canada
• A synthesis of best practices and action pathways for the next generation of water professionals

Call for applications now open!

Are you between 18 and 35 years old and want to help shape the future of the water sector in Canada?

We are looking for 15–20 young people aged 18–32 from across Canada to form the very first CYPW Founding Cohort and participate in the Founding Forum taking place in Montréal in March 2027.

• To learn more, discover our web article on the project launch here