16th European Youth Parliament for Water
Szolnok and Budapest, Hungary – 20-26 October 2024
GENERAL INFORMATION
The European Youth Parliament for Water (EYPW), whose first edition took place in 1998 in Espalion (France), aims to engage young people in the water sector by increasing their understanding of water resource management issues and promoting active citizenship.
This parliament aligns with the ISW-SWE’s vision which is inspired by the idea of a Water Generation, representing a widespread, dynamic and connected mobilization of young people around the world, and in this case, across Europe.
Undoubtedly, this generation is defined by its proactive spirit and impact, magnifying its voice through the active involvement of youth within their communities. The 2024-2030 Youth Strategy of the ISW-SWE is centered around three key principles, which the Parliament will also rely on: “Mobilize – Connect – Empower”.
Mobilize:
ISW-SWE has a significant capacity to mobilize young people on environmental and societal issues related to water. Currently, this capacity amounts to young people mobilized around 85 countries. What particularly sets it apart is its dynamic approach to youth engagement and its boldness in addressing water-related challenges.
Connect:
Through the Water Generation, better connectivity is achieved. ISW-SWE plays a crucial role as a connector between young people, alumni of the youth water movement, youth organisations, decision-makers and actors involved in the field of water. The ISW-SWE also aims to connect individuals and organisations across sectors, borders and generations.
Empower:
To increase the impact and influence of actions led by and for young people, the ISW-SWE offers young changemakers a technical and financial support, as well as specific capacity-building programmes and assistance in building partnerships and developing a strong network.
Acting for water extends beyond resource preservation; it encompasses the promotion of fundamental values, such as human rights, dignity, development and social justice. Empowering and mobilizing changemakers, particularly the new generation, is essential to address these issues in an effective and sustainable way.
It is within this perspective that the 16th edition of the European Youth Parliament for Water will take place. More than just a few days’ event, the objective of this process is to train and support young decision-makers across European countries.
Building upon a legacy of 15 previous editions of the European Youth Parliament for Water, the objectives of this process are as follows:
- Equip young people with knowledge about water issues and active citizenship, empowering them to become the change that they aspire to be
- Enable and motivate young people to act and contribute shared solutions at local, European and international levels
- Enhance youth involvement in decision-making processes and equip them with the necessary tools to engage effectively with political decision-makers and professionals.
We aspire for the participants to gain confidence, skills and knowledge to implement their own initiatives in their respective countries.
The local partner- GWP Hungary
Founded in 2002, the Global Water Partnership Hungary (GWP Hungary) Foundation is the Hungarian partner of the Global Water Partnership. It supports the sustainable development and management of water resources at the country and local levels.
GWP Hungary believes that an integrated approach to managing water resources is the best way to contribute to the pursuing of GWP’s vision – a water secure world.
The Foundation is cooperating with key water stakeholders of the country and supports public involvement and awareness raising, training, implementing EU regulations related to water, transboundary cooperation in the Danube basin. The organisation is the lead of the national Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition.
ABOUT THIS EDITION OF EYPW 2024
16th EYPW TOPIC: Water and Biodiversity
For the 16th edition of the EYPW, the participants will address the theme of Water and Biodiversity across its various components. The objective of the process is to empower European youth by deepening their understanding of the Water-Biodiversity nexus and fostering tangible commitments that can be implemented in their respective communities.
This parliament will raise awareness among young people intrinsic links between the biodiversity conservation and sustainable water resource management. It will also foster a culture of dialogue among all delegations.
By adopting local, cross-border, and international perspectives, the ISW-SWE commits to supporting young water actors in developing a collective vision for water rooted in shared values, principles, and objectives.
Furthermore, ISW-SWE are dedicated to cultivate spaces for intergenerational co-creation with the aim pf moving beyond mere participation to ensure that youth have a tangible influence in political processes at national, cross-border and international levels. Within the framework of this priority, an emphasis will be placed on enhancing the participation and influence of youth in watershed management bodies, in the governance of transboundary waters and on the accountability and implementation of commitments made by actors within the international community. The preservation of biodiversity will be addressed as a collective responsibility, a challenge which cannot be tackled without the involvement of citizens from all walks of life.
As part of this priority, a process will be undertaken to support young people and youth groups in crafting strategic and credible advocacy efforts, tailored to specific processes, leveraging innovative communication channels such as asocial medial, traditional media and communication through art.
DOWNLOAD EYPW 2024 PROGRAMME HERE: EYPW 2024 PROGRAMME (draft)
ORGANIZERS
The 16th European Youth Parliament for Water is a collaboration between Solidarity Water Europe (International Secretariat for Water) as the coordinating organization, Global Water Partnership – Hungary as the local partner, and various European academic and civil society organizations:
- Asociatia Centrul European pentru Integrare Socioprofesionala ACTA. (Romania)
- Association of Young Journalists (Armenia)
- Asociación Región de Murcia Limpia (Spain)
- Earth Forever Foundation (Bulgaria)
- EFEM AKDENIZ GENCLIK VE SPOR KULUBU DERNEGI (Turkey)
- GWP MAGYARORSZAG ALAPITVANY (Hungary)
- IB – AGÊNCIA PARA A DINAMIZAÇÃO ECONÓMICA E.M. (Portugal)
- INTERNATIONAL SAVA RIVER BASIN COMMISSION (Croatia)
- ORAMA NEON – Youthorama (Greece)
- Stichting Wavemakers United Foundation (Netherlands)
- Stowarzyszenie Klimatologów Polskich (Poland)
- Sustainable Development Association “Pro Generation” (Moldova)
SELECTION CRITERIA OF THE PARTICIPANTS
To build a cohesive group and ensure a friendly and welcoming environment, candidates will be selected according to the following criteria:
- Between 18 and 30 years old (at the time of application)
- Being able to interact and communicate in English [1]
- Strong interest in issues related to the water sector, biodiversity, international relations, development studies, political science, law, environmental science, engineering etc.
- Motivation and interest to get involved in the European Youth Parliament for Water’s activities in the long term.
[1] The main language of exchanges during the EYPW will be English.
DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM HERE: EYPW 2024 APPLICATION FORM
FEES AND COSTS
Covered by the organizers:
- International and local transportation
- Accommodation and food
Expenses covered by the participants:
- Visa
- Travel insurance
CONTACT
For any questions, please contact Sustainable Development Association “Pro Generation” (Moldova):
Adelina Barbăneagră
E-mail: adelina.barbaneagra@gmail.com
Phone: 069862281
- For more information on our website: www.tinerisv.com
- For more information on Solidarity Water Europe : https://www.sie-see.org/en/
- For more information on the previous editions of the Parliaments : https://www.sie-see.org/en/project/eypw/
- For more information specific on the 15th edition of the Parliament : https://www.sie-see.org/en/article/home-page/recap-15th-european-youth-parliament-for-water/
