On April 10, members of the EU Water Resilience Coalition convened with Mrs. Johanna Bernsel, Deputy Head of Cabinet to Commissioner Glenn Micallef. The discussion centered on the interplay between water policy, the upcoming Water Resilience Strategy, and the crucial involvement of youth and education.
Durk Krol initiated the dialogue for the Coalition, highlighting the intricate and often contradictory nature of water crises. He noted that while water can unfortunately lead to conflict, it more often fosters collaboration, uniting individuals across various sectors and national boundaries.
Krol underscored that Water Europe’s efforts are driven by the concept of a Water-Smart Society, built upon inclusive and future-oriented governance. He emphasized that the engagement of all stakeholders, particularly young people, is vital as they will bear the long-term impacts of decisions made today concerning the Water Resilience Strategy.
Magdalena Zivanovic, President of the European Youth Parliament for Water, stressed the importance of fairness across generations. She proposed the creation of a Youth Advisory Body alongside a Water Accelerator Fund for Youth, aimed at supporting Sustainable Development Goal 6 and children’s rights.
Marko Gajic from the Bled Water Forum and Claudia Topalli of Aqua Italia both reiterated the urgent need to integrate youth engagement as a central element of Europe’s water resilience agenda.
Gajić advocated for enhanced water literacy through formal education, public engagement initiatives such as “water sommeliers,” and the incorporation of water-related topics into educational curricula. Topalli emphasized the role of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in connecting youth, innovation, and public health, calling for educational programs that cultivate young entrepreneurs within the water sector.
The following recommendations were presented to Cabinet Micallef:
– Recognise water as a cornerstone of intergenerational fairness and youth engagement.
– Support a dedicated Water Accelerator Fund for Youth.
– Establish a Youth Advisory Body in the governance of the Water Resilience Strategy.
– Mainstream water education in European Union curricula and training programs.
– Strengthen transboundary youth cooperation across Member and non-Member States.
– Coordinate water policy visibility across Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, Directorate-General for Environment, Directorate-General for Climate Action, and other relevant Directorates-General.
