On 29-30 October 2024, the Office of the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia held the EU-Central Asia Young Leaders Conference: Shifting the Paradigm for Sustainable Water Action? in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The conference was an opportunity for the European Union to cement cooperation with Central Asia and implement the EU – Central Asia Roadmap in the key areas of water management, including at a regional level, and the promotion of people-to-people contacts.

The International Secretariat for Water was identified by the EU as key platform for youth advocacy and mobilized members of the World Youth Parliament for Water and the Central Asian Youth for Water network. Young water leaders were placed by ISW as speakers during High-Level Panels and during the practical sessions. This allowed us to meaningfully include youth perspectives in the discussion while showing that the Youth of Europe and Central Asia is involved, concerned and has something to say on water-related issues.

The World Youth Parliament for Water Advocacy Lead, Ms. Marta Zaragoza Navarro, participated in the high-level session on cooperation between the European Union and Central Asia on Sustainable Water Action. Zaragoza Navarro reminded the audience how young people are the changemakers of today and they have already pushed water issues to the forefront through movements, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. She also highlighted the role of intergenerational justice as a propeller for youth inclusion:

“Young people must be at the decision-making table today, because they are to inherit a world shaped by today’s rules and framework.”

At the same time, Zaragoza Navarro shared the challenges hindering youth engagement in the water sector, such as a narrow perception of the water sector and limited access to financing, sustainable and decent career pathways, and mentoring opportunities. All these challenges hinder the possibility to tap into the full potential of the next generation.

The speech also shared best practices for youth to go beyond advocacy and become active participants in defining solutions on water governance, including best practices from Europe. These includes, among others, the European Youth Parliaments for Water and the Youth for Water and Climate Progamme; the World Youth Parliament for Water and the Central Asia Youth for Water network. Zaragoza Navarro highlighted how each of these initiatives goes beyond solving local challenges and creates future leaders who are ready to drive systemic change at the regional and global level.

Zaragoza Navarro concluded her intervention with two calls to action: one directed at every young person at the conference, to take actively engage in the process, and one directed at decision-makers, to create spaces for youth to lead.

Through CAY4W, ISW supported Odilbek Manabov, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Advanced International Studies organized by the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, to moderate the Water Sofa panel during the workshop on water saving organized by the IWMI – International Water Management Institute. Here is his feedback on the experience representing CAY4W and moderating the Water Sofa:

 “Being part of the Central Asian Youth for Water (CAY4W) network has provided me with meaningful opportunities, but moderating the “Water Sofa” session at the EU-Central Asia Young Leaders’ Conference stands out as a highlight. Sharing the stage with inspiring leaders like H.E. Terhi Hakala and other distinguished experts, I felt deeply motivated as we explored critical issues like water-saving practices, government roles, and international cooperation. Beyond the discussions, visiting the experimental field at Suvchilar Maktabi brought these ideas into focus, showing how practica and local solutions can have a global impact. This experience reinforced the importance of youth-driven efforts in shaping sustainable water policies, and I am honored to have represented CAY4W in such a significant way.”