European Youth Gather in Hungary to Address Water and Biodiversity Challenges
From October 20-26, 2024, more than 100 young people from across Europe are meeting in Budapest and Szolnok, Hungary to take part in the 16th European Youth Parliament for Water (EYPW). Since 1998, these parliaments have provided a platform for young people to discuss and act on critical water-related issues. This year’s event focuses on the connection between water and biodiversity, a growing concern due to pollution, over-extraction, and climate change.
Organized by the International Secretariat for Water (ISW) and Solidarity Water Europe (SWE), the event is supported by partners such as Global Water Partnership Hungary (GWP Hungary), the European Union, and the Hungarian government. These partnerships underscore the unique role that youth are playing in addressing Europe’s environmental challenges.
At the heart of the event is the Water-Biodiversity nexus, where participants will learn and collaborate on ways to create meaningful change in their communities. From species extinction to ecosystem degradation, the young parliamentarians will explore solutions to some of the most pressing environmental issues.
Since its inception in 1998, the European Youth Parliament for Water has empowered young people to advocate for sustainable water management. Over the years, EYPW has taken place across Europe, with past editions focusing on themes such as water governance, climate change, and regional development. This year’s gathering marks another step forward in a long tradition of youth-driven initiatives aimed at tackling Europe’s most pressing environmental issues.
ICPDR’s Involvement and Support for the Youth
The ICPDR strongly believes in the power of youth engagement to drive sustainable, long-lasting change and we are proud to be part of this movement. The Danube Youth Council has been an ICPDR observer since 2024, successfully providing a voice for young people to influence water governance decisions in the DRB. Youth-led movements such as the EYPW are key to building a future where water management and biodiversity conservation are priorities.
Additionally, the ICPDR is an associate partner in the DanuRELY project, which aims to foster youth leadership and engagement in water management. This project supports youth involvement in decision-making and promotes intergenerational cooperation to address the challenges of water resilience, biodiversity loss, and waterborne transport.
By supporting initiatives that promote environmental leadership and collaboration, the ICPDR helps equip the next generation with the knowledge and tools necessary to address these challenges. The passion and commitment of the EYPW participants will be instrumental in shaping Europe’s approach to water and ecosystem protection in the years ahead. For more information about this incredible event, its participants, and their projects, visit the EYPW website or check out the event programme.
