On 26-27 November 2024, Bratislava welcomed youth leaders, water management experts, and key stakeholders for the DANUrely Roundtable: Empowering the Next Generation in Water Management. Hosted at the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMU), this two-day event united participants from across the Danube region to explore innovative solutions for water challenges and foster collaboration between generations.
Organized by Global Water Partnership Central and Eastern Europe (GWP CEE), the roundtable was co-funded by the DANUrely project, EUSDR Priority Areas 4 & 7, and CWP Slovakia, with the goal of equipping young leaders to take on critical roles in shaping the future of water governance.
Key Objectives and Focus Areas
The roundtable provided an interactive platform to:
- Address critical water challenges impacting the Danube region.
- Enhance participants’ leadership and fundraising skills.
- Promote collaboration between youth and decision-makers.
- Lay the groundwork for the Community of Practice, a network dedicated to empowering youth in water governance.
Event Highlights
- Youth Perspectives in Water Governance: Discussions centered on the challenges and opportunities for young leaders to influence policies and decision-making processes.
- Hands-On Fundraising Workshops: Participants learned practical strategies for mobilizing resources to support water-related initiatives.
- Collaborative Solutions: Interactive sessions brought together youth and stakeholders to co-create strategies for sustainable water management.
- Community of Practice: Plans were unveiled for establishing a dedicated platform to connect young professionals and foster continuous learning.
The Importance of Youth Engagement
The DANUrely Roundtable emphasized the vital role of youth in addressing environmental challenges and ensuring a sustainable future for the Danube region. By fostering leadership, building skills, and creating spaces for collaboration, the event empowered participants to take meaningful action in their communities.
What’s Next?
The success of the roundtable is just the beginning. The upcoming launch of the Community of Practice will provide a dynamic platform for ongoing collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing among youth leaders in the Danube region.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue working together to build a resilient future for the Danube Basin.
Acknowledgments
This event was made possible by the collaborative efforts of GWP CEE, the DANUrely Project, EUSDR Priority Areas 4 & 7, CWP Slovakia, and the SHMU. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants and partners for their contributions to this milestone event.
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