The White Paper focused on four key areas where youth felt they could do something to address climate change: water and agriculture, water and health, water related risks, and sharing water resources.

This vision was acknowledged by several Government Officials in several countries, including the President of COP 21. This then became a commitment made within the “Paris Pact,” and youth from many countries immediately began implementing actions at their level after COP 21. Youth for Water and Climate Initiative (#YWC)’s ambition is to augment this youth-originated momentum. 

The belief is that once youth are fully equipped to realize their potential, youth can become creators, leaders, and entrepreneurs in addressing the challenges of the sustainable management of water resources in a changing world and global climate, and will contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What is #YWC?

#YWC applies a three-fold approach to upscale the concrete implementation of the Youth, Water and Climate COP 21 White Paper. Based on the challenges faced by youth when developing and implementing projects, support will be provided to youth in developing concepts and proposals, in fundraising, as well as in promoting contributions to SDGs and Climate agendas.

This will be done by harnessing the resources available from a vast network of partners globally, utilizing different financial mechanisms, and facilitating exchange of experiences between youth facing similar issues around the world.

#YWC will work via peer-to-peer learning (“Youth for Youth”) and new technologies; facing climate and demographic changes by harnessing the potential of the digital revolution.

Be the change…

#YWC is an open partnership initiative, aiming at optimizing existing youth-oriented tools and filling potential gaps. It depends mostly on new and collaborative partnership synergies. This is a call to all organizations who are willing to support youth in water and climate related challenges to join the #YWC. If you fit the role described in the declaration, then #YWC is for you.