The Arab Youth Center has launched the "Global Youth Water Envoys Programme" on the sidelines of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York City.
The programme aims to prepare young leaders and empower them to contribute to global water governance, and to accelerate progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which pertains to clean water and sanitation services.
The programme brings together approximately 100 young men and women from 6 regions around the world, with special attention given to areas most exposed to water stress, including Africa, the Arab states, and Asia and the Pacific.
Between September and November 2026, participants will undertake a virtual capacity-building journey combining foundational training, specialised tracks, and direct engagement with national delegations and institutional partners.
Selected participants will then have the opportunity to contribute to one of the 6 interactive dialogues at the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, which Abu Dhabi will host in December 2026.
The programme is implemented through a multi-stakeholder partnership bringing together governmental bodies, donor institutions, international organisations, and youth networks. It was launched within the framework of the strategic partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Youth Center, with support from the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF).
Partners include a number of leading international organisations, among them the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Green African Youth Organization (GAYO), and WaterAid. This partnership provides a platform that enables young people to amplify their voices and strengthen collective action towards a sustainable water future.
In this context, His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Vice-Chairman of the Arab Youth Center, said: "At the Arab Youth Center, we believe that empowering youth is an investment in a future built on cooperation and sustainability.
"This programme embodies our commitment to equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and global vision that enable them to contribute effectively to international dialogue and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
"Guided by the UAE's vision of strengthening partnerships and connecting different regions of the world, we continue to work towards empowering young leaders to build bridges across cultures and participate actively in shaping solutions to shared global challenges."
At the launch, Abdullah Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, said: "The UAE firmly believes that international cooperation must reflect the aspirations and realities of young people — they are partners in crafting today's solutions, and they are the architects of tomorrow's future.
"The Global Youth Water Envoys Programme will provide a platform that enables young leaders to participate actively in global water diplomacy and enhance their constructive contribution to the preparatory process for the 2026 UN Water Conference and beyond."
Kate Hampton, Chief Executive of the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), affirmed the importance of investing in young people and empowering them to shape the future of water governance, saying: "Creating real impact in the lives of young people starts with listening to them and investing in their capacities. Young people have made it clear that limited access to water is constraining their opportunities and potential."
The 2026 UN Water Conference therefore represents a pivotal moment for ensuring that the global water governance system responds to the needs of a world facing mounting water pressures. The Global Youth Water Envoys Programme will help equip young people with the specialised knowledge and institutional support needed to participate effectively in this conference and beyond, positioning them as pioneers in developing innovative solutions to climate and social challenges. Following the programme's launch at the High-Level Political Forum in New York, applications are now open to young people from around the world.
The programme invites young men and women between the ages of 18 and 35 to apply, provided they are proficient in English, possess experience and interest in a water-related field — such as water governance, public policy, climate action, sustainability, innovation, or finance — and are prepared to participate actively throughout the duration of the programme, represent the voice of youth, and strengthen their engagement within their communities.