IWRA's World Water Envoy Programme
Who are the World Water Envoys?
IWRA’s World Water Congress is the largest event linking water researchers, practitioners, and policy practitioners in the world.
In that regard, the World Water Envoy programme, an award winning initiative, was created to hear stories from youth representatives of the next generation at the World Water Congresses, to give them a chance to showcase the water issues they and their communities face and the solutions they are exploring.
For each congress, youth who are passionate about water resource management will be invited to share their journey and work as they embark on their careers. They are called “IWRA World Water Envoys.”
What do the IWRA World Envoys do?
During World Water Congress, IWRA World Water Envoys have the opportunity to briefly introduce the water challenges in their community and the impacts those challenges have on everyday life. They then discuss these issues and potential solutions in more detail over the following days with experts attending the Congress and in a dedicated workshop.
During the Closing Ceremony, the Envoys summarise what they have learned over the week, and what connections they made that might help their community to better meet the water needs of humans and nature in their community.
The collaboration between IWRA and the Envoys begins before the World Water Congress. In the months leading up to Congress, Envoys are encouraged to engage with each other and are allocated IWRA mentors to help them with their learning and journey.
2025 World Water Envoys
Congress theme: “Water in a Changing World: Innovation and Adaptation”
At the XIX World Water Congress (1–5 December 2025, Marrakech, Morocco), Envoys highlighted urgent regional water issues and showcased forward-looking responses to climate change, scarcity, and sustainability.
The 2025 Envoys represent diverse expertise across engineering, research, advocacy, and community-based water solutions, demonstrating how young professionals are driving innovation in water management worldwide.
IWRA World Water Envoys 2025
Ally Zlatar – Canada / UAE
Ayend-Christ Daou – Lebanon
Gettie Shiinda – Namibia
Sakar Hada - Nepal
2023 World Water Envoys
Congress theme: “Water for All: Harmony Between Humans and Nature”
During the XVIII World Water Congress, Envoys explored pathways toward equitable water access, integrated water resources management, and balanced relationships between people and ecosystems, contributing to global conversations on sustainable development.
IWRA World Water Envoys 2023
Moemen Sobh - Egypt
Oudi Kgomongwe - South Africa
Son Tra Nguyen - Vietnam
Kate Hawley - UK
2021 World Water Envoys
Congress theme: “Foundations for Global Water Security and Resilience”
At the XVII World Water Congress, Envoys shared experiences ranging from urban water supply and sanitation to pollution, groundwater contamination, and public health risks, highlighting the interconnected challenges shaping global water security.
IWRA World Water Envoys 2021
Pallavi Pokharel - Nepal
Bayan Khalaf - Palestine, West Bank
Maria Almonte - Dominican Republic
Deepesh Jain - India
