The International Water Resources Association (IWRA) is proud to announce the four outstanding young leaders selected for the third cohort of its award-winning World Water Envoys Programme!
After a highly competitive selection process, with over 100 applications from across the globe, these young professionals stood out for their compelling stories, community-based impact, and passionate commitment to solving critical water challenges.
Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Equipment and Water of Morocco, these Envoys will be fully sponsored to attend the XIX World Water Congress, taking place from December 1–5, 2025, in Marrakech, Morocco, at the PICKALBATROS Hôtel Du Golf.
At the Congress, they will:
- Share their community’s water challenges and responses with a global audience
- Present their ideas in a dedicated World Water Envoys workshop special session
- Connect with leading international experts and mentors
- Participate in high-level discussions on sustainable water resource management
Please join us in congratulating the 2025 World Water Envoys:
Ally Zlatar – Canada / UAE
Artist | Scholar | Activist
Ally Zlatar is an artist, scholar and activist. She is the founder of The Starving Artist, an initiative that uses art activism to empower marginalised communities and advocate for climate reform – with a particular focus on water preservation.
Ally’s journey into climate activism began during her 10-year battle with a chronic eating disorder, relying on pharmaceuticals for recovery. Witnessing the environmental impact of her prescriptions sparked her climate anxiety. She channeled her experiences into a public art-activism billboard campaign addressing pharmaceutical waste in water contamination and treatment. Through her art-billboard campaign, Ally addresses pharmaceutical waste in water contamination, sparking industry dialogues with over 5 of the top global pharma-medical companies to champion sustainable, people-centered solutions.
Ally Zlatar has received numerous accolades for humanitarian work; such as the Commonwealth Innovation Awards (2023), UNWomen 30 for 2030 (2024), winner of The Princess Diana Legacy Award (2021), King Hamad Award for Youth Empowerment (2022), the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award from the Ontario Government of Canada (2023) and also special recognition from The British Citizen Award (2022).
She holds a BFA in Visual Art & Art History from Queen’s University & an MLitt Curatorial Practice and Contemporary Art from the Glasgow School of Art. Her Doctorate in Creative Arts was completed at the University of Southern Queensland focusing on embodied experiences of mental illness in contemporary art. Zlatar has taught as a Lecturer at the University of Sharjah, University of Glasgow, KICL London, and the University of Essex (UEIC).
“The campaign emphasised the harmful effects of pharmaceuticals leaching into water systems, affecting ecosystems and communities worldwide.”
Ayend-Christ Daou – Lebanon
Hydraulic Engineer | Climate Adaptation Advocate
Ayend-Christ is a hydraulic engineer originally from Lebanon, where inadequate wastewater infrastructure and unsafe drinking water remain persistent challenges. Now working in France on international water projects, Ayend bridges global expertise with local insights
Originally from Lebanon, Ayend-Christ was driven to pursue advanced studies to address the critical water challenges she witnessed firsthand, including unsafe drinking water and the discharge of untreated wastewater. Currently, she works at a water company leading diverse international projects. This experience has deepened her technical expertise and provided a valuable comparative perspective on the differing water management challenges in developed and developing contexts. Her dual exposure has strengthened her ability to design strategic, solution-oriented responses to complex water issues.
Another problem she is committed to addressing is the impact of climate change on water systems. In Europe, regions near rivers are increasingly vulnerable to both floods and droughts. Her work includes developing nature-based and adaptive solutions to mitigate these risks.
As an active member of the European Youth Parliament for Water (EYPW) and the French Youth Parliament for Water (FYPW), and a participant in Phase 2 of the Youth for Water and Climate Programme, she has further deepened her knowledge in climate adaptation and sustainable water practices. These experiences have enhanced her ability to contribute to international dialogue and action.
With a strong foundation in engineering, enriched by international experience and a deep commitment to solving global water challenges, she is eager to bring her insights and energy to the World Water Envoys Programme.
“On my way to work, I was confronted with a troubling sight—foam bubbles surfacing from the sewage system, a clear sign of untreated wastewater or industrial discharge contaminating the environment.”
Gettie Shiinda – Namibia
Water Resources Specialist | Community Innovator
Gettie Shiinda is a hydrogeologist at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Land Reform, Namibia, were she led groundwater investigation and monitoring initiatives in the Stampriet and Karst aquifers, including reducing irrigation non-compliance by 20% through user-focused tools.
Gettie hails from Ongaka village in northern Namibia and has also served as Namibia’s focal hydrogeologist for transboundary aquifer governance (ORASECOM, STAS), managing groundwater, stakeholder coordination,
and evidence-based policy implementation. She was selected as the SADC-Groundwater Management Institute Young Professionals Brand Ambassador in 2023.
Her keen interest in water innovation led her to establish the Centre for Water Innovation Namibia. She has a background in Geology and a Master’s degree in Water Resources Management from the University of Namibia. She is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. Her academic and personal journey is driven by a deep curiosity about the entire water cycle, an understanding she believes is vital for sustainable water management.
“These wells are often not well developed and are at great risk of contamination, posing serious health and safety risks. Despite these dangers, villagers continue to depend on these wells due to limited infrastructure and affordability.”
Sakar Hada – Nepal
Civil Engineer | Nature-Based Solutions
Sakar grew up in a water-scarce region of Nepal, which inspired his mission to improve community-based water systems. Now working on groundwater recharge and sanitation improvement projects, he promotes science-policy-community integration to protect vital water ecosystems.
Growing up in a community affected by water scarcity, Sakar witnessed firsthand how limited access to clean water shaped daily life. That early experience sparked his passion for sustainable water management and continues to guide his work today.
He is currently working with Clean Development Consult, where he is involved in a groundwater recharge project focused on reviving critical spring sources, as well as a municipal-wide sanitation improvement project aimed at enhancing inclusive and long-lasting water and sanitation services.
His work brings together engineering, nature-based solutions, and community empowerment. Sakar firmly believes that sustainable solutions emerge when science, policy, and local voices come together—and he strives to make that connection in every project he undertakes.
“As seen in the image, construction on the uphill slopes has accelerated sediment deposition, significantly reducing the lake’s depth. The lake was once around 15 meters deep, but recent measurements show a maximum depth of just 4.5 meters.”
We thank all applicants for their inspiring contributions to the 2025 edition of the World Water Envoys Programme.
Congratulations once again to Ally, Ayend-Christ, Gettie, and Sakar – we look forward to witnessing their impact on the global stage in Marrakech this December!
Stay tuned to our channels to follow their journey.
For questions or more information, please contact us at congress@iwra.org.
