The Global Youth Water Envoys Program 2026 is a capacity-building and diplomatic engagement initiative for young people interested in water governance and related fields. The programme will prepare 100 young leaders to contribute to the 2026 UN Water Conference and its six Interactive Dialogues. Applications are open until 13 August 2026 at 12:00 AM Abu Dhabi Time.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Global Youth Water Envoys Program
Category: Youth capacity-building and diplomatic engagement programme
Organizer: Arab Youth Center
Strategic Partner: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Active Programme Period: September–December 2026
Conference Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Conference Dates: 8–10 December 2026
Participants: 100 young leaders
Application Deadline: 13 August 2026, 12:00 AM Abu Dhabi Time
Working Language: English
Age Requirement: 18–35 years
About the Global Youth Water Envoys Program 2026
The Arab Youth Center launched the programme in strategic partnership with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The initiative was established in preparation for the 2026 UN Water Conference, which will be co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Senegal in Abu Dhabi.
The official application form also identifies the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation as a supporter. Green Africa Youth Organisation and WaterAid are listed as collaborating organisations.
The programme aims to integrate young people into international water-governance processes. Instead of participating only as observers, selected envoys will receive preparation to contribute to conference discussions, national-delegation engagement, and multilateral platforms addressing the global water agenda.
Programme Purpose
The Global Youth Water Envoys Program responds to the limited involvement of young people in formal water-governance and decision-making systems.
It seeks to create a structured route through which youth perspectives, expertise, and lived experiences can inform discussions about water policy. The programme also recognises that water stress affects regions differently, particularly communities facing overlapping environmental and development challenges.
Selected envoys will move through a phased programme that includes:
✓ Foundational learning about water issues
✓ Thematic specialisation
✓ Training connected to global water governance
✓ Direct engagement with experts and policymakers
✓ Interaction with national delegations and institutional partners
✓ Participation in one of the conference’s six Interactive Dialogue tracks
✓ Contribution to discussions connected to the 2026 UN Water Conference
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Six Interactive Dialogue Tracks
Applicants must select two Interactive Dialogue tracks that most closely match their interests and experience.
The available tracks are:
• Water for People
• Water for Planet
• Water for Prosperity
• Water for Cooperation
• Water in Multilateral Processes
• Investment for Water
Applicants must explain why their selected tracks are priorities and identify a specific challenge they would like to address. This response has a maximum length of 100 words.
What Selected Envoys Are Expected to Do
Participation requires an active commitment throughout the programme period.
Selected envoys will be expected to:
• Complete all programme stages, training sessions, and engagement activities.
• Dedicate approximately three to four hours each week to programme activities.
• Participate actively in their assigned Interactive Dialogue track.
• Maintain professional and respectful communication with participants, experts, partners, policymakers, and institutional representatives.
• Represent youth perspectives in discussions related to global water governance.
• Engage directly with experts, policymakers, and institutional leaders.
• Contribute to conference discussions and communication with national delegations.
• Participate in major programme milestones, including the 2026 UN Water Conference, subject to programme and logistical arrangements.
What Participants Will Gain
Envoys who complete the programme will gain access to learning, networking, and policy-engagement opportunities.
Confirmed programme outcomes include:
✓ Membership in a network of 100 Youth Water Envoys
✓ Training and mentorship from water-sector experts and specialists
✓ Opportunities to develop knowledge related to water and Sustainable Development Goal 6
✓ Contribution to the Global Youth Water Statement
✓ Connections with policymakers and international organisations
✓ Engagement with leaders working across the water sector
✓ Participation in the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi
✓ Membership in an international alumni network
✓ Continued opportunities for collaboration and professional engagement after the programme
The official source does not specify financial coverage for travel, accommodation, or other participation expenses.
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Who Can Apply?
Applicants should meet the programme’s age, language, experience, and participation requirements.
Candidates must:
• Be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Have working proficiency in English.
• Have an interest in or relevant experience related to water issues.
• Be able to dedicate approximately three to four hours each week during the active programme period.
• Be willing to participate actively throughout the programme.
• Be prepared to represent youth perspectives within their communities and programme activities.
Relevant Fields and Backgrounds
The programme welcomes applicants with interests or experience connected to areas such as:
• Water governance
• Public policy
• Climate action
• Sustainability
• Innovation
• Finance
• Youth engagement
• Other water-related sectors
Students may apply. The application form accepts educational institutions as affiliations and university subjects or intended majors as fields of work.
Geographic Representation and Selection Priority
The programme seeks broad geographic representation and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Selection is merit-based. However, priority will be given to applicants from regions experiencing significant water stress, including:
• Africa
• Arab States
• Asia and the Pacific
The programme refers to the Water Stress Country Index when identifying priority regions.
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Information Required in the Application
Applicants must complete all sections of the official form accurately and in English.
The form requests:
• Full name
• Email address
• WhatsApp phone number with country code
• Country of residence
• Country of origin or nationality
• Date of birth and age
• Gender
• City of residence
• English proficiency level
• Other languages spoken
• Current role or professional title
• Organisation, university, or other affiliation
• Sector, field of work, or intended academic major
• LinkedIn profile or another professional profile
• Information about membership in youth, water, or climate organisations
• Details of previous participation in major policy forums, when applicable
• Information about possible connectivity or scheduling limitations
• Information about any accessibility support required
• Existing accreditation, funding, invitation, or delegation status for the 2026 UN Water Conference, when applicable
Written Application Questions
Applicants must prepare several written responses.
The required questions include:
• Why the applicant’s two selected Interactive Dialogues are priorities and which specific challenge they want to address — maximum 100 words
• The applicant’s background or experience in water, climate, sustainability, policy, youth engagement, or a related field — maximum 250 words
• The policy or action outcome the applicant wants to see from the 2026 UN Water Conference and their strategy for supporting that outcome — maximum 250 words
• An example of working across different sectors, cultures, perspectives, or backgrounds to achieve a shared goal — maximum 250 words
Required Video Responses
The application includes three video questions.
Applicants must respond to the following:
• Why they would be a strong youth representative for the programme
• How they will use the programme’s skills, knowledge, and networks to empower other young people to take water action
• A recent water-related issue or headline that attracted their attention and why it matters
Each video must be no longer than two minutes. Production quality is not part of the evaluation.
Applicants must upload their videos to Google Drive or Dropbox. Each submitted link must be publicly accessible without requiring login credentials or access approval.
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Application Review
The official form states that the information and responses submitted by applicants will form the basis of the selection process.
Candidates should therefore provide accurate and complete information. Their responses should clearly demonstrate their relevant background, motivation, policy interests, ability to work across differences, and commitment to representing young people in water-governance discussions.
Key Dates
• Application Deadline: 13 August 2026, 12:00 AM Abu Dhabi Time
• Active Programme Period: September–December 2026
• 2026 UN Water Conference: 8–10 December 2026
• Conference Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official registration form below.
