"If i can make it there, I'll make it anywhere," goes the Frank Sinatra song New York, New York, and a similar opportunity is being opened up to 12 young professionals working in water around the globe.

The Young Water Professionals (YWPs) are being fully funded to take an active part in the UN 2023 Water Conference in New York, USA. The opportunity aims to provide insights into the critical role young people have in the implementation of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) - to ensure safe water and sanitation for all.

The Water Conference takes place 22-24 March 2023, and as well as attending, the selected YWPs will work together with the International Water Association (IWA) and Danish pump manufacturer Grundfos on a number of initiatives including pre-event training and post-event presentations at Grundfos' Danish headquarters, along with a publication and webinar series.

Sharing learnings

The organisers say one of the goals of the initiative is to help develop a more gender and geographically balanced water sector, and the young people selected will reflect regional representation and gender diversity. Up to two YWPs can be selected per region - Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and Caribbean, North America and Oceania - and at least six participants will come from low-income countries, with at least half women.

Ahead of the conference, the selected 12 young people will join online training sessions on the current challenges to achieving the United Nations' SDGs. The topics will be related to key areas such as intergenerational dialogues, entrepreneurship and science communication.

During the event, IWA will also help ensure the YWP delegation can take part in panels, workshops, round tables, and other activities, providing them with the opportunity to meet world leaders, interact, learn and network.

Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age and active IWA members. They must also show evidence of commitment to delivering positive change in the water sector and be able to demonstrate their leadership capacity.

If you "want to be a part of it" - applications are welcomed until 25 November 2022. Find out more on the IWA website.