Last month, we—Sinafekesh Girma, Cristo Facundo Pérez, and Harriette Okal—had the privilege of representing the Water Youth Network (WYN) at the Drought Resilience +10 Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Hosted by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the conference commemorated a decade since the High-Level Meeting on National Drought Policy gathered global leaders, experts, and stakeholders to explore critical pathways for enhancing global drought resilience.
As WYN representatives, our mission was clear. We: amplify youth voices and showcase the transformative power of youth-driven initiatives in tackling drought challenges worldwide. Our experiences at the conference underscored not only the significance of this global gathering but also the critical role of young professionals in shaping sustainable drought risk management.
The Conference: A Crucial Moment for Drought Resilience
The Drought Resilience +10 Conference came at a pivotal time, as drought impacts intensified due to climate change, population growth, and competing water demands. Discussions revolved around urgent strategies and innovative approaches to address different aspects of the current drought risk management paradigm, including:
- Scaling up early warning systems to prevent drought crises.
- Bridging gaps between science, policy, and practice.
- Promoting cooperation across borders for shared water resources.
- Mainstreaming inclusive and equitable strategies for drought-affected communities.
These discussions resonated deeply with us as young professionals. Drought resilience isn’t just about water—it’s about securing food, livelihoods, and the future of millions. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and youth engagement is critical to sustaining momentum.
Youth Perspectives: Shared Experiences
At the conference, the three of us shared unique experiences, yet found common ground in our aspirations for a resilient future:
Sinafekesh Girma: As a climate migration doctoral researcher, Sinafekesh shared her research insights from East Africa on social, economic, and cultural factors that influence vulnerability to drought in a panel discussion. She also presented her work on the “From Global to Local: Addressing the Drought and Displacement Nexus for Resilient Communities” Side Event highlighting the effects of scarcity of Water indicators on triggering environmental migration in Somalia. Additionally, her insights during WYN side events emphasized that empowering local communities through youth-led initiatives is an untapped resource in the fight against drought.
Cristo Facundo Pérez: As a researcher specializing in water planning and decision-making, Cristo emphasized the critical role of transboundary collaboration in addressing drought resilience. He highlighted that droughts are driven by both climate and human factors, often intertwining with water scarcity, which necessitates better water allocation strategies, especially in shared transboundary rivers. Globally, 310 transboundary river basins are shared by 150 countries, supporting nearly half the world's population. "Water doesn’t respect borders, and neither should our solutions. Drought resilience demands international approaches, especially in shared basins," Cristo remarked, underscoring the need for collaboration and diplomacy in managing these vital resources. During breakout sessions, he emphasized how youth networks can foster cross-border dialogue, interdisciplinary approaches, and innovation in water governance, reinforcing the importance of integrative strategies in building resilient, cooperative water systems.
Harriette Okal: The DR +10 Conference highlighted the pivotal role of science, data, and collaboration in addressing the escalating impacts of droughts. "As a hydrological researcher, I am deeply committed to ensuring that drought policies are evidence-based and grounded in robust scientific insights," she explained. "Conferences like this are essential for identifying data gaps, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, and emphasizing the urgent need for capacity-building, particularly in data-scarce regions like Africa." Harriette also underscored the importance of empowering youth in the design and implementation of participatory drought adaptation strategies. She noted that engaging young people brings fresh perspectives and innovation to drought resilience efforts while tailoring strategies to local contexts ensures they are practical and sustainable. Additionally, she advocated for integrating advanced technologies, such as satellite monitoring and predictive modelling, into capacity-building programs to equip stakeholders with tools for proactive drought management.
Why Youth Matter in Drought Resilience
Including young professionals in drought resilience efforts is more than a matter of representation—it’s a necessity. Youth bring:
- Innovative Thinking: Fresh perspectives drive creative solutions to long-standing challenges.
- Technological Savvy: From data modelling to digital storytelling, youth are skilled in leveraging technology to amplify impact.
- Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: With diverse backgrounds, young professionals bridge knowledge across fields, ensuring holistic approaches.
- Long-Term Commitment: Engaging youth now ensures a generational investment in building resilient systems.
Youth networks, such as the Water Youth Network, are catalysts for fostering leadership, collaboration, and innovation in water resource management. Our presence at global events like this highlights the potential of youth to shape policies, implement solutions, and drive the collective vision for a drought-resilient world.
Looking Ahead: Our Takeaways
As we reflect on the conference, several key takeaways emerged:
- Collaboration is Key: Drought resilience requires partnerships across sectors, disciplines, and borders. Youth networks are uniquely positioned to foster these connections.
- Empowering Local Communities: Ground-level engagement is essential. Youth must champion inclusive approaches that integrate local knowledge and priorities into global strategies.
- Action Over Awareness: While awareness is important, the focus must shift to action. Youth-driven initiatives should prioritize tangible, measurable outcomes.
Join Us in Shaping a Resilient Future
The Drought Resilience +10 Conference was not just a milestone, but a call to action. As young professionals, we are committed to ensuring this momentum translates into real-world change. But we cannot do it alone. we invite policymakers, scientists, practitioners or fellow advocates, to join us in championing youth leadership and innovation in drought resilience. Together, we can build a future where water scarcity is no longer a crisis but a challenge we’ve overcome.
For more updates on our work and to collaborate with the Water Youth Network, connect with us on LinkedIn: