DROPS OF THE FUTURE Or ganization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Empowering the next generation for sustainable water, energy and food systems YOUTH AND INCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENT IN THE WATER SECTOR Youth and Water Governance Innovation & digital solutions More inclusive, sustainable governance Why Inclusion Makes a Difference Youth remain under-represented in water governance and decision-making, despite being major water users, innovators and community actors Among the most exposed to water scarcity, climate change and water-related risks. Big Impact, Small Voice From Risk to Resilience 1.9 BILLION young people worldwide Youth engagement = stronger water co-operation contributing to How We Engage RESULTS AND IMPACT The OSCE engages youth and young professionals to promote innovation, ownership and long-term sustain- ability through: Climate change and increasing pressure on water resources across the OSCE area heighten risks to securi- ty and stability, disproportionately affecting women and vulnerable groups. Why Youth Engagement Matters Youth are among those most affected and key to solutions. Meaningful youth engagement supports innovation, strengthens long-term sustainability and contrib- utes to co-operative water governance. Capacity building: training, seminars, mentorship and skills development. Youth-focused events where participants co-de- sign practical solutions and policy-oriented outputs. Networking and knowledge sharing through regional and global platforms. Partnerships Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) Kyrgyzstan TajikistanTurkmenistan Uzbekistan Kazakhstan
UN FAO FAO Youth Assembly and development of the Youth Vision "Advancing Innovation in Water Management in Agriculture" Turkish Water Institute OSCE Engagement Drops of the Future is a regional workshop series engaging young professionals from across Central Asia and beyond. It addresses climate-relat- ed risks through a Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus approach and equips participants to assess challenges and manage competing demands for water. FLAGSHIP INITIATIVE Drops of the Future Workshop Series on the Water-Energy-Food Nexus This initiative is part of the Project Women, Water Management and Conflict Prevention – Phase III. International Secretariat for Water The Stockholm International Water Institute The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia Private Sector Companies Partnerships and Global Engagement Empowerment goes beyond capacity building. During the workshop series, young experts co-designed a joint on Youth Declaration shaping the future of water, energy and food systems in Central Asia. The process helped translate youth priorities into policy-relevant inputs for OSCE dialogue. Enhance knowledge on interconnected environmental challenges Foster regional cooperation and dialogue among youth Explore innovative solutions and explore collaboration Central Asia Youth for Water Network (CAY4W) World Youth Parliament for Water Water Youth Network Slow Food Youth Network Students and PhD researchers (e.g., Politecnico di Torino; German Kazakh University, and others) Youth networks and knowledge sharing 150+ Strengthened youth and women’s networks Created a platform for future leadership and collaboration Enabled youth contributions to institutional and policy processes Impact at a Glance young professionals engaged 5 countries represented What is the Water–Energy– Food (WEF) Nexus? The WEF Nexus promotes integrated planning and governance to maximize synergies, manage trade-offs and strengthen resource security sustainability and resilience moving beyond siloed decision-making. Policy Contribution Youth Declaration RESULTS AND IMPACT Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) Or ganization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Fore more information contact: Letizia Zuliani Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities Letizia.Zuliani@osce.org Aligned With: Who are the partners involved? Impact Youth perspectives integrated into global policy discussions Stronger links between regional youth initiatives and global process Interactive workshops & field visits Multi-stakeholder engagement Networking Youth Declaration presented in 2025 Co-designed by young professionals Shared with participating States at the Economic and Environmental Committee Key HighlightsObjectives The boundaries and names shown on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the OSCE.