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Author Archives: Sjoerd van der Helm

Young water managers come together at EUWMA Event

Posted on February 29, 2024 - 2:53 pm by

From February 26th to 28th, the EUWMA Young Professionals Event took place in Brussels. Sixteen young professionals from six different countries, working at European water management organizations, came together to meet, inspire, and strengthen each other. Given their roles in water management organizations, they are connected to the European Union of Water Management Associations (EUWMA).

This umbrella organization promotes good and efficient water management, both regionally, nationally, and in Europe, with the main goal of enhancing cooperation among European water managers. This three-day event contributed to this goal by bringing together young individuals working in the water sector. Each participant shared their background, work, the challenges they face, and the role EUWMA could play in addressing them. Together, they formulated a list of recommendations. Young professionals believe that EUWMA could significantly contribute to gathering and sharing knowledge, best practices, position papers, know-how, perspectives, and information from the field; what works where and why? Also, they advocate for more frequent gatherings of European water managers; through online training or workshops, excursions, and events like the EUWMA Young Professionals Event.

During this event, five speakers were present:

  • Luzette Kroon, Member of the General Assembly of EUWMA, portfolio holder International & Innovation Union of Water Boards, dike reeve of Wetterskip Fryslân
  • Li An Phoa, founder of Drinkable Rivers
  • Sébastien Mouret, policy advisor at umbrella organization EurEau
  • Bart Millenaar, policy advisor for MEP Jan Huitema and candidate MEP for the VVD (nr. 7)
  • Bram van den Groenendaal, policy advisor for MEP Bas Eickhout

The speakers managed to inspire the attendees in their own unique way, encouraging more mutual learning and collaboration. This EUWMA Young Professionals event was not just a one-time meeting but the beginning of collaboration; within the group, within EUWMA, and especially beyond, with other European water managers.