Youth Engagement at the 11th World Water Forum: Riyadh Water Youth Committee

By Karishma Asoodani

As part of efforts to ensure meaningful youth inclusion at the 11th World Water Forum in Riyadh, 2027, the World Water Council has proposed the formation of the Riyadh Water Youth Committee (RWYC). This committee aims to position youth as active stakeholders across the Forum’s thematic, regional, and political processes.

Comprising of key youth organizations selected through an open application process, the RWYC will prioritize diversity in geography, gender, and experience in water-related initiatives. Once formed, the committee will coordinate youth participation and activities, ensuring their voices are integrated into key dialogues and outcomes.

The RWYC’s structure allows for distributed leadership across thematic, regional, political processes, and also shall co-ordinate the on-ground youth engagement towards momentum building activities. Even youth organizations not selected for RWYC will have opportunities to contribute through open processes.

The Applications will open mid-May, and the committee will be convened by two focal points—one from the World Water Council and one from the host country, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Together, we aim to build a stronger, youth-inclusive Forum.