Water, Youth, and Environmental Peacebuilding: A Diplomacy Perspective

Breck Flangan-Caldwell, University of Wisconsin-Madison (United States)

Human societies and water resources are inextricably linked. As climate uncertainty intensifies this relationship, the need for inclusive, consequential, and conflict-sensitive approaches to water governance becomes increasingly imperative for sustained cooperation. Youth and emerging water professionals are uniquely positioned to contribute to a more water secure future, drawing on collective professional and lived experiences, sustained engagement, and creative approaches to decision-making processes.

Drawing on participation from the IHE Delft 2025 Young Water Diplomats Program, this presentation explores how investing in youth leadership and fostering intergenerational dialogue can strengthen water discourse and environmental peacebuilding efforts. By integrating institutional experience with youth mentorship, intergenerational collaboration offers a pathway toward more equitable, resilient, and cooperative water outcomes, offering a platform through which more peaceful environmental futures can be built.