From September 26 to 27, 2024, the Global Young Water Professionals’ Side Event, titled “Leadership for the Future”, was held during the 3rd Asia International Water Week, which was convened at the Beijing International Convention Center. The event was organized by the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research and co-organized by the Chinese Branch of the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research. It is part of the Young Professionals’ Event “Sustainable Soil and Water Conservation for Tomorrow”hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology, and jointly undertaken by the Chinese National Committee on Large Dams，the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, and the International Research and Training Center on Erosion and Sedimentation.
The conference brought together 25 young international water professionals from 9 countries, including the United States, Brazil, Russia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Uganda, Vietnam, and Burkina Faso, along with more than ten young Chinese water experts to participate in an academic forum and a cultural and technical tour.
In the academic forum, participants unanimously agreed that in the context of the rapid development of the water industry, cultivating young leaders is key to addressing future complex water challenges. The future of the water industry relies on young professionals who are visionary, innovative, and collaborative. The participants of this event were young talents in the water industry under the age of 45, including both accomplished professionals in their respective fields and newcomers. In an open and harmonious atmosphere, participants shared their successful experiences in career planning, professional development, and leadership enhancement, and discussed opportunities and challenges in their careers. Through this conference, young water professionals from China and abroad deeply exchanged the latest research results in their respective fields, enhancing mutual understanding and friendship.
In the cultural and technical tour, international young water experts visited the Mutianyu Great Wall, a World Cultural Heritage site in China, and deeply appreciated the endless charm of Chinese traditional culture. They also visited the Duancheng Lake Regulating Reservoir and the Central Control Hall of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the construction, operation, advanced technological processes, and significant social benefits of the Beijing section of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. Through the cultural and technical tour, international young water experts were deeply attracted by China’s long-standing historical culture and advanced modern water management concepts and engineering technologies. They eagerly look forward to more opportunities for exchange and learning in the future to jointly explore the sustainable development of global water resource management.
