African Youth Water Forum calls for greater youth participation in water governance

AYWF called for stronger support to enable youth-led initiatives to have a greater impact The African Youth Water Forum (AYWF) has called on governments and other stakeholders across Africa to give young people a meaningful role in decisions on water governance and sustainable development.’ The dialogue organised under the focus ‘Youth Leading Water Governance Across Africa,’ brought together young people, water professionals, researchers, advocates, students, civil society organisations and other stakeholders from different countries.

In a statement dated August 13, 2026, the Forum said young people should no longer be viewed only as beneficiaries of development programmes but as key actors in addressing Africa’s water challenges.