The International Water Resources Association (IWRA) is pleased to issue the call for applications for the third cohort of its award-winning World Water Envoys Programme. This initiative, this time supported by the Ministry of Equipment and Water of Morocco, will offer emerging water leaders a unique opportunity to bring local perspectives to a global audience at the XIX IWRA World Water Congress, taking place in Marrakech, Morocco, 1-5 December 2025, at the PICKALBATROS Hôtel Du Golf.
IWRA’s XIX World Water Congress, is one of the largest global event connecting water researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and private sector at the interface of science and policy. Under the theme “Water in a Changing World: Innovation and Adaptation,” this Congress will bring together experts from diverse sectors to exchange knowledge, showcase groundbreaking research, and explore solutions for global water resources sustainability.
Through the World Water Envoys Programme, IWRA aims to amplify diverse voices and stories from around the world, particularly from the next generation of water leaders. Four selected envoys will be featured prominently at the Congress, share the critical water challenges facing their communities and highlight how they are innovating and adapting in a rapidly changing world, engage with international experts, and gain valuable mentorship opportunities.
Application Process
To apply, candidates have to provide the following:
- A video recording of up to 2 minutes (recorded on a camera, phone or laptop, in landscape mode) introducing a significant water challenge in your community related to innovation and adaptation. The video should explain the problem, how it is impacting your community, and the solutions that have been implemented or are being explored.
- One high-resolution digital photo that best illustrates the water challenge or solution in their community. The candidate must be the author of the photo, consent to its use, and briefly explain its significance in the application form.
- A short resume (1 page max) detailing the your academic and professional journey.
- A completed consent form.
- A completed application Google form, which includes all the above requested information and consent form for IWRA to use any submitted images or materials. (Pictures, videos, etc.)
Eligibility Requirements:
- Candidates must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Candidates must be comfortable presenting their ideas in public and in English.
- Applicants may come from any country, but their application must focus on a water challenge in their community that demonstrates the need for innovation and adaptation in a changing world.
All required materials must be submitted via the Google form by the 10th March, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Click here to read the terms and conditions and learn more about this unique initiative.
Once the applications have been reviewed, candidates will be shortlisted for online interviews, to be scheduled between 17-21 March 2025.
Awards and Benefits
Selected World Water Envoys will receive full funding to participate in the XIX World Water Congress in Marrakech, Morocco,1-5 December 2025, including:
- One economy round-trip ticket to Marrakech, Morocco.
- Hotel stay, including breakfast.
- Travel insurance for the duration of the trip.
- Full registration to the XIX Congress, which includes access to all sessions, lunches, and a ticket to the gala dinner.
- A complimentary one-year IWRA Gold membership.
- Mentorship from IWRA water experts to refine their message and ideas.
- A dedicated platform to share their story on an international stage.
The role of Envoys During the Congress
During the XIX Congress, each World Water Envoy will have the opportunity to briefly introduce the water challenges faced by their community, particularly focusing on how they are innovating and adapting to address these issues in a changing world. They will highlight the impacts these challenges have on everyday life and share insights into the strategies their communities are exploring to overcome them.
Over the following days, Envoys will have the chance to delve deeper into these topics through discussions with experts attending this event and by participating in a dedicated special session workshop. This will provide a platform to exchange ideas, refine their approaches, and gain valuable feedback from global water professionals.
During the Closing Ceremony, Envoys will summarise their key takeaways from the Congress, including what they have learned throughout the week and the connections they made that could support their communities in addressing water challenges more effectively.
For any questions, contact us at congress@iwra.org.
