Introduction
From October 29 to November 4, the city of Amsterdam will host the first International Water Week (IWW) in The Netherlands. The International Water Week focuses on integrated solutions covering the entire water cycle. This six-day forum for the water industry will include the internationally renowned Aquatech Amsterdam trade exhibition and the Aquaterra conference, as well as an extensive conference and workshop programme.
An important element of the week is a Young Water Professionals Programme (YWP) . To meet the global water challenges, the water sector needs a new generation with a fresh perspective and with a daring and unconventional mindset that enables them to think “out-of-the-box”. The water sector is growing. There is more than enough room for young professionals, and the sector offers ample opportunities for professional development. The focus of the YWP is on students and young professionals under the age of 35. The IWW Amsterdam will highlight challenges of the water sector, its opportunities and how young people can be involved.
This programme aims to:
• be a platform and meeting point for students, young professionals, companies, research institutes and universities
• give students and young water professionals opportunities to meet professionals working in different sectors of the entire water cycle and learn about their career possibilities
• be challenging and provide answers to global water challenges from the perspective of the next generation Young Water Professional Ambassador Dirk Janssen, Youth Representative of the UN , is the current Ambassador of the Young Water Professionals Programme 2011. IWW fits perfect into his personal mission: make water, food and education accessible to people worldwide. The selection of the next Young Water Ambassador is part of the YWP 2011.
