UWRC showcases ingenuity of young innovators in tackling water resilience issues at World Water Forum

Make Water OK from Malaysia introduced the HydroDataHub web application, designed to track water usage and map landslide hazards in the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve.

At the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia, held from May 18 to 25, 2024, the UNESCO Water Resilience Challenge (UWRC) 2024 showcased the ingenuity of young innovators in tackling water resilience issues. Three standout teams from Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia presented their transformative solutions to enhance water sustainability.

Make Water OK from Malaysia introduced the HydroDataHub web application, designed to track water usage and map landslide hazards in the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve. AquaCleanse from Cambodia showcased a solar-powered water purification system, aimed at improving community health and reducing environmental impact in the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve. Meanwhile, Tim Banyu from Indonesia presented an interactive outdoor program to educate elementary students about water conservation in the Merapi-Merbabu-Menoreh Biosphere Reserve.

The UWRC, supported by the Government of Japan, empowers young people in Southeast Asia to address water and environmental challenges through workshops and mentoring sessions. Following a rigorous selection process, seven teams implemented their projects in UNESCO-designated sites across their home countries.

After presenting their results to an international jury panel, Make Water OK, AquaCleanse, and Tim Banyu were recognized for their groundbreaking solutions. These teams were invited to showcase their projects at the World Water Forum, where they represented the voices of the future generation and inspired discussions on sustainable water resource management.

The winning initiatives highlight the potential of youth-led innovation in promoting water resilience and sustainability. Congratulations to all participants for their dedication and commitment to creating a more water-secure future.