Youth Drive Zambia's Push for Sustainable Water Governance

By Alain Kabinda

At a time when Zambia is facing increasing pressure on its water resources due to climate change, population growth and competing demands for water, one message resonated strongly at the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) Second Quarter Technical Forum in Lusaka: young people are no longer waiting on the sidelines—they are helping shape the future of water governance.

During the forum Youth WASH Ambassadors Club (YWAC), presented the presentation which demonstrated how university students are emerging as valuable partners in promoting sustainable water resources management through research, advocacy and stakeholder collaboration.

The quarterly technical forum brought together policymakers, water sector professionals, researchers, academics, civil society organisations and development partners to discuss practical solutions for strengthening water governance in Zambia.

Representing YWAC, the Club's Head of Media and Communications, John Chipango, presented an accepted case study titled, "Youth as Catalysts for Sustainable Water Resources Management: Strengthening Stakeholder Coordination through University-Based WASH Clubs in Zambia."

                                                          (John Chipango Jr)

The presentation challenged the long-held perception that young people are merely beneficiaries of water and sanitation programmes. Instead, it showcased how youth are becoming active contributors to policy dialogue, scientific research and community engagement.

Drawing from YWAC's experiences across higher learning institutions, Mr. Chipango explained how university-based WASH clubs are creating platforms that connect students with government institutions, researchers, development partners and communities to address water-related challenges.

The case study highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the Club, including youth-led research, evidence-based advocacy, inter-university collaboration and multi-stakeholder partnerships aimed at improving sustainable water resources management.

According Mr. Chipango, these initiatives have enabled young people to move beyond awareness campaigns and become participants in generating knowledge, influencing policy discussions and supporting practical interventions that strengthen water governance.

He also underscored the importance of investing in young people's leadership, arguing that university WASH clubs provide an ideal environment for nurturing future professionals and decision-makers in the water sector.

By engaging students early, the clubs equip them with technical knowledge, leadership skills and practical experience while encouraging innovation in addressing water, sanitation and environmental challenges.

The forum provided an opportunity for YWAC to share lessons learned from its work with stakeholders and demonstrate how youth-led initiatives can complement government efforts to promote integrated water resources management.

Participants heard how stronger coordination among universities, public institutions, civil society organisations and development partners can create a more inclusive and effective approach to managing Zambia's water resources.

Mr. Chipango further emphasised that meaningful youth participation is critical if the country is to achieve long-term water security and meet its commitments under Sustainable Development Goal Six, which seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

For many delegates, the case study illustrated that the country's universities are becoming important centres of innovation, producing young leaders capable of developing evidence-based solutions to some of Zambia's most pressing environmental challenges.

He further expressed appreciation to the Water Resources Management Authority for providing a platform that recognised the contribution of young people to national discussions on sustainable water resources management.

Mr. Chipango added that such engagements not only strengthen collaboration between youth and institutions but also encourage greater participation by students in addressing national development priorities.

He reaffirmed YWAC its commitment to amplifying youth voices, fostering strategic partnerships and empowering young people to contribute meaningfully to a water-secure and climate-resilient Zambia.

As the country continues to confront growing environmental pressures, the participation of organisations such as the Youth WASH Ambassadors Club signals a shift towards more inclusive water governance—one that recognises young people not simply as future leaders, but as partners already making a difference today.

Their contribution at the WARMA Technical Forum served as a reminder that sustainable water management depends not only on sound policies and technical expertise, but also on the innovation, energy and commitment of the next generation.