AWC at KIWW 2025:
Strengthening Youth-Led Hydro-Diplomacy and
Regional Cooperation
The Asia Water Council (AWC) participated in the Korea International Water Week (KIWW) 2025, held on 12–15 November at EXCO in Daegu, Republic of Korea. AWC joined the Opening Ceremony alongside high-level representatives from governments, international organizations, and the water sector, and collaborated with K-water to operate a joint promotional booth showcasing AWC Water Project initiatives, international cooperation programs, and youth engagement activities.
Among its various engagements, the TIP Platform Session emerged as the central highlight of AWC’s contribution to KIWW 2025
TIP Platform Session: “Youth and Hydro-Diplomacy –
Transboundary Advocacy on Water and Youth Projects”
14 November 2025 | EXCO Room 320B
The session convened young leaders from across Asia to explore how youth-driven hydro-diplomacy can shape sustainable and peaceful water governance across borders.
AWC at KIWW 2025
Dr. Taiwhan Kim, Planning Director, AWC emphasized the vital role of youth in driving innovation and strengthening hydro-diplomacy to address global water challenges. He highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration and expressed hope that this session will promote meaningful cooperation and effective policy development.
Mr. Mawan Dwi Saputra, President of IGAF LC IPB emphasized that hydro-diplomacy is vital for turning dividing rivers into unifying ones and invited participants to use the session as a space for youth-led leadership, negotiation, innovation, and cross-border collaboration toward a sustainable water future.
Key Insights from the Talkshow
Dr. Nidal Salim, Director of GIWEH emphasized that youth must master knowledge and technology alongside diplomacy principles, negotiation skills, international exposure, and strong professional networks to lead future hydro-diplomacy efforts. He encouraged young people, including those from Indonesia, to stay consistent, seek guidance, and build sustainable leadership pathways, while affirming GIWEH’s commitment to support their development.
Ms. Ilhyang Park, Program Officer, AWC Secretariat emphasized the importance of empowering young professionals through its cooperative platform by building a youth network, supporting their interests in the water sector, and providing opportunities for international engagement and career development.
Mr. Abimanyu Pratama, SRE IPB emphasized that Indonesia’s water–energy challenges demand an integrated hydrodiplomacy approach aligned with the energy transition, with youth-led mangrove conservation and blue carbon initiatives serving as sustainable, locally driven solutions that reduce conflict risks and strengthen regional stability.
ASEAN and National Water Issues - Ms. Ratu Nasywa Aulia & Mr. M. Sadid Yasir, IGAF LC IPB emphasized that increasing water demand and uneven cross-border management make hydrodiplomacy essential, with dialogue, data sharing, and stronger institutional cooperation serving as key pathways to prevent conflicts and ensure fair, sustainable governance of shared water resources.
IGAF Practices – Ms. Nikita Putri Alyfia, IGAF LC IPB emphasized that IGAF bridges research, communities, and policy by empowering youth as builders of collaboration, advocacy, and trust, while consistently showcasing Indonesian youth’s active contributions to global water governance through participation in international forums.
Reflection & Recommendation – Mr. Hannan Alfaheem Yusuf, IGAF LC IPB highlighted that despite notable progress, major gaps in global convention implementation and conflict-resolution mechanisms persist, and recommended strengthening political leadership, institutional capacity, and youth engagement through cross-border collaboration and science-based policymaking to ensure water becomes a foundation for peace and shared prosperity.
Q & A and Discussion
This warm discussion, moderated by Ms. Ratu Nasywa Aulia, explored the vital role of youth in advancing hydro-diplomacy as a key pathway toward future water security and well-being.
Wrap Up - M. Sadid Yasir, IGAF LC IPB emphasized that the hydrodiplomacy goes beyond political negotiations, requiring trust and shared responsibility for transboundary waters, and urged that collaboration start with the courage to listen and work together so the youth generation can protect and manage water peacefully and sustainably
Significance
AWC’s participation at KIWW 2025—spanning the Opening, joint promotional exhibition with K-water, and multilateral engagement—helped strengthen relationships with global partners and amplify the Council’s ongoing efforts in international water cooperation. The outcomes of KIWW 2025 will contribute directly to AWC’s future youth and cooperation programs, including preparations for the 4th Asia International Water Week (AIWW) 2027.
