LUDOVIKA UNIVERSITY OF PUBLIC SERVICE

Empowering the Next Generation: Youth Participation in Danube Water Policy

Even during the summer break, the Faculty of Water Sciences remains actively engaged in promoting sustainable water governance. Through the DanuRELY project, faculty members are supporting youth involvement in shaping water policy across the Danube Region. The project is currently focused on conducting semi-structured interviews with young individuals, aiming to understand how they perceive issues such as drought and water scarcity. More importantly, the research seeks to explore their current roles and aspirations in water governance.

The study addresses key questions, including:

  • What knowledge and tools do young people already have?

  • How do they see their role in addressing water challenges?

  • What barriers and opportunities do they encounter in participation?

  • How can they be better supported in professional, community, and decision-making contexts?

By engaging with young water professionals—including members of the European Youth Parliament for Water—the research aims to generate practical recommendations. These may involve new training programs, mentorship opportunities, and community-based initiatives that promote youth leadership in water governance.

This effort aligns with the core objectives of the DanuRELY project: strengthening youth participation, fostering intergenerational dialogue, and building resilience to water-related challenges in the Danube Region.