UP-CIFAL Philippines, UGWA celebrate WYSD 2025 with webinar on youth engagement in WASH

23 July 2025—In commemoration of the World Youth Skills Day, UP-CIFAL Philippines, in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and CIFAL Global Network, held a webinar on Prioritizing Youth Engagement in the Water and Sanitation Sector last 23 July 2025 via Zoom.

The webinar aimed to explore the significant role of young professionals in the effective promotion and implementation of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programmes. This webinar particularly highlighted the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals.

Dr. Ebru Canan-Sokullu, representing UNITAR’s Global Water Academy, extended a warm welcome to participants of the webinar, underscoring the critical importance of youth engagement in the water and sanitation sector. She conveyed her gratitude to UP-CIFAL Philippines, the University of the Philippines, and all collaborators for their invaluable support. Dr. Ebru’s remarks emphasized the webinar’s alignment with the commemoration of UN World Youth Skills Day, drawing attention to this year’s theme: “Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills.” She encouraged participants to embrace technological innovation with a sense of responsibility, placing strong ethical considerations at the forefront, and to continue honing the skills essential for sustainable development.

Ms. Jessilou “JLo” Morigo-Tanguilan of Plan International Pilipinas shared the inspiring story of Tuklas Visayas Lab, a youth-led response to Typhoon Yolanda. She urged for deeper, non-tokenistic youth involvement through what she described as the “Flower of Participation”, a visual model that illustrates the spectrum of youth involvement from passive roles to active, empowered engagement. This model encourages a shift toward deeper, more meaningful youth participation in community and governance processes. 

Mr. Aldrin Magpantay, Co-Chair of the Philippine Young Water Professionals, challenged conventional notions of water and sanitation, advocating for holistic and systemic approaches to WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene). Drawing from his personal journey, Mr. Magpantay illustrated how youth-led innovations are accelerating change in the sector. He reflected on his belief that youth are the builders of today, not just the leaders of tomorrow. He reminded the audience that purposeful action, rather than power alone, drives real change. He concluded with the quote: “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

During the open forum, participants explored practical questions around building inclusive youth partnerships, sustaining long-term engagement beyond relief efforts, and breaking into the water sector. Both speakers emphasized community involvement, mentorship, and the power of small yet consistent action.

In his synthesis, Mr. Val Vestil of AYEJ, who facilitated the discussions, affirmed that youth are already leading transformation, not just preparing to. He encouraged participants to act on their passions and collaborate across disciplines, echoing the event’s call to view youth as stakeholders, not spectators. He concluded by reminding participants that the true impact of the session begins after the webinar, as youth continue to apply and share their knowledge gained.

In closing, Dr. Michelle R. Palumbarit, Director of UP-CIFAL Philippines, thanked participants and speakers for their dedication despite challenging weather conditions. She invited attendees to enroll in the Professional Course on Water Governance, emphasizing that solving water issues requires bayanihan, a shared sense of responsibility, empathy, and community spirit.

If you missed the webinar, you may watch it on demand here: https://youtu.be/nQRrXl6JR68