Water, Youth, and the Future of Peace

The Geneva Water Hub took part in the International Swiss Talent Forum 2026, held under the theme “Water – Elixir of Life,” engaging with around 70 highly motivated participants aged 17–24 from five continents.

As “Challengers,” our colleagues Erik Schnetzler and Nadira Mukhamejan, PhD researcher at the University of Geneva, invited two teams to re-imagine the global water architecture and elevate water for peace in the international arena.

We would like to warmly thank the organizers, Swiss Youth in Science, its partners, our co-challengers, our challenge coach Ramona Bischoff, and above all the youth participants for their curiosity, thoughtful reflections, and excellent ideas to address today’s water challenges. Their engagement is a strong reminder that inclusive governance and justice around water begins with listening to the next generation.