On 24 June 2024, The Water Agency, in collaboration with UN-Habitat Myanmar and Doh Eain, successfully hosted the event “Empowering Youth for Innovative and Gender-Responsive Climate Actions regarding Water Security.” This hybrid event, held at the Wyndham Hotel in Yangon, was a key part of Myanmar Climate Action Week 2024 and brought together experts, young leaders, and advocates to address critical issues surrounding climate action, water security, and the roles of youth and gender equality in creating sustainable solutions.
Addressing climate change and water security is a pressing priority due to the increasing frequency and severity of local disasters and water-related issues. Climate change exacerbates gender inequalities, creating challenges for women and girls, including limited access to resources and heightened poverty. Youth are also disproportionately affected, with impacts on education, employment, and health. The event aimed to harness the energy, creativity, and passion of young people, recognizing them as vital leaders in driving innovative and sustainable solutions.
The event began with several insightful presentations by experts on key topics including Gender and Climate Change, Community-led Climate Actions and the Role of Youth, and Youth-led Climate Initiatives: Global and Local Case Studies. These sessions provided valuable knowledge and set the stage for further discussions. Following these presentations, the panel discussion was moderated by The Water Agency, featuring representative panelists from UN-Habitat Myanmar, Doh Eain, Sustainable Mekong Research Network (SUMERNET), Think Maritime Engineering and Consultancy Co. Ltd, and Climate Action Lab Myanmar. The panel explored innovative approaches to climate action, the vital roles of youth and gender equality, and specific challenges related to water security. The discussion concluded with an engaging Q&A session that further enriched the dialogue.
As the final segment of the event, The Water Agency and Doh Eain led a dynamic brainstorming workshop. The session started with an introduction to the Asia Raincraft initiative, which aims to empower youth and communities with training and collaborative tools to address water challenges. Following this, the Community-led Climate Adaptation Solution Toolkit was presented to guide the workshop activities. Attendees were divided into groups to brainstorm and develop solutions for issues related to too much or too little water. These solutions were then analyzed and shared as comprehensive work plans.
Overall, the event was a success, providing valuable knowledge and fostering new connections among participants. It highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities for youth in gender-responsive climate initiatives, built a community through knowledge sharing, generated locally-led climate adaptation solutions, and encouraged collaboration among various climate actors. We extend our sincere thanks to our partners, panelists, and attendees for making this event impactful, and we look forward to continued collaboration and collective efforts in driving innovative, youth-driven, and gender-responsive approaches to climate action.
