Water Politics: Empowering Youth, Women, and Indigenous and Local Communities

Key Points

The EESC:

• reminds that water is crucial to human life and dignity and that as recognised by the EU the access to water and sanitation is a fundamental human right;
• stresses that young people, women, and indigenous and local communities (including migrants and people with disabilities) are the most vulnerable to water stress and have a large untapped potential for contributing to sustainable water management, for turning water into an instrument of peace and stability, and, thus, for contributing to blue diplomacy;
• calls on the EU to pay due attention to these groups in its external relations and international cooperation and suggests a lighthouse partnership programme related to water stress for addressing how to empower them in an integrated manner;
• notes that access to clean water, education, employment and participation in policymaking are key elements of empowerment. Better access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services is crucial, as it frees up time for education and vocational training and opens up more diverse options for employment and the ability to contribute to water management and policies;
• believes that young people should be provided with general civic, citizenship and entrepreneurial skills, so that they can contribute to water management, employment and policymaking, as today’s drivers of change and future decision-makers;
• considers that fully-fledged gender equality in education, work, authorities and entrepreneurship is another vital factor. Due attention needs to be paid to decent working conditions, including the prevention of discrimination and harassment;
• stresses that local communities must be provided with access to infrastructure, information, education and training, while local-level civil society organisations (CSOs) should be involved in local policymaking processes, engaging and empowering the indigenous groups;

• reaffirms that blue and digital technologies are instrumental for improving water management and access to clean water and sanitation;

• highlights that meaningful partnership and funding are critical in the development of infrastructure, education and general capacity building. Both EU funds and national donors’ programmes play a crucial role here and coordination is vital to create synergies and make the most of the allocated resources.