The water sector in The Netherlands is under considerable pressure. There are many vacancies, the workforce is aging, and it is difficult to retain young employees. Research by the A&O Fund for Water Authorities shows that the influx of young people is growing, but that many young professionals leave the sector before they reach the age of 35.
What motivates the next generation?
For Generations Y, Z, and Alpha, a sense of purpose is important. They have grown up amid crises and pressure to perform, and they seek work that has a social impact and offers opportunities for growth and connection. If these elements are missing, they quickly feel that their work adds little value, and they are more likely to leave. Research by STOWA (The Knowledge Center for Dutch Water Authorities) shows that young water professionals also need clear guidance, mutual connection, and clarity about their role. If these needs aren’t properly met, the likelihood of early departure increases. This shortage is also evident at Waternet and the AGV Water Authority, where many positions are consistently vacant.
YEP as a hub for the growth of young talent
The Young Expert Programme (YEP)5 plays an important role in attracting and retaining young talent. The programme links young professionals to international water and food security projects. Through coaching, training and experience abroad, participants quickly develop into independent water professionals. The evaluation of YEP Phase II shows that almost all Young Experts quickly find a suitable job in the water sector after completing the program. This makes YEP a proven effective way to attract and develop young talent.
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Why World Water Day is particularly relevant this year
World Water Day on March 22 draws global attention to the importance of water. For many people, access to water seems self-evident, but worldwide, 2.2 billion people live without safe drinking water. In 2026, the focus will be on gender inequality: women worldwide are disproportionately affected by the lack of safe water, while they often have no say in decisions about water management. In many countries, women and girls spend hours every day fetching water. This limits their opportunities for education, work, and safety. At the same time, women are underrepresented in decision-making within water organisations, even though their involvement leads to more sustainable and inclusive solutions.
The contribution of young women in international water projects
Since 2020, World Waternet has worked with 45 Young Experts from the YEP program, 14 of whom are young women. They have contributed to drinking water and sanitation projects, capacity building, and strengthening water companies in more than fifteen countries. Their impact goes beyond technology. They bring new perspectives, strengthen cooperation, and serve as role models for other women. Their added value lies not only in their technical knowledge, but also in their fresh perspective, their ability to connect partners, and their role as examples for other women in a sector traditionally dominated by men.
Steffie Bes (former YEP participant and now Project Manager Jordan): “What made YEP special for me was the combination of practical experience, coaching, and international collaboration. You are given responsibility, but you are never left to fend for yourself. That guidance helped me grow confidently in the international water sector.”
An inspiring example is Enfani Sabi in Burkina Faso, who, under the guidance of mentor Ewoud de Jong, is developing into a strong professional. Their collaboration shows how important trust and mentorship are for sustainable development.
Give talent room to grow
In programs such as Blue Deal and WaterWorX, water professionals worldwide work together and train each other in areas such as water quality, pipeline management, GIS, and project development. Young Experts also receive training in soft skills such as communication and presentation. Many of them go on to managerial positions or develop international careers. World Water Day 2026 shows that investing in young professionals, and certainly young women, is not a luxury but a necessity. Investing in young talent is also in line with the international 30-30-30 Youth Target, which aims to have at least 30 percent of decision-makers and staff in water organizations under the age of 30 by 2030. (Source: Youth Target, UN 2023 Water Conference)
Frodo van Oostveen CEO World Waternet: “We are very proud of our diverse group of YEP participants from the Netherlands and abroad who are still active within Waternet and AGV. It also demonstrates that international collaboration makes our water organizations attractive employers for new talent, helping them grow into future leaders. As young(er) people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the innovators of today, bringing fresh energy to solve the water crises that can no longer wait. I am truly convinced we need to team-up with young(er) people in especially these tricky times for our water secure future.”
