Are you a young professional, student, or early-career researcher currently working in water and looking for a platform to share your ideas and academic research, present your work, and connect with like-minded peers and seasoned researchers and professionals in the water sector? The 8th WISA Young Water Professionals (YWP) South Africa Biannual Conference is your chance to do just that!

This is not just another academic or industry conference; it is a space designed specifically for young professionals to showcase their work in a more relaxed, engaging, and supportive environment. Here, you can present your ideas without the boundaries of traditional conferences, receive constructive feedback, and expand your professional network with peers who will shape the future of water management alongside you.

Building on the success of the 7th YWP-ZA Conference which took place in Stellenbosch in 2023, this year’s theme titled, From Silos to Synergy: Sustainable and Collaborative Water

Management Solutions aims to challenge us to go beyond breaking silos and explore how collaboration, innovation, and integration can drive a more sustainable water future.

We invite you to submit abstracts for either our oral presentations, posters, workshops, or panel discussions under the following sub-themes:

Conference Sub-Themes:

Innovative Technologies and Data-Driven Water Solutions

• IoT, AI, and remote sensing applications in water management
• Data-sharing platforms and transparency in decision-making
• Smart water networks and cybersecurity challenges
• Innovative water and sanitation technologies.

Climate Resilience and Adaptive Water Management

• Climate change impacts on water systems and adaptation strategies
• Groundwater management
• Disaster risk reduction and resilient infrastructure
• Nature-based solutions for climate adaptation
• Economic Instruments for Climate Adaptation
• Community-based adaptation strategies
• Gender-based approaches to Water adaptation strategies
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems as Adaptive Water Management Strategies
• Drinking water quality management.

Water-Energy-Food Nexus: Collaborative Approaches for Sustainability

• Integrated resource management across water, energy, and food sectors
• Cross-sector partnerships and investment strategies
• Case studies on nexus-based approaches in water-stressed regions
• Building drought and flood resilience for a sustainable future
• One health approaches for water sustainability.

Policy Integration and Governance for a Synergistic Future

• Bridging gaps between regulatory frameworks and governance structures
• Policy reforms for sustainable and collaborative water management
• Multi-stakeholder approaches to water governance
• Community engagement for sustainable practices: Beyond outreach
• Policy Integration for SDG Achievement
• Nature-based Solutions in Policy Frameworks
• Transboundary and Transdisciplinary Cooperation Models
• Water pollution management.

Who Should Submit?

We are looking for students, early-career researchers, young engineers, scientists, consultants, NGO professionals, and anyone in the first 10 years of their career who wants to:

• Present their work to a welcoming and supportive audience
• Engage in lively discussions with peers and industry professionals
• Break away from traditional conference formats and share ideas freely
• Build lasting connections with fellow young professionals

Abstract Submission Guidelines:

• Abstracts must be no longer than 450 words.
• Submissions should clearly highlight the background, objectives, methodology, results, and significance of the work.
• Indicate your preferred format: Oral Presentation, Panel Discussion, or Workshop.
• Provide author details, including name, affiliation, and contact information.
• All abstracts must be submitted via the online submission portal.
• Deadline for Abstract Submissions: 31 July 2025

Why Attend and Present at YWP-ZA 2025?

• A conference made for young professionals by young professionals
• No intimidating formalities – just open and engaging conversations
• Connect with peers who share your passion for water solutions
• Get valuable feedback and recognition for your work
• Expand your professional network in a fun and welcoming environment.

Submit your abstract here.