As the impacts of climate change intensify, the role of youth in creating resilient water and sanitation systems and fostering sustainable communities becomes increasingly crucial. With their energy, digital fluency, and innovative ideas, young people are well-equipped to tackle challenges in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as well as water resource management (WRM) in creative and effective ways.
From October 8 to 11, 2024, 70 young people, including emerging content creators, participated in outreach activities organized by the Sanitation Directorate of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (MPWH) and three USAID initiatives (IUWASH Tangguh, IUWASH Pasar, and Selaras) in Salatiga and Yogyakarta. These events were part of the Ministry’s observance of World Habitat Day 2024, aimed at promoting greater youth involvement in water and sanitation initiatives. The program featured a visit to a septage treatment plant in Salatiga, where participants learned about domestic wastewater treatment processes, alongside webinars discussing the roles of youth in water and sanitation.
A highlight of the program was the “Today’s Youth in Sanitation” webinar, opened by the Head of Technical Planning Sub-Directorate of the Sanitation Directorate, MPWH, Marsaulina Pasaribu and COR USAID Indonesia, Trigeanny Linggoatmodjo. The discussion featured Alex Chandra a social entrepreneur focused on integrated plastic waste management; Bambang Sutrisno, an environmental campaigner and educator; and Dwi Hidayatul Khusna, an entrepreneur specializing in septic tank construction.
They shared their experiences, inspiring participants to take meaningful actions to protect the environment. Attendees also received practical tips for initiating efforts in water and sanitation development. Young people can use their skills in digital media to effectively influence and educate others about environmental protection. Networking plays a crucial role as it helps youth enhance their knowledge and explore opportunities for collective action.
A WRM expert from USAID IUWASH Tangguh further emphasized the growing impacts of climate change and collaborative efforts in ensuring sustainable water availability during a webinar titled “Strengthening Climate Resilience through Water Safety Plans: Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Youth Engagement, and Local Community Action.” A participant, Kesya Prameswari Prawiro, remarked, “This event inspires me to post more content on safe sanitation on social media.”
With their enthusiasm, youth will be vital partners for both USAID and MPWH in achieving national development goals. To facilitate meaningful participation, creating an enabling environment, such as inclusive policies, capacity building in digital technologies, and scalable markets for waste recycling, is essential.
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