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Water is a public good, but it is not unlimited. Too often taken for granted, this precious resource is now threatened by climate change and growing demographic pressure. Droughts, floods, pollution: imbalances are intensifying, making the need for sustainable and equitable water management on a global scale more urgent than ever.

To raise young people's awareness of these issues and involve them in the search for solutions, UNESCO organized this meeting with experts from the organization and representatives of civil society.

Abou Amani, Director of the Division of Water Sciences and Secretary of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) , introduced the discussion by emphasizing the fundamental role of international cooperation in water management.

With long experience in the field, notably in Africa and at UNESCO headquarters, Abou Amani outlined the four major challenges facing us today:

• Lack of water: increasingly frequent droughts in many parts of the world.
• Excess water : floods and high water have devastating impacts.
• Pollution : even when water is available, it is not always potable.
• Variability : uneven distribution of water resources across the planet.

In the face of these challenges, there is only one solution : sharing and cooperation between countries.

The expert presented UNESCO's main initiatives for sustainable and equitable water management. Through the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) , UNESCO is strengthening the scientific knowledge base to help States better manage their resources. The organization also coordinates the World Water Development Report and runs an international network of specialized chairs and centers.

Another major challenge is to set up early warning systems to anticipate risks and protect populations. While certain climatic phenomena are inevitable, effective preparation can limit their impact. International cooperation is essential to develop adaptation and prevention strategies, in order to guarantee safe access to water for all.

The next two speakers immediately captivated the students, connecting via Zoom from spectacular ice landscapes.

The first, Heïdi Sevestre, is a leading figure in raising awareness of climate change and protecting the polar regions. Winner of the Shackleton Medal in 2022 for her commitment, in 2024 she was named "European Young Leader" by Friends of Europe, representing France.

A field glaciologist, she plays a key role within (Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme) and regularly leads scientific expeditions to the poles and high mountains. Her goal: to make science accessible and encourage concrete action in response to the climate crisis. In 2025, her research focuses on ice caps and tropical glaciers in Uganda, in collaboration with UNESCO, , and the .

Connected from Svalbard in Norway, Heïdi shared a striking image with the students: a snow-covered landscape, frozen in ice, with a perceived temperature of -36°C

Then, Daphné Buiron captivated the audience by announcing that she was speaking from a ship sailing near Greenland. A doctor in climatology and glaciology, she specializes in ice cores, invaluable archives of the climate. In 2012, she spent a year in Antarctica as a chemist-glaciologist before discovering the Arctic in 2016, an experience that sparked her passion for Inuit culture and life in the Far North. Today, she multiplies scientific expeditions, coordinates research missions, and produces reports to raise awareness of climate issues and rethink our connection with the living world.

The students' sense of wonder did not stop at these icy landscapes. Heïdi Sevestre explained in an engaging way the essential role of glaciers : these vast reservoirs of solid water, if combined, could fill Germany twice. They change with the seasons, thickening in winter and melting in summer to feed rivers with fresh water. She emphasized their importance in our daily lives, particularly in France, where glacier water supports the hydroelectric industry.

Daphné Buiron expanded on this explanation by detailing the key functions of glaciers for the environment:

• Climate regulators : By reflecting sunlight, they help cool the planet.
• Essential water sources : They feed rivers and underground water reserves.
• Unique climate archives : Their ice, formed over thousands of years, allows us to reconstruct past climates.
• Sentinels of climate change : Their rapid melting is a direct indicator of rising temperatures.

Faced with these challenges, one question kept coming up among the students: "What can we do, concretely, today?"

A commitment that may seem simple but requires rethinking our consumption habits and energy choices.

Heïdi Sevestre, in turn, emphasized the fundamental role of education and awareness :

Strong emotions and impactful words accompanied the return to Paris with the third speaker: Elisabeth Thiéblemont, Strategy and Foresight Advisor at the General Directorate of She is notably the founder of the , a think tank dedicated to transforming water, cities, and territories.

Water is an essential resource for daily life, the economy, and the development of every country. Yet, global water challenges are also present in Paris. Water follows a complex cycle: once extracted, it undergoes numerous treatments before being used. After use, it is polluted again and must be treated before being returned to the natural environment. However, , according to the World Health Organization (WHO). More than 1.5 billion people do not have access to basic sanitation services, such as private toilets or latrines. Even in Europe, 10% of the population experiences water and energy stress, reminding us that water is also a precious energy source.

Faced with the bewildered expressions of students upon hearing these alarming figures, Elisabeth Thiéblemont emphasized the urgent need for hydrodiplomacy, both internationally and locally.

Moved by a student’s question "What careers can we pursue to ensure access to water for all ?" Elisabeth Thiéblemont expressed her joy in seeing a generation that is both aware and committed to such a fundamental issue, one too often taken for granted.

The Campus concluded on an inspiring note, with a final surprise. The students discovered the story of Raf-sur-Seine, a young activist whose dedication left a lasting impression. Born in Paris in 2010, Raphaël grew up with a strong passion for recycling and repurposing objects. At the age of nine, he embarked on an extraordinary mission: cleaning the Seine and Parisian canals using a magnet and a grappling hook. What started as a simple game soon became a true environmental commitment, earning him the Medal of the City of Paris and recognition within the UNESCO Green Citizens program.

After watching a video retracing his journey, students were met with one final surprise, Raf was present in the room. His story deeply resonated with the middle and high school students, who were impressed by someone their own age who, through passion and determination, had become a symbol of civic engagement.

Thus, the Campus ended on a note of emotion and inspiration, leaving everyone with the feeling that change is within reach and that each of us, in our own way, can become agents of a more sustainable world.

This event was made possible thanks to the support of the and the collaboration of .