Water & Climate Academy: Young Leadership Programme

This is an in-person event.

The Water & Climate Academy: Young Leadership Programme is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of water and climate leaders in India.

This transformative initiative is focused on nurturing and developing India's future leaders in the water and climate sectors. The program is meticulously crafted to provide young individuals with the necessary knowledge, skills, and leadership qualities to tackle the urgent water and climate challenges facing the nation. Participants will engage in interactive workshops, listen to expert lectures, and partake in collaborative projects, all designed to foster a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between water, other commons, and climate change, while also discovering innovative and sustainable solutions. The Water & Climate Academy is committed to building a community of driven and capable young leaders, aiming to make a constructive and enduring impact on India's water and climate issues, thereby contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future.

Eligibility for Application:

The 3rd Academy's theme is "Nature-Based Solutions," and we invite applications from students, NGO/CSO staff/volunteers, researchers/scholars, government and corporate employees, as well as social and eco-entrepreneurs. This opportunity is also open to others who are keen on contributing to climate resilience by employing natural methods. Applicants should be within the age range of 18-35 years.

To apply for the program, please provide the requested information below. As there are limited seats, we encourage you to apply promptly. Please note the following while applying for the Academy.  

1.  Registration Fees: 10,000.00 INR (to be subsidized/waived off for youths selected from grassroots NGOs/CBOs and others who are selected but are genuinely not able to pay the fees.)

2.  We extend a special invitation to our corporate participants to consider sponsoring the travel expenses of one (or more) deserving applicants.

3.  We will cover partial travel expenses for deserving candidates from outside the station. For this edition of the Academy, we request that corporate and government participants manage their own travel expenses.

4. We shall provide accommodation (twin-sharing basis) to each selected candidate in the XIMU campus.  Food (including lunch, dinner, tea and snacks) will be provided to each participant during the four days of the Academy.

Final date to apply: 10 October 2025.

Programme Dates: 15-18 December, 2025 (Residential)
Location: XIM University Campus, Bhubaneswar. 

The 'Water & Climate Academy' is being organised by the Youth4Water-India campaign, XIM University, Bhubaneswar, United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS) Belgium and University of Chester, United Kingdom, PEDRR (Ecosystem for Disaster Risk Reduction and Adaptation) along with other key partners.  

Our other Knowledge Partners & Collaborators include: Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee - ICARS, IISER Kolkata - ITMERT; International Conservation Union - IUCN, New Delhi; WaterAid India; Welthungerhilfe India, New Delhi; ASAR Social Impact Advisors; Jagruti; Wetlands International - South Asia; Foundation for Ecological Security, National Institute of Urban Affairs (Govt. of India); Gram Vikas; Aaina; Welcome; Water Initiatives, India; Mahanadi River Waterkeeper; and others (to be confirmed).

Every participant will receive a Participation Certificate. Modest accommodations and meals will be arranged at the XIM University campus for all participants throughout the duration of the program.

Language: The programme will be conducted primarily in English & Hindi. 

Please click here to register.