Under the esteemed patronage of HRH Prince Hassan bin Talal, Blue Peace Middle East (Blue Peace ME) celebrated the successful conclusion of the inaugural cohort of its groundbreaking youth fellowship programme on July 24, 2024, in Amman. This transformative event marks a significant milestone in Blue Peace ME’s ongoing efforts to empower and inspire the next generation of leaders to tackle water-related challenges through cooperation and innovation.
Over five months, six exceptional fellows from Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Türkiye participated in a pioneering youth fellowship programme, the first of its kind in the region. This innovative programme featured a unique blend of online and in-person sessions, field visits, interactive workshops, and brainstorming sessions. The fellows gained the tools and knowledge required to become Blue Peace ME Ambassadors, advancing dialogue and promoting the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus and transboundary water cooperation across the region.
During her opening remarks, Eng. Maysoon Al-Zoubi, Chair of the Blue Peace ME Managing Committee, underscored the crucial involvement of youth in this new phase of the initiative, noting their vital contribution to fostering dialogue and developing innovative solutions for sustainable water management. She highlighted that celebrating the completion of the Blue Peace ME Youth Fellowship Programme not only marks the end of a significant journey but also the beginning of a new era in water diplomacy. Additionally, Eng. Al-Zoubi underscored the importance of youth in shaping a secure and prosperous water future for the Middle East, making this occasion a significant milestone for the region.
Since 2023, the Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM) has hosted the Blue Peace ME Coordination Office, reinforcing a joint commitment to sustainable water management and regional cooperation. H.E. Dr. Marwan Al Raggad, the Executive Director of INWRDAM, shared his vision of a future where youth lead in transboundary water cooperation, ensuring the long-term sustainability of our water resources. This partnership underlines the crucial role of youth in driving effective solutions and advancing dialogue in water management.
Since its inception, the Blue Peace ME initiative has been supported unwaveringly by Switzerland, through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), demonstrating Switzerland's dedication to advancing water diplomacy in the region. H.E. Caroline Tissot, the SDC’s Deputy Head of Mission - Regional Head of Cooperation, praised the collaborative efforts of regional stakeholders, which have enabled SDC to foster effective dialogue and cooperation for a more sustainable future. She also noted that, with the active involvement of youth, these efforts will have a lasting impact for years to come.
“This fellowship program is an excellent way to engage younger generations in the initiative,” said H.E. Caroline Tissot. “It has been a great privilege to meet the six brilliant young experts from six different countries. Their strong motivation and commitment to their region is a source of inspiration for me and hope for the region.”
From engaging field visits to mentorship with leading experts, Blue Peace ME fellows acquired invaluable insights and forged meaningful connections. By the end of the fellowship, they collaboratively designed a new project proposal, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application to address real-world transboundary cooperation challenges. This project will give them the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and make a tangible impact. Furthermore, the Blue Peace ME Youth Ambassadors Road Map will be defined, activating their role in advancing water diplomacy and transboundary cooperation in the Middle East.
H.E. Prof. Mashhoor Al-Refai, Secretary General for the Higher Council for Science and Technology, represented the event's patron, HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal, and delivered an inspiring speech on his behalf. Prof. Al-Rifai shared HRH's vision for regional cooperation, providing valuable insights into the future of the region amid climate change and its challenges. His address captivated both fellows and attendees, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in securing the future of water resources and leaving a lasting impression on all present.
Prof. Dr Al-Refai added, “It is also our global, collective responsibility to develop humanitarian solutions for crises, centering on inclusive human dignity and the right of every person to life and livelihood.”
The ceremony concluded with the fellows taking an official oath, pledging their commitment to serve as Blue Peace ME Youth Ambassadors. The oath, recited in unison, emphasized their dedication to promoting water cooperation and peace in the region, using their knowledge and skills for the benefit of all, and adhering to the values of dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect in all their endeavors. This powerful moment officially welcomed them into the Blue Peace ME family, entrusting them with the responsibility of advancing the initiative's mission of fostering regional cooperation and sustainable water management.
Aseel Al-Mkhaimer, Head of the Blue Peace Middle East Coordination Office, remarked on this significant moment: "By equipping these young ambassadors with knowledge, passion, and the spirit of cooperation, they are now poised to make a real difference in our region. Their journey may not be easy, but their dedication gives us hope for a more cooperative and water-secure future in the Middle East."
As the first cohort of the Blue Peace ME fellowship concludes, the fellows are poised to make a lasting impact in the region. The call for the next cohort will open in 2025, aiming to empower additional youth to become influential change-makers in their communities.