Young Water Diplomats Programme 2027: International Water Diplomacy Training in the Netherlands and Uzbekistan

Introduction

Applications are open for the Young Water Diplomats Programme 2027, an advanced six-month training programme offered by IHE Delft Institute for Water Education for early-career diplomats and professionals interested in international water politics, environmental diplomacy, transboundary water governance, and international cooperation.

Water is essential for human development, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and regional stability. However, growing pressure on freshwater resources, climate change, population growth, infrastructure development, and competing demands for water can create complex political and environmental challenges. These challenges are particularly significant when rivers, lakes, and groundwater resources cross national boundaries and require cooperation among different countries.

The Young Water Diplomats Programme is designed to help emerging professionals understand these challenges and develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to support effective water diplomacy. Through scientific learning, online webinars, group assignments, interdisciplinary collaboration, and two in-person workshops, participants explore how water-related challenges can be addressed through dialogue, negotiation, cooperation, and informed decision-making.

The 2027 programme will run from 3 February to 6 July 2027. It combines online learning with face-to-face workshops in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and Delft, the Netherlands. Participants should expect to dedicate approximately four hours per week to programme activities, with attendance at both in-person workshops being mandatory.

For professionals seeking to strengthen their understanding of international relations, water governance, environmental politics, and transboundary cooperation, this programme offers an opportunity to develop specialized knowledge while engaging with an international community of water diplomacy practitioners and experts.

What Is the Young Water Diplomats Programme?

The Young Water Diplomats Programme is an advanced training initiative developed by IHE Delft Institute for Water Education. It focuses on the relationship between water resources, international relations, environmental challenges, and diplomacy.

The programme brings together early-career professionals who are engaged in or interested in international water and environmental politics. Its intended participants generally have academic backgrounds in social sciences, particularly international relations, international law, foreign affairs, or related disciplines, and relevant professional experience in diplomacy, international cooperation, conflict resolution, or environmental issues.

Rather than focusing exclusively on the technical aspects of water management, the programme explores how scientific knowledge, political considerations, institutional arrangements, and diplomatic approaches interact in the management of shared water resources.

Participants learn about water systems and the pressures affecting them, while also examining the practical tools that countries and institutions can use to manage disagreements, strengthen cooperation, and establish effective governance arrangements.

The programme also emphasizes interdisciplinary and intercultural learning. Water challenges rarely fit neatly within one academic or professional field. Their resolution may require collaboration among diplomats, environmental specialists, legal professionals, policymakers, researchers, and water-management practitioners. By encouraging participants to work across disciplines and national contexts, the programme seeks to develop a broader understanding of water diplomacy and its practical application.

Why Water Diplomacy Matters

Water diplomacy has become increasingly important as countries face interconnected environmental, economic, and political challenges involving shared water resources.

Many freshwater systems extend across national borders. Decisions taken by one country concerning water infrastructure, water allocation, river management, or environmental protection may affect neighboring countries and communities downstream. Without effective cooperation, these differences can create tensions, complicate development planning, and increase the difficulty of managing scarce resources.

Climate change adds further complexity. Changes in rainfall patterns, droughts, floods, temperature, and water availability can place additional pressure on freshwater systems. Infrastructure development can also change how water is stored, distributed, and used, potentially creating competing interests among different users and countries.

Water diplomacy provides approaches for addressing these challenges through communication, negotiation, cooperation, shared knowledge, and appropriate institutional arrangements. It can help countries identify common interests, manage disagreements, and work toward more equitable and sustainable outcomes.

The Young Water Diplomats Programme addresses these issues by combining scientific understanding with diplomatic and governance tools. Participants are expected to develop the ability to analyze water-related challenges from environmental, political, institutional, and social perspectives.

Objectives of the Young Water Diplomats Programme 2027

The programme has several learning objectives designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of water resources and their ability to contribute to international water cooperation.

1. Understand water resources and water management

Participants will develop an understanding of key aspects of water resources and their management. Topics include the hydrological cycle, hydrological monitoring and modelling, infrastructure and its effects, climate change impacts, and integrated water resources management.

This scientific foundation helps participants understand the conditions that shape water availability and the challenges associated with managing water resources sustainably.

2. Learn and apply water diplomacy tools

The programme introduces participants to different tools used in water diplomacy. These tools can support dialogue, cooperation, negotiation, and the management of competing interests involving shared water resources.

Understanding these approaches is particularly relevant to professionals working in foreign affairs, international relations, environmental policy, and transboundary cooperation.

3. Apply interdisciplinary knowledge to problem-solving

Water governance requires an understanding of more than hydrology alone. Legal frameworks, political relationships, institutional responsibilities, social conditions, and environmental pressures can all influence water-related decisions.

Participants will learn to integrate knowledge from different disciplines when examining problems and developing possible approaches to resolving them. The programme also emphasizes collaboration in intercultural and transdisciplinary teams.

4. Compare water conflict and cooperation across different basins

Participants will analyze and compare lessons from water conflict and cooperation in different river basins around the world.

This comparative perspective can help participants understand why particular approaches work in some settings but may require adaptation in others. It also encourages critical examination of the political, environmental, and institutional conditions that influence cooperation.

5. Evaluate challenges facing transboundary freshwater resources

The programme addresses challenges affecting both surface water and groundwater that cross national boundaries.

Participants will examine how environmental conditions and social and political circumstances influence these challenges. This includes understanding why water-related issues may differ across regions and why effective responses must consider the specific circumstances of each basin.

6. Assess institutional arrangements for water cooperation

Participants will explore different institutional arrangements used to support water cooperation and transboundary water governance.

Institutions and governance frameworks can provide mechanisms for communication, coordination, information sharing, and joint decision-making. Understanding these arrangements is important for professionals who contribute to international agreements, regional cooperation, and water-related policymaking.

Programme Dates and Important Information

The Young Water Diplomats Programme 2027 is scheduled to run for approximately six months.

• Programme start date: 3 February 2027
• Programme end date: 6 July 2027
• Application deadline: 29 November 2026, at 23:59 Central European Time (CET), according to the programme’s main course information.
• Programme duration: Six months
• Course fee: €1,500, excluding VAT
• Total expected workload: Approximately 152 hours
• Average weekly workload: Approximately four hours
• Learning format: Hybrid, combining online activities with in-person workshops
• In-person workshop locations: Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and Delft, the Netherlands

The programme page also contains a separate application-process section that lists 30 November 2026, at 23:59 CET, as the deadline. Because the source displays these two different dates, applicants should verify the final deadline on the official application page before submitting their applications. It is advisable to prepare all documents well in advance rather than waiting until the final day.

Programme Structure and Learning Format

The Young Water Diplomats Programme combines online learning and face-to-face activities to provide participants with both theoretical knowledge and opportunities for collaborative learning.

The programme takes place between February and July 2027 and includes webinars, reading assignments, group work, individual assignments, and two in-person workshops.

Online webinars

Participants will take part in two online webinars per month throughout the six-month programme.

The webinars may include lectures, discussions, presentations, and other learning activities. They provide opportunities to engage with programme content, exchange ideas, and examine water diplomacy challenges with instructors and fellow participants.

Webinars are scheduled on weekdays during working hours in the Central European Time zone. Applicants should consider the time difference between their country and Central Europe when deciding whether they can participate consistently.

Preparatory reading assignments

Participants are expected to complete preparatory readings as part of their learning responsibilities.

These readings help establish the background knowledge needed to participate meaningfully in webinars, discussions, and group assignments. Since the programme involves academic literature and specialized topics, applicants must have sufficient English proficiency to read and understand relevant materials.

Group work and collaboration

Group work is another required component of the programme. Participants will contribute to collaborative activities that encourage the exchange of ideas and the integration of knowledge from different disciplines and professional contexts.

This approach reflects the reality of water diplomacy, where effective solutions often depend on cooperation among people with different areas of expertise and perspectives.

Self-paced individual assignments

Participants must also complete individual assignments at their own pace within the programme’s requirements.

These assignments contribute to independent learning and allow participants to engage more deeply with selected topics and concepts.

Two mandatory in-person workshops

The programme includes two face-to-face workshops. Attendance at both workshops is mandatory, and participants must be prepared to travel internationally.

First workshop: Tashkent, Uzbekistan

• Dates: 12–15 April 2027
• Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
• Focus: In-person learning and engagement with water cooperation activities
• Additional component: Participation in the 8th Water and Peace Seminar

The workshop will be organized in collaboration with the Scientific-Information Center of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination in Central Asia, known as SIC ICWC.

The workshop provides an opportunity to engage with water-related issues in a regional context and participate in activities connected to water cooperation and peace.

Second workshop: Delft, the Netherlands

• Dates: 5–7 July 2027
• Location: IHE Delft premises in Delft, the Netherlands

The second workshop takes place near the end of the programme. It provides another opportunity for participants to meet in person, engage in learning activities, and interact with other members of the programme.

Applicants should carefully consider the mandatory travel requirements, including visa arrangements, transportation, accommodation, insurance, and other associated costs.

Expected Time Commitment

Participants are expected to dedicate approximately four hours per week to programme activities. The overall minimum workload is approximately 152 hours across the six-month period.

The stated average monthly workload is approximately 16 hours. Participants should be prepared to complete the following activities:

• Attend two webinars per month.
• Participate actively in lectures, discussions, presentations, and other webinar activities.
• Complete preparatory reading assignments.
• Contribute to group work.
• Complete self-paced individual assignments.
• Attend both mandatory in-person workshops.

Although the average weekly workload is relatively limited compared with a full-time course, participants must be able to manage the programme alongside their existing professional responsibilities.

Applicants seeking financial support should pay particular attention to the time commitment. According to the programme information, scholarship applicants may be required to submit formal confirmation from their employer demonstrating that they are available to participate and can devote the necessary time to the training.

Eligibility Requirements for the Young Water Diplomats Programme 2027

The programme is intended for early-career professionals engaged in or interested in international water and environmental politics. Applicants must meet the academic, professional, and language requirements described by IHE Delft.

Academic qualifications

Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in social sciences.

The programme particularly prefers applicants with academic backgrounds in:

• International relations
• International law
• Foreign affairs
• Related social science fields

Applicants should review the official criteria carefully to determine whether their qualifications align with the programme’s intended academic background.

Early-career status

The programme targets professionals at an early stage of their careers.

Priority will be given to applicants under the age of 40. The wording indicates a preference rather than an explicitly stated absolute age limit, so applicants should consult the official application information if they are uncertain about their eligibility.

Relevant professional experience

Applicants should have relevant work experience in one or more of the following areas:

• International relations
• Foreign affairs
• Diplomacy
• Conflict resolution
• International cooperation

Experience involving environmental matters or water-related issues is particularly preferred.

This preference reflects the programme’s focus on water diplomacy and the practical relationships between environmental challenges, international affairs, and cooperation.

English-language proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate a strong command of English.

They should be able to read and understand academic literature, communicate ideas clearly, participate in discussions, and contribute to collaborative learning activities.

The provided programme information does not specify a mandatory IELTS, TOEFL, or other standardized English-language test score. Applicants should therefore check the official application instructions for any additional language-documentation requirements.

Ability to commit to the programme

Applicants must be able to meet the programme’s participation requirements, including online webinars, reading assignments, group work, individual assignments, and both mandatory in-person workshops.

Because the webinars are scheduled on weekdays during Central European working hours, participants should ensure they can accommodate the timetable.

Those applying for scholarships may also need formal employer confirmation that they can participate in the six-month programme and dedicate the required time.

Is Funding or a Scholarship Available?

Yes. The programme information states that a limited number of partial or full fellowships may be available for eligible applicants from certain low- and middle-income countries.

These funding opportunities are associated with the IHE Delft Water and Development Partnership Programme (WDPP) and its Cross-regional Learning for Transformative Water Diplomacy (CroWD) project.

The availability of financial support is limited, and applicants should not assume that admission automatically includes a scholarship or fellowship.

Scholarship info

Who may qualify for financial support?

According to the programme information:

• Applicants from least developed countries may be eligible for partial or full fellowships.
• Applicants from low-income countries may be eligible for partial or full fellowships.
• Applicants from lower-middle-income countries may be eligible for partial or full fellowships.
• Applicants from upper-middle-income countries may be considered for partial scholarships on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility for funding is linked to the applicable country classifications, including the latest OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) list of Official Development Assistance recipients referenced by the programme.

Applicants should consult the relevant official list and the programme’s current funding guidance to confirm whether their country qualifies.

How to request scholarship consideration

Applicants can indicate in the application form whether they wish to apply for a scholarship.

Those seeking financial support should be prepared to provide the requested documentation. The programme specifically states that scholarship applicants will be asked to provide formal confirmation from their employer indicating that they are available to participate in the six-month training programme and can devote the required time to complete it.

Applicants should consult the programme’s official FAQ and application instructions for further information about funding conditions and supporting documents.

What costs should applicants consider?

The course fee is €1,500, excluding VAT. This amount does not include travel, visas, insurance, accommodation, or living expenses associated with the in-person meetings in Uzbekistan and the Netherlands.

Applicants should therefore distinguish between the course fee and the total cost of participation.

Even if a participant receives a scholarship or fellowship, they should confirm exactly which expenses are covered before making travel or financial arrangements. The programme information confirms that funding may be available, but it does not establish that every applicant will receive full financial support for all expenses.

Course Lecturers and Learning Contributors

The programme’s listed lecturers include professionals with expertise in water cooperation, diplomacy, governance, and related fields.

The lecturers named in the programme information are:

• Susanne Schmeier
• Jenniver Sehring
• Aaron Wolf
• Leon Hermans
• Bota Sharipova
• Micha Werner
• Tibor Stigter
• Ilyas Masih

Practitioners and guest lecturers from different transboundary basins will also contribute to the programme.

The participation of lecturers and practitioners from different backgrounds supports the programme’s interdisciplinary approach. It allows participants to examine water diplomacy from a range of academic and practical perspectives rather than relying on a single disciplinary framework.

The Cross-regional Learning for Transformative Water Diplomacy Project

The Young Water Diplomats Programme is offered under the project titled Cross-regional Learning for Transformative Water Diplomacy (CroWD).

The project is funded through the IHE Delft Partnership Programme for Water and Development of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

CroWD is described as a four-year project intended to create and nurture a community of open-minded and engaged early-career and advanced scholars.

Its aims include:

1. Advancing the understanding of water diplomacy through collaboration.
2. Developing approaches that can transform water diplomacy to support more equitable and sustainable outcomes.
3. Sharing knowledge with a broader community of water diplomacy practitioners.
4. Encouraging the application of knowledge in ways that can contribute to practical change.

The Young Water Diplomats Programme has been implemented since 2022. Its continued operation reflects an effort to build a community of professionals who can contribute to discussions and practical initiatives concerning water cooperation and governance.

How Competitive Is the Selection Process?

The programme accepts a maximum of 18 participants annually.

Applicants are selected competitively based on the stated eligibility criteria and their motivation statement. Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission.

Because the cohort is limited, applicants should prepare a thoughtful and well-organized application that demonstrates their relevant academic background, professional experience, interest in water diplomacy, and reasons for wanting to participate.

A strong motivation statement should clearly explain the applicant’s interest in international water and environmental politics and how the programme relates to their professional responsibilities or future goals. Applicants should ensure that their statements follow the format required by IHE Delft rather than submitting an unrelated personal statement.

The programme information does not publish a guaranteed admission rate or a detailed scoring breakdown. Applicants should therefore focus on meeting all requirements and presenting their experience and motivation clearly.

Documents Required for the Application

Applicants should prepare the documents listed in the programme’s application information.

1. Motivation statement

Applicants must submit a motivation statement using the required format or template.

The statement should explain their motivation for joining the programme and demonstrate how their background and interests relate to water diplomacy. Applicants should follow the official template and instructions carefully.

2. Bachelor’s diploma and academic transcript

Applicants must provide their bachelor’s diploma and transcript.

These documents support verification of the applicant’s academic qualifications. Applicants should ensure that the submitted files are readable and comply with any instructions in the application form.

3. Curriculum Vitae

A current CV should summarize the applicant’s educational background, professional experience, relevant responsibilities, and other information that supports their suitability for the programme.

Applicants should emphasize experience relevant to international relations, diplomacy, foreign affairs, conflict resolution, international cooperation, environmental matters, or water-related issues where applicable.

4. Copy of an identity document

Applicants must provide a copy of an identity document as required by the application process.

They should follow the official instructions concerning the acceptable document format and any requirements for the uploaded copy.

5. Additional documents for scholarship applicants

Applicants requesting scholarship consideration should be prepared to provide formal confirmation from their employer stating that they are available to participate in the six-month training programme and can dedicate the required time.

Other scholarship-related information may be provided in the official FAQ or application instructions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying

Applicants can follow these steps to prepare their application.

Step 1: Review the official programme information.

Read the eligibility requirements, programme dates, time commitment, travel obligations, fee information, and funding conditions. Confirm that your academic and professional background matches the stated criteria.

Step 2: Check the application deadline.

The main course information lists 29 November 2026 at 23:59 CET, while a separate section lists 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. Confirm the applicable deadline through the official application system and aim to submit early.

Step 3: Create an IHE account.

The application instructions state that applicants must first create an IHE account before completing the application form.

Step 4: Complete the application form.

Enter the required information accurately and complete all mandatory sections. If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, indicate this in the application form as instructed.

Step 5: Prepare and upload the required documents.

Prepare your motivation statement using the required template, bachelor’s diploma, transcript, CV, and identity document. Check that all documents are complete and legible before submission.

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Step 6: Prepare any scholarship-related documentation.

If applying for a scholarship, review the funding requirements and prepare the employer confirmation or any other supporting material requested by the programme.

Step 7: Review your application.

Before submitting, verify that all information is accurate, all required documents are attached, and the motivation statement follows the required format.

Step 8: Submit your application through the official channel.

Use the official IHE Delft programme page and application system to complete the process. Keep a record of any submission confirmation and monitor your email for further communication.

Is the Young Water Diplomats Programme Right for You?

The programme may be particularly relevant to professionals who want to understand how international cooperation can address shared water challenges.

It may be a suitable opportunity for early-career diplomats, foreign affairs professionals, international relations specialists, legal professionals working in relevant areas, and individuals involved in conflict resolution or international cooperation.

It may also interest professionals whose work connects environmental issues with regional or international relations, particularly where freshwater resources, climate change, and transboundary governance are important.

However, prospective applicants should assess their suitability against the formal criteria. The programme specifically requests a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, preferably in international relations, international law, or related fields, along with relevant work experience and strong English-language skills.

Applicants should also consider whether they can attend both in-person workshops and cover the costs not included in the course fee, unless financial support is confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Young Water Diplomats Programme 2027?

It is a six-month advanced training programme offered by IHE Delft Institute for Water Education for early-career diplomats and professionals interested in international water and environmental politics, water diplomacy, and transboundary water governance.

When does the programme start and end?

The programme is scheduled to begin on 3 February 2027 and end on 6 July 2027.

What is the application deadline?

The main course information lists 29 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. A separate application-process section lists 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. Applicants should verify the final deadline through the official application system.

How much does the programme cost?

The course fee is €1,500, excluding VAT. Travel, visa, insurance, accommodation, and living expenses for the in-person workshops are not included.

Are scholarships available?

A limited number of partial or full fellowships may be available for eligible applicants from least developed, low-income, and lower-middle-income countries. Applicants from upper-middle-income countries may be considered for partial scholarships on a case-by-case basis.

Is the programme conducted online or in person?

It uses a hybrid format. Participants take part in online webinars and assignments and must attend two in-person workshops: one in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and another in Delft, the Netherlands.

Is attendance at the in-person workshops mandatory?

Yes. The programme information states that attendance at both in-person workshops is mandatory.

What academic qualifications are required?

Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, preferably in international relations, international law, or related fields.

Is there an age limit?

The programme targets early-career professionals and gives priority to applicants under 40. The published wording describes a priority rather than an absolute age restriction.

What documents must applicants submit?

The listed documents include a motivation statement in the required format, bachelor’s diploma and transcript, CV, and a copy of an identity document. Scholarship applicants may also need employer confirmation.

How many participants are selected?

The programme admits a maximum of 18 participants annually, with selection based on the eligibility criteria and motivation statement.

Where can applicants apply?

Applicants should use the official IHE Delft programme page and follow the instructions for creating an account and completing the application form.

Conclusion

The Young Water Diplomats Programme 2027 offers early-career professionals an opportunity to develop specialized knowledge of water diplomacy, international relations, environmental politics, and transboundary water governance. Through online webinars, academic reading, group assignments, individual learning, and two mandatory in-person workshops, participants can explore the scientific, political, institutional, and diplomatic dimensions of shared water resources.

The programme is particularly relevant to professionals with backgrounds in social sciences, international relations, international law, foreign affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, or international cooperation. A limited number of partial or full fellowships may be available for eligible applicants, although funding is not guaranteed and additional participation expenses must be considered.

Interested applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements, prepare the required documents, confirm scholarship conditions, and verify the application deadline because the programme page lists two different dates. The main course information gives 29 November 2026 at 23:59 CET as the deadline, while the application-process section gives 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.

For professionals committed to improving cooperation over shared freshwater resources and contributing to more equitable and sustainable water governance, this programme can provide a focused learning experience and an opportunity to connect with an international community working on water diplomacy.

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