Inaugural UK Water Week blends science, sustainability and storytelling initiative to educate and inspire children and young people

A new initiative, UK Water Week, was launched this month to educate and inspire children and young people about water conservation.

The UN Water Week UK is a first-of-its-kind initiative aiming to educate and inspire young people about water conservation. This week-long programme unites scientists, storytellers, and entertainment to create engaging STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, maths) educational resources.

The thematic focus for this inaugural year is youth engagement and water pollution. Launch events will be held in the UK Parliament and regional assemblies, with the goal of becoming a global model by 2028, aligning with UN water sustainability goals.

“One of the main purposes of Water Week is to kick off six-months of roadshow campaigning and a roadshow visiting schools, community groups, businesses and academics doing action for water, to celebrate progress and get as many people as possible to commit to water actions that conserve water and reduce water pollution,” said Katy Newnham, Director of Wastebuster, an educational environmental educational charity, who is coordinating the initiative.

“It presents an extraordinary opportunity for multiple stakeholders to come together to maximise the power of collective impact and help inspire the next generation of water conservationists.”

The Wombles have been picking up litter, recycling and repurposing since 1968. We caught up with veteran Womble Great Uncle Bulgaria over a cup of tea.

He said:

“As one of the founding partners of the Water Week campaign, we believe the art of storytelling is a powerful tool to empower, educate and bring together local communities for the power of good. It is obvious that water is important to us all, so let’s ensure we protect it. 

“Facing environmental issues alone can be scary, but when we come together as a community we are powerful. So, join your local Wombles community group, make friends, and change the world for the better.”

Helena Mansell-Stopher, chief executive of Products of Change, a founding partner of Water Week, said:

“Education is the passport to the future, as tomorrow only belongs to the people who prepare for it today, and that’s why it’s so important to give the next generation the tools to inform their future decisions, and the opportunity to voice their concerns.

“Products of Change is proud to forge alliances with Wastebusters and the UN, facilitating collaborations within industry to champion initiatives aimed at fostering positive change.”

NEWS CATEGORIES

LATEST NEWS

Ofwat approves £104bn upgrade for the water sector

Ofwat has announced a £104bn upgrade for the water sector as part of its final determinations in the PR24 process, which sets investment plans, service...

Ofwat finds Thames Water has broken dividend payment rules and proposes £18m penalty

Ofwat has announced its proposed decision which finds Thames Water to be in breach of its obligations under Licence Condition P30. In October 2023, Thames...

MPs launch new inquiry to scrutinise the breadth of issues confronting the water sector

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee is launching a new inquiry, Reforming the Water Sector, to scrutinise the breadth of issues confronting the...

Influential water and energy experts to meet once again at WEX Global in 2025

The organiser of WEX Global has announced that over 90 speakers from 45 countries will be forging partnerships in water, energy and climate change...