There are over 1 billion people between the ages of 15 and 30 in Asia and the Pacific. How can this growing youth population be meaningfully engaged as more than just beneficiaries? This knowledge sharing session discussed ways to include youth as partners for development, particularly in ADB water projects. Different typologies and models of youth engagement in water supply and sanitation projects will be presented, giving participants a greater understanding of how young people can be leveraged in DMCs.

A case study from Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where lessons from youth participation in the technical assistance Dushanbe Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project (TA-9407) was shared during the session. Participants learned more about the actions to include and exclude from future engagements with the youth. This session also included a closing interactive discussion on how to improve and increase youth involvement in project design and implementation for upcoming investments across different sectors.