November 16, 15:00 - 16:30
Panel discussion

Undetected Danger: Micropollutants, Wastewater Treatment & Youth-Led Innovation

This intergenerational panel will examine the growing challenge of micropollutants in wastewater and their implications for aquatic ecosystems, coastal resilience and climate action. Academic experts will introduce the sources, pathways and environmental impacts of contaminants that may remain insufficiently removed by conventional wastewater treatment. Experts from industry and clean-tech will then explore practical solutions, including advanced technologies that can be integrated into existing infrastructure and approaches for scaling innovative treatment methods. The session will also highlight youth-led research, entrepreneurship and innovation, creating space for young changemakers to contribute solutions to persistent water and pollution challenges. Bringing together researchers, practitioners, industry and youth, the discussion will identify practical pathways to strengthen wastewater management, urban resilience and protection of coastal and marine ecosystems.

TIME & PLACE

November 16, 15:00 - 16:30

ORGANISERSYOUNGO,

The proposed event directly contributes to COP31 priorities on Zero Waste, Oceans and Seas, Climate-Resilient Cities, Youth and Education, and Green Industrialisation. It connects wastewater management and pollution prevention with the protection of aquatic and coastal ecosystems, including blue-carbon environments, while examining practical pathways to strengthen urban water and wastewater infrastructure. The session supports COP31’s implementation-focused approach by bringing together research, industry, clean-tech innovators and youth to identify scalable solutions for reducing micropollutant discharge and improving treatment systems. It also advances meaningful youth participation by highlighting youth-led innovation and perspectives in addressing water, pollution and climate challenges.

Organisers

YOUNGO

Related Events

See all events

Scaling Nature-Based Solutions for Water and Climate Resilience: From Policy Commitments to Investment and Action

November 17, 2026 11:00 am - 12:30Panel discussionNature, Biodiversity, Ecosystems

Water is a critical link between climate, biodiversity, communities and economic resilience. Nature-based solutions can simultaneously strengthen water and climate resilience, support climate adaptation, protect biodiversity, and contribute to resilient food systems. Beyond their environmental benefits, they offer tangible opportunities to strengthen community resilience, support local development and underpin long-term economic prosperity.

French Water Partnership | Lake Baikal Foundation

Financing freshwater actions across the Rio Conventions

November 17, 2026 1:00 pm - 14:30Panel discussionNature, Biodiversity, Ecosystems

This proposed event will explore how investment in freshwater ecosystems can help countries deliver their biodiversity, land restoration and climate commitments together. It will use three country examples to connect national priorities with the finance, technical support and coordination needed for implementation, positioning the Freshwater Challenge (FWC) as a practical vehicle for delivering existing commitments.

Wetlands International

Green Water for Climate Resilience: From Science to Action

November 17, 2026 3:00 pm - 16:30Panel discussionNature, Biodiversity, Ecosystems

This session will pre-launch the Green Water Flagship Initiative, highlighting the role of green water and the full hydrological cycle in strengthening climate adaptation, ecosystem resilience and sustainable land use. Combining technical insights with policy and implementation perspectives, it will showcase emerging metrics, diagnostics and practical approaches for translating green water science into decision-making, investment and action. The session will also build momentum for the Flagship Initiative and its broader coalition of Member States and partners.

UNESCO | Stockholm International Water Institute