Beirut, March 13, 2019. Ahead of World Water Day on 22 March, the EU-MADAD funded Water Access and Development (WAAD) consortium, in partnership with the American University of Beirut’s (AUB) Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs (IFI), organized a youth conference titled “Water in Lebanon: Turning Current Challenges into Future Opportunities”. The conference, which took place within IFI’s facilities, was also live-streamed within the campuses of Beirut Arab University (BAU) in Bekaa and Phoenicia University (PU) in the South, turned the conference into a national event, as access to water is a collective problem that needs a collective solution. Participants from AUB, BAU, PU and Balamand Universities, and industry experts, the conference encouraged the next generation to focus their studies and careers on the water and environmental sector in order to turn Lebanon’s problems into solutions. The conference focused on energy and water policy, featured various private and public actors who are involved in water management as well as Mr. Michele Pierpaoli – Attache’ for Water and Waste Water Affairs from the European Union Delegation to Lebanon. The final panel concentrated on various private venture success stories such as Clean2o and Talaya Water that focused on fruitful initiatives and growth opportunities both within Lebanon and abroad. Dr. Mohammed Haidar, EBRD/GEFF Lebanon team leader had an intervention namely about GEFF facility, partner bank which is Bank Audi, benefits and role in supporting Lebanon Green Economy. He answered many questions addressed in this respect. The Conference assessed the major water challenges in Lebanon, explored innovative solutions, future opportunities, and identified potential new job opportunities. It also provided an open discussion and knowledge-sharing platform for researchers, executives, policymakers, financial institutions and international donors. World Water Day draws attention to the importance of fresh water conservation and its sustainable management. This year’s edition “Leaving no one behind” is linked to the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) which includes a target to ensure availability and sustainability of water and sanitation to all. Water is vital for creating jobs, supporting economic, social and human development and affects all people.