contribute to the growth of ICOLD and the broader dam engineering sector, while also advancing research, innovation, and sustainability in the field.


Network activities The network activities include the moderation of a


LinkedIn group, with over 1500 members, and the organisation of activities at ICOLD events, such as YP social evenings, small discussion groups, and YP booths. Promoting participation at annual meetings includes paper and poster awards and organising workshops for YPs.


During the annual meeting in 2024 in New Delhi, a workshop focused on advancements in dam engineering with lectures and discussions on modern embankment dams, rock-filled concrete dams, and geomembrane-faced rock-fill dams was organised. During the annual meeting in 2025 in China, the YPF together with the TC on Dams and River Basin Management (TC-U) and Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA) co-organised the Workshop on Experience of Dam and Water Resources Management in the Context of Energy Transition. Commonly, mentoring lunches are organised, where YPs can spend a lunch break with a recognised expert from the field. Every annual meeting is an opportunity for a YPF social evening, where the YP can chat, meet peers and start building connections for the future in a nice setting. These activities are organised with great enthusiasm and in close collaboration with the local organising national committee and its YPF representatives where the annual meeting takes place. ICOLD supports the participation of YPF at annual events by introducing a reduced fee for YPF and supporting YP initiatives.


Webinars and online presence In 2022, we started organising technical webinars.


To date, 14 webinars have been organised in collaboration with ICOLD technical committees, regional clubs, national committees, national YPFs, and third institutions. The typical format of the webinar includes technical


presentations and practical information followed by a Q&A section and discussion, with a total duration of 1.5 to 2 hours. The webinars are free to attend, require registration, and are published on our YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@icoldypf). In the past year, we have observed an increase in webinars organised by national YP groups, indicating that the global network is active, growing, and engaging.


Visibility and participation The visibility and participation of young professionals


are steadily growing in ICOLD’s global agenda. YPF is involved in the initiatives of the ad hoc committee on Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion, representing a significant step forward in advancing sustainability and capacity building across ICOLD and the wider sector. A YPF representative also attends the meetings of the Dams and Sustainability Initiative, promoting awareness and engagement among early-career engineers, particularly on topics such as biodiversity and sustainable reservoir operation.


ICOLD is one of the 46 founding members of the


World Association of Young Scientists (WAYS). The mission of WAYS is to establish a platform for global


International Commission on Large Dams


The International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) is a global organisation dedicated to advancing the science, technology, and practice of dam engineering. Founded in 1928, ICOLD serves as a platform for professionals involved in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of dams and reservoirs. With over 100 member countries represented by their national committees for large dams, gatherings of members of governments, industries, experts and academics, ICOLD unites experts from a wide range of technical and scientific disciplines, including engineering, hydrology, and environmental science. Through its technical committees, ICOLD addresses various aspects of dam engineering, ranging from safety and design standards to sustainability and environmental considerations.


young scientists to exchange ideas and learn from one another, to build consensus on the positive role of science and technology, and to promote sustainable development through scientific and technological innovations. The scope of the member organisations of WAYS is diverse; however, they all promote the development of young professionals and provide a strategic platform for cross-sectoral collaboration. A representative from the YPF Board participated in the first General Assembly of WAYS in 2024. This was the first opportunity for the members to meet and to kick start the development of common ideas.


Way forward The way forward for the YPF is to continue bridging


the generation gap, working with the industry, and providing opportunities to support the new generation at the early stages of their career. The aims of the ICOLD YPF are to address the challenges of a changing world by building capacity through technical learning and early exposure to international collaboration. This will hopefully empower the next generations to seek innovations and solutions for a sustainable future.


Above: ICOLD member countries with active young professionals’ groups (Map created by D. Couvidat, ICOLD Central Office)


Below: Group photo after a YPF workshop in New Delhi, at the 2024 ICOLD annual meeting


www.waterpowermagazine.com | June 2025 | 21


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