A special edition of the YEP Effect magazine was launched today, dedicated entirely to the collaboration between the Young Expert Programme (YEP) and the Blue Deal. Developed jointly by the communication teams of YEP and the Blue Deal - and shaped by the current group of Young Experts themselves - the magazine offers a look into the work and impact of young water professionals in Blue Deal partnership countries.
Young Experts take the lead
This issue showcases stories written by our own Young Experts currently halfway through their YEP Blue Deal experience. Part of their training includes communication – and this magazine gave them the opportunity to put those new skills into practice. Some conducted interviews, others provided photographs, and many shared their personal YEP and Blue Deal journeys. Together, they have created a rich and varied magazine filled with insights from water projects around the world.
A natural match with real impact
Young Expert Programmes (YEP) and the Blue Deal are a natural match. The involvement of young professionals through the YEP Programme has been a major success: their energy, hands‑on mentality and fresh ideas bring tremendous added value to the Blue Deal partnerships around the world. The YEP Global Network has also sparked lifelong connections — whether through learning from each other at regional Blue Deal conferences, as highlighted by Young Experts in Latin America, or through ongoing exchange with YEP alumni who continue to work in local water organisations.
Powered by the NWB Fund
The YEP Tailor-made programme for the Blue Deal is made possible thanks to the support of the NWB Fund. The fund plays a fundamental role in strengthening and supporting Blue Deal partnerships, through cross-cutting themes, including climate adaptation and social inclusion, both of which feature prominently in the stories presented in this special edition.
The Blue Deal Learning & Development programme
This collaboration fits within the broader Blue Deal Learning & Development (L&D) programme, which aims to strengthen the next generation of water professionals working internationally. YEP is an integral part of this approach, alongside other initiatives such as the KIWI programme. Together, they help build technical expertise, leadership skills and cross‑cultural collaboration across our global partnerships.
What’s inside this special edition?
- Mentorship in action: A story from Colombia shows how Young Experts and mentors from Dutch Water Authorities learn from and support one another within the Blue Deal context.
- Life after YEP: Alumni describe how their Blue Deal and YEP experiences continue to shape their careers and impact.
- Themes that matter: Articles focusing on climate adaptation and social inclusion — two cross‑cutting themes supported by the NWB Fund – with practical examples from Blue Deal partnerships around the world.
- And much more!
Read the magazine:
Want to explore all the stories? You can read the digital edition of the YEP Effect special here.