In May, partners from the Blue Deal programmes in Argentina, Colombia and Peru came together in La Plata (Argentina) for a week of exchange, reflection and collaboration at the second regional conference for the Latin American Blue Deal partnerships.
Multi-annual plans in the making
The first days were dedicated to developing the multi-annual plans of Colombia and Argentina for the final phase of the programme (2027–2030). The focus was clear: not doing more, but working more and better together – strengthening results, increasing impact and ensuring sustainable change.
In the second half of the week, the programme expanded into a regional conference, additionally bringing in partners from Peru. Together, we explored key themes such as data-driven decision-making, participatory monitoring, water funds, collaboration with knowledge institutes, and the power of regional networks. There were also presentations of two of the chairs of Dutch water authorities involved in the Latin American Blue Deal partnerships: Erik de Ridder (Chair / watergraaf of water authority de Dommel) and Joris Bengevoord (Chair / dijkgraaf of water authority Brabantse Delta).
Alongside the technical sessions and strategic discussions, the conference also highlighted the important role of the Young Expert Programme (YEP) in strengthening water sector capacity across the region.
Active involvement from the Young Experts
Six Young Experts (YEP: Young Expert Programmes) from Argentina, Colombia and Peru played an active and highly visible role throughout the conference, demonstrating how young professionals are helping to shape the future of sustainable water management in the region. The Young Experts not only connected, exchanged experiences, and reflected on challenges and progress in their respective regions, but also helped shape the event through a range of substantive and practical contributions.
Beyond this formal contribution, the Young Experts helped energise and animate the event. They took on the role of Blue Deal Sports reporters, bringing a dynamic and engaging perspective to the programme. In addition, they supported the facilitation of the serious game on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), guiding teams and stimulating discussion.
Their involvement extended beyond the event itself. During the reception hosted by the Dutch Ambassador in Argentina, the Young Experts showcased to the embassy the impact of their participation in the YEP programme, sharing personal stories about what they have learned and accomplished and how they are contributing to sustainable water management in their countries.
The week builds on earlier regional exchanges, including the Blue Deal LATAM meeting in Peru (October 2025). These moments of learning and connection are essential for tackling complex water challenges — from basin governance to stakeholder engagement.
Together towards lasting impact
The week in La Plata demonstrated how the Latin American Blue Deal partnerships are evolving from individual country programmes into a stronger regional network. By working together on multi-annual plans, exchanging knowledge across borders and investing in the next generation of water professionals, partners are laying the foundations for lasting impact beyond the programme period. From basin governance and stakeholder engagement to innovation and capacity development, the challenges facing the water sector are complex and interconnected. Addressing them requires collaboration, trust and continuous learning. The regional conference showed that these elements are firmly in place, strengthening not only individual partnerships but also the wider Blue Deal community across Latin America.
