As young people, we are the custodians of the future. We form a bridge between the generations of today and the generations of tomorrow. Our involvement in IWRM is crucial for the sustainability of our water resources:

· We realise that there is tremendous untapped potential and energy in the youth to contribute to operationalising IWRM;
· We recognise the need for an enabling environment to facilitate the effective involvement of the youth in IWRM initiatives;
· We recognise the need for effective and efficient co-ordination of youth initiatives in IWRM;
· We realise that there is need for resources in various forms to facilitate the effective involvement of the youth in IWRM.

Awareness

Awareness is the cornerstone for involvement or participation in any activity. We are concerned about the low levels of awareness on IWRM among the youth and the society general. In particular:

· We note that there is a need to promote IWRM awareness among the youth, by the youth;
· We note that there are gaps in knowledge between IWRM experts and the youth; and
· We note that the youth could benefit tremendously from the expertise available in the region.

Water and Sanitation

Access to a safe water supply, adequate and appropriate sanitation is one of the basic human rights that affects the lives of the youth. It is of concern to the youth that at the turn of the millenium, some 40% of Southern Africans did not have access to a safe water supply for their basic needs. As youth
· We note with concern that the youth are directly affected by the existing scenario;
· We realize that the youth can play an important role through advocacy to promote basic clean water supply, appropriate sanitation coverage and safe waste disposal thereby improving the quality of life.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Convicted in the belief of the afore-mentioned challenges and key issues and determined to contribute to positive change in the water situation in general and to IWRM in particular, we, the pioneers of youth involvement in Integrated Water Resources Management in Southern Africa under the auspices of the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa recommend that:

1. National, global and regional agencies and establishments be encouraged to put in place clear, and concise initiatives to promote the effective involvement of the youth in IWRM initiatives at all levels.

2. Capacity building of the youth in IWRM be considered as a priority pivotal to national development and securing of the future. National, regional, and global authorities should allocate financial resources for building the capacity of the youth in IWRM.

3. An enabling logistical, financial and political environment be created as a pre-requisite to the effective involvement of the youth in the operationalization of IWRM in Southern Africa.

4. The involvement of the youth and youth activities in IWRM be given the all crucial political support and goodwill.

5. The youth be considered and be actively involved in the planning and execution of activities to achieve the Southern Africa Vision for Water, Life and the Environment in the 21st century.

6. The youth of Southern Africa establish a network through which to coordinate youth activities in IWRM both regionally and internationally.

Made at Harare, Zimbabwe on 25 September 2001

HARARE YOUTH FORUM REPORT