RE-NEW Water Challenge 2023

2023 RE-NEW Our WORLD Challenge reached an astounding 791 student entries from 104 schools across all 7 Emirates participated, reflecting the commitment and enthusiasm of the youth to contribute to a sustainable future. With the support and mentorship of fellow esteemed organizations (including Axis Communications, Nestlé, Xylem, No More Bottles, and KPS), top candidates aged 8-18 pitched their ideas to address water-related challenges including water scarcity, water pollution and water accessibility.

Among the sponsors and mentors, Droople was pleased to leverage the talent of Junior candidate Madhav Krishna from the Dubai Private School, who secured second prize in his Category. This accomplishment not only highlights his talent but also showcases the invaluable guidance and support provided by Droople throughout the competition.

The awarding ceremony, held in partnership with Emirates Environmental Group at SEE Institute, was a resounding success. . Led by the esteemed Mrs. Habiba Al Marashi and her team, under the patronage of MOEIUAE, the flagship program is in excellent hands, ensuring its continued growth and impact.

The ceremony honored the outstanding winners from the Junior, Middle, and Senior categories, recognizing their exceptional achievements with certificates and awards. It had the honor of hosting H.E. Eng. Fahad Alhammadi - Assistant Under Secretary for Support Services Affaires at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI). The MOEI is the patron of the Challenge and will continue endorsing subsequent editions of this great initiative. Distinguished speakers passionately emphasized the collective responsibility to minimize water consumption and preserve our precious resources. As the speakers eloquently conveyed, water is indeed the new gold, and our commitment to its preservation is crucial for the well-being of our planet.

The success of the challenge would not have been possible without the dedication of Founder Linda Merieau and Programs Director Edurne Gil de San Vicente. Their vision and leadership have been instrumental in inspiring the next generation of water innovators. Gratitude is also extended to the esteemed Board of Directors, including Liz Chan A Sue, Abdullah Al Atrash, Khalid Alshafar, Grant Bateman, Rania Barakat, Shamma A., and all the other individuals who contributed their expertise and support.

Lastly, knowledge partners, mentors, jury members, students, teachers, schools, and everyone involved in the RE-NEW Water Challenge certainly are a collective work towards future advancements in water conservation and empowering youth and the wider community. Shukran!

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Next will be the Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP) held during World Water Week August 20-24, 2023 where the work of all 40 countries will be reviewed by an esteemed jury of international water experts, and prized by the patron HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.

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