WASH Connect: Speed mentoring for system strengthening in Central Asia

Published on: 15/09/2025

wash_connect_youth_event_zoom_banner.png

The purpose of this new IRC events series is to empower young professionals by connecting them with experienced mentors, creating space to share their stories, advice, and building stronger networks. We will start in Central Asia on 15 October 2025 with the plan to replicate it in other regions.

At the heart of the event will be speed mentoring, combined with storytelling and networking, to create a dynamic and inspiring space that also strengthens engagement with the WASH Systems Academy.

This event will be conducted via Zoom and will take 1.5 hrs. Through interactive sessions, participants will receive career guidance, share personal experiences, and co-create a youth-driven vision for WASH in the Central Asia region.

Register here

Agenda

The timing is set to 14:00 UTC/GMT +6 hours: 

• 14:00 –14:05 Greetings, agenda presentation, and introduction of organisers and partners. Menti poll: Where are you joining from? What is your story with water or sanitation?
• 14:05 –14:25 Speaker 1: Big picture of the WASH sector and current challenges. Speaker 2: Why youth matter in WASH & real opportunities for impact in Central Asia.
• 14:25 – 14:30 Presentation of the course offer “WASH Basics” in Russian, as well as the whole catalogue, how to access it, and sign-up.
• 14:30 –14: 35 Quick activity on the meeting’s chat, sharing personal stories about WASH, highlighting some of them.
• 14:35 –15:15 Two rounds of speed mentoring in small groups of ~6–8 participants per breakout room hosted by 1 mentor.
• 15:15 –15:25 Menti poll: What’s one big takeaway or next step you’re excited about?
• 15:25 – 15:30 Remarks from the event, closing, and an opportunity for participants to leave feedback, connect, and share contact information.