Eddie Rich, CEO of the International Hydropower Association (IHA), and Helen Watts, Executive Director of Student Energy, officially sealed a transformative partnership during the COP28 Summit focused on engaging youth in the essential role of sustainable hydropower development as part of the sustainable energy transition.

The collaboration is designed to offer Student Energy’s youth members unparalleled opportunities to engage with the International Hydropower Association's membership. This includes avenues for knowledge sharing, career development, advocacy initiatives, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities within the sustainable hydropower community.

Helen Watts, expressing her enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighted the crucial role that youth play in steering the sustainable energy transition. She emphasized the need to empower young individuals to become effective agents of change. Watts stated: "We are excited to partner with the IHA to ensure that young people working towards sustainable and just hydropower solutions have access to the industry knowledge, tools, and networks they need to drive action within the sector."

Eddie Rich echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of sustainable hydropower as a clean, green, modern, and affordable solution to combat climate change. He stated: "With this partnership with Student Energy, we hope to help mobilize a new generation of sustainable hydropower specialists to help double capacity by 2050."