Young professionals from across the world came together with senior IAHR experts for an open conversation about career experiences, professional development and opportunities to connect within the international water community.

On 21 July 2026, during the 25th IAHR Asia and Pacific Division Congress in Incheon, Republic of Korea, the Meet the Leaders: YP–Senior Dialogue brought students, early-career researchers, engineers and practitioners together with experienced members of the IAHR community for an informal and interactive exchange.

The session featured IAHR President Prof. Philippe Gourbesville (first from left, pictured above) and Prof. Il-Won Seo (second from left), Emeritus Professor at Seoul National University and a keynote speaker at the Congress. Moderated by Prof. Changhyun Jun of Korea University, the discussion offered young professionals an opportunity to ask questions, exchange perspectives and learn from the personal and professional experiences of established experts.

Rather than following a traditional lecture format, the dialogue encouraged open conversation about career choices, overcoming challenges, developing international connections and navigating opportunities in the water sector. Participants also explored emerging developments in hydro-environment engineering and ways to become more actively involved in IAHR.

The initiative attracted considerable international interest, with 85 advance registrations from 20 countries and regions, predominantly in the Asia-Pacific region but also extending to Europe, Africa and North America.

Following the dialogue, the YP Networking Night provided a more informal setting for participants to continue their conversations, share experiences and establish new professional connections over dinner.

Organised by the IAHR-APD 2026 Local Organising Committee, with support from the IAHR Committee on Education and Professional Development (EPD) through the efforts of its Vice-Chair, Dr Qian Yu, the activities also benefited from the contributions of Dr Jongyun Byun of the Korea University Young Professionals Network and the IAHR Global Secretariat.

The event highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young professionals to connect with experienced colleagues, build international networks and participate more actively in the IAHR community.