From one water question to an opportunity for others

Her own water journey began with a practical question: how could unnecessary water use at school be reduced? She developed a water-saving innovation that received second prize in a UAE-wide competition involving 118 schools across all seven emirates.

At eight, Selena became the youngest and only girl finalist in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize Renew Our World Innovation Challenge. The experience showed her how one local observation could become a serious investigation and how a young person’s idea could enter a much wider conversation.

Her journey has since taken her to COP28 in Dubai, WISE in Qatar and UNESCO World Youth Skills Day through the Learning Planet Institute in Paris. Across climate, education and skills forums, she has continued to advocate for young people as learners, speakers and contributors.

Water x Planet turns that personal journey outward. It is not a programme built around one young person doing everything. It is a platform that allows many young people to begin with knowledge, find their voice and discover where their own questions may lead.

“Water was the first problem I tried to solve. Water x Planet is an invitation for other young people to begin with their own questions and discover where those questions can lead.”