CALL FOR RAPPORTEURS

From September 4^th to September 6^th, 2024, the International Water Resources Association (IWRA), is set to host its first Islands Water Congress hosted by the Faroese Geological Survey (Jarðfeingi). With the theme of “Freshwater and Islands: Administration, Collaboration and Innovation“, IWRA’s 1^st Islands Water Congress aims to develop a body of learning that will boost freshwater opportunities and advance solutions to freshwater challenges in Island contexts.

The Focus of the Congress: The Congress will facilitate knowledge and experience sharing, as well as celebrate freshwater within an island environment, including arts, culture, and the lifestyles of the younger island generations. In 2024, we will delve into the theme of “regulation” within the broader themes of Administration, Collaboration, and Innovation. The Congress will offer practical tools and insights in collaboration with the host island nation, the Faroe Islands, but that will be of equal interest to the global island audience.

Themes for the 1^st Islands Water Congress:

• Administration: Exploring the processes involved in managing freshwater resources on islands, including capture, processing, delivery, use, and disposal.
• Collaboration: Emphasising the need to unite all stakeholders involved in the administration of freshwater on islands.
• Innovation: Showcasing novel instruments, systems, and technologies that improve the administration of freshwater resources.

Call for Rapporteurs: IWRA is seeking 10 rapporteurs between the ages of 18 to 35 who will provide summary reports on various Congress sessions, including regular and special sessions, plenaries, and discussions throughout the week. Rapporteurs can be students or young professionals with skills to distil the content effectively. They will play a crucial role in the reporting and conclusion process.

Rapporteur Roles: rapporteurs will be divided into three categories:

1. The Reporters Team
2. The Editors Team
3. The Newsletter Team

Rapporteurs will cover 2-3 sessions per day, drafting summaries using a template and conducting short interviews when possible. The Editorial Team will review the reports as they come in, asking for clarifications and ensuring a consistent level of quality.The Newsletter Team will work closely with the National Organising Committee (NOC) and The IWRA Executive Office to publish a newsletter on the first and last day of the Congress.

Social Media Engagement: All rapporteurs have the opportunity to be social media ambassadors, sharing their activities through tweets, posts, and interviews, under the guidance of their supervisors. There will be two supervisors, between the NOC and IWRA Executive Office, responsible for managing the Rapporteur teams.

Application Guidelines:

• Candidates should be aged 18 to 35 and proficient in English.
• Candidates should have knowledge in at least one water-related topic, ideally enrolled in a university-level water programme.
• Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the IWRA Executive Office.
• Selected candidates will receive dedicated online training by the IWRA Executive Office to prepare for their role.
  

To Apply:

1. Send your application to islands.congress@iwra.org (IWRA Executive Office) with the subject line “Application Rapporteurs 1st Islands Water Congress.”
2. In the email body, provide a brief motivation letter (300 words), indicating your preferred rapporteur category and theme(s) in the Congress Thematic Framework.
3. Attach a short CV (2 pages) and one writing sample (article or paper) as proof of English proficiency.
4. Include a reference letter (one page) with letterhead, logo, and signature.

All materials should be submitted via email before February 29^th, 2024, to islands.congress@iwra.org.

Awards and Benefits

Rapporteurs selected for the IWRA´s 1^st Islands Water Congress will enjoy the following awards and  benefits:

• Rapporteurs will receive free registration to the 1st Islands Water Congress, which includes full access to all Congress sessions and events.
• Rapporteurs will be provided with complementary lunches during the Congress, and free access to the Gala Dinner.
• Rapporteurs will receive an invitation to join a day field trip in Tórshavn.
• Rapporteurs will be awarded a 12-month IWRA Silver Membership, offering access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities.
• Rapporteurs will receive a certificate recognising their valuable contribution to the 1st Islands Water Congress.
• Rapporteurs will be acknowledged in the official Congress Final Report, highlighting their essential role in reporting and documenting the Congress proceedings.
  

Terms and Conditions

 Before applying, please carefully review the following terms and conditions:

• Rapporteurs will not receive any form of remuneration from the Congress organisers for their services.
• All travel and accommodation expenses are the individual responsibility of each rapporteur. The Congress organisers will not provide financial assistance for these costs.
• The selected participants should reflect a diverse geographical representation and aim for a gender-balanced cohort.
• Rapporteur candidates must be 18 years old before September 1^st, 2024, and must have both a valid passport and any required visa for the period of travel.
• Rapporteurs must be willing to be recorded, and they agree to have their names, images, and videos used to promote both the Congress and IWRA.
• Rapporteurs must waive all claims they may have against IWRA or any other person that may arise as a result of travel to and participation in the Islands Water Congress.

By submitting an application, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions.

We look forward to your participation in this exciting opportunity to contribute to this groundbreaking event. Thank you for your interest!