On June 26, we joined the inspiring Jongerentop Ijssel in Doesburg— organized by IJsselbiënnale, Schone IJssel, and Waterschap Vallei en Veluwe, with leadership from Gooitske Zijlstra.
The setting made it easy for students and professionals to connect and participate in the Table Talks. After the welcome and opening remarks, the team from Wetsus took the stage to demonstrate something eye-catching: how river water from the IJssel could be transformed into clean, drinkable water using advanced purification technology!
Kadey Swe shared powerful insights from his internship with Waterschap Vallei en Veluwe, and Wavemaker Willian Weits brought the energy as he spotlighted Wavemakers United’s growing impact through videos and a strong pitch.
The Table Talks centered on:
🔹Water quality is life quality
🔹Living along the IJssel: between wonder and worry
🔹 Plastics, pills, and cigarettes – the IJssel has had enough
Participants exchanged their experiences, knowledge, and dreams. These conversations were brought back to the stage—followed by an eye-opening deep dive into river pollution from Milo Dekker, based on his research at Rijkswaterstaat.
The program was hosted by Martijn van Hese and closed with impactful reflections by Wim Eikelboom, who gave voice to the river throughout the day.
The energy throughout the day—curious minds, open conversations, and genuine connections—created a space of inspiration we don’t want to lose. Let’s carry that spirit forward, keep building this powerful wave of collaboration, creativity, and youth-driven change!
