The One4Water Journey

Anveshika Singh, a student at Shiv Nadar School, Gurgaon, shares her journey of founding One4Water, an initiative that drives global action for water sustainability, equity, and resilience.

Water is the lifeblood of our planet, a resource so integral to our existence that it underpins the essence of sustainable development. Yet, access to clean water and sanitation remains an elusive dream for billions of people. In 2022, driven by this stark reality and a deep-seated belief in the power of youth, I founded One4Water, a platform dedicated to empowering young changemakers to transform this narrative.

The Birth of One4Water: A Vision Takes Shape

One4Water was born from a singular vision: to unite young minds across the globe to address Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. What began as an idea quickly evolved into a dynamic movement supported by my school, Shiv Nadar School Gurgaon, and institutions like the Guru-Jal Water Management Program. With backing from international partners like ClimateScience, One4Water emerged as a unique, youth-led initiative, blending local action with global impact.

At its core, One4Water is about collaboration. By connecting youth with experts, training, and opportunities, we strive to transform passion into purpose. Our mission is to empower young people to envision a sustainable future and actively shape it.

Youth as the Architects of Change

The strength of One4Water lies in its belief in the youth as catalysts for sustainable development.

With guidance from a diverse network of advisors, including leaders from academia, governments, international organisations, and the private sector, we’ve created a vibrant ecosystem where ideas flourish and actions resonate.

Our journey has been shaped by impactful initiatives that demonstrate the transformative power of collective action:

Amplifying Voices on Global Platforms

In February 2023, One4Water’s story reached a global audience when I was invited to speak at the 2023 International Conference 'Hi, Sustainable World!'. Sharing the stage with visionaries, I highlighted how youth-led initiatives can mainstream SDG 6 and inspire collective action. This platform was a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of local actions and global aspirations.

Fighting Hunger Through Community Action

Sustainability isn’t just about conserving resources; it’s about ensuring equity and dignity for all. In April 2023, I launched the Fight Hunger Campaign, raising USD 600 to provide free, nutritious meals to vulnerable communities. Through local partnerships and a network of compassionate volunteers, we established community kitchens that served those in need. These efforts continue to grow, with weekly lunch drives planned to sustain our food security mission.

Building Bridges with the European Business University of Luxembourg

In 2023, One4Water reached a significant milestone by signing an MoU with the European Business University of Luxembourg (EBU). This partnership aimed to reward young sustainability champions with scholarships, enabling them to pursue transformative educational opportunities. We awarded scholarships worth €750 to students for their unwavering dedication to our goals. This collaboration exemplifies how education and sustainability go hand in hand, empowering youth to lead meaningful change on a global scale.

Leading Change with the UNEP Tide Turners Plastic Challenge

In the same year, One4Water joined hands with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for the Tide Turners Plastic Challenge, the largest global youth-led movement against plastic pollution. This initiative empowered young participants to rethink plastic consumption, advocate for change, and lead grassroots campaigns.

Under my leadership, we launched community clean-up drives, established waste management systems, and sensitised local communities about the impact of single-use plastics. These efforts culminated in national recognition when I was awarded the prestigious UNEP Champion Award, standing alongside global sustainability icons like Dia Mirza and Afroz Shah. The award celebrated our achievements and reaffirmed our commitment to creating a plastic-free future.

A Legacy of Leadership

One4Water's journey is as much about building a movement as nurturing leadership. We've cultivated a culture of collaboration and impact by engaging schools, local governments, NGOs, and international organisations. Whether reducing plastic waste, awarding scholarships, or addressing food insecurity, our initiatives embody the essence of sustainable development.

The Road Ahead: Turning Vision into Reality

As we look to the future, One4Water aims to:

• Expand our global network of youth changemakers
• Integrate SDG 6 with broader goals like climate resilience and poverty alleviation
• Forge new partnerships with academic institutions and industries to drive innovation in water management

Water connects us all, the thread that weaves through our lives, societies, and economies. Through One4Water, I envision a world where youth lead the charge, every drop is cherished, and sustainable solutions become a way of life. We can turn the tide together and create a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

Anveshika Singh

Anveshika Singh is a Grade 12 student at Shiv Nadar School, Gurgaon. She is a member of the New York Academy of Sciences and the founder of One4Water. Anveshika, who is passionate about development, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, has led numerous national and international projects. Among her accomplishments are; being awarded as a 'Champion' by the United Nations in India, WWF-India, and the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of India.