Last week, Banja Luka hosted an inspiring edition of iMERMAID Summer School, connecting the EJWP, iMERMAID project and Bridgewat Project, bringing together young professionals, solution providers, local stakeholders, and international high school students for a dynamic programme of training, innovation, and collaboration.

The week featured the training on conflict management & mediation, leadership development, and hands-on demonstrations of water monitoring technologies through the iMERMAID project. A standout moment was the interactive schooling initiative, where Naomi Timmer presented and EJWP participants led sessions in the exhibition space within the high school students conference Materials without Borders organized by University of Banja Luka using the iMERMAID workbook to promote awareness and possible behavioural actions on Chemicals of Emergence Concern.

Social media played a vital role in amplifying the experience. EJWP and H2O People channels buzzed with real-time updates, reflections, and visuals, capturing the energy and impact of the week and inspiring a wider audience across Europe.

The Banja Luka Summer School showcased how cross-sector collaboration and empowerment of young professionals can drive meaningful change in water management.