From Friday, September 26 to Monday, September 29, 2025, San Diego French-American School (SDFAS) proudly took part in the first Water4Future Convention – America, hosted by the Lycée Français de Chicago in partnership with WEFTEC, the world’s leading water quality event. This unique convention gathered junior and senior teams of eco-delegates from 11 AEFE schools across the U.S. and Canada, including FASNY, Lycée Français de San Francisco, Dallas International School, Lycée Français de Toronto, and Lycée Claudel in Ottawa, among others.
The initiative, held under the scientific guidance of UNESCO’s International Center on Water (ICIREWARD), challenged students to:
Research and investigate a local issue related to freshwater.
Create a scientific poster synthesizing their work.
Deliver a 5-minute pitch to an audience of peers, educators, and renowned scientists in the field of water.
A Message of Hope from UNESCO
Among the highlights of the convention was the participation of Professor Eric Servat, UNESCO Chair and Director of ICIREWARD. In his keynote address, Professor Servat reminded students that while the challenges of sustainability are undeniable, lucidity should never lead to despair. He emphasized that scientists and researchers worldwide are working relentlessly to design innovative and creative solutions to pressing water issues, a message that resonated deeply with participants.
The Work of Our Junior Team
SDFAS was represented by four talented junior eco-delegates: Audrey, Julianna, Eva, and Jace. Their research focused on the Tijuana River pollution crisis, a transboundary issue that affects both Mexico and California.
Through their poster and oral presentation, the students:
Exposed the environmental impacts, including chemical contamination, ecosystem damage, and biodiversity loss.
Highlighted the social and economic consequences, from health risks to communities to the decline of local tourism and fisheries.
Explored the political and binational dimensions, emphasizing the complexity of managing a shared watershed across two countries.
Presented the most recent advancements, including international agreements and infrastructure improvements, which echo Professor Servat’s message of optimism.
The quality of their presentation and the depth of their research were widely recognized. They shone by delivering a clear, evidence-based, and passionate account of a local crisis with global implications.
Beyond the Convention
On the third day of the convention, delegations had the opportunity to discover WEFTEC, gaining exposure to cutting-edge technologies and meeting professionals dedicated to water quality. In addition, our team was one of only four schools in the last 20 years to be invited to visit the Jardine Water Treatment Plant, the largest drinking water treatment facility in the world. This rare opportunity allowed our students to see first-hand how engineering and science intersect to provide clean water to millions of people.
Conclusion
The Water4Future Convention offered our students not only the chance to present their research but also to grow as young scientists and global citizens. By engaging with peers, experts, and institutions, Audrey, Julianna, Eva, and Jace demonstrated both the rigor of their scientific inquiry and their commitment to sustainability.
Their participation reflects the spirit of SDFAS: fostering curiosity, responsibility, and leadership in addressing the pressing environmental challenges of our time.
