The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science’s 3rd International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF) opened today at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2019 with lively discussions on key issues related to global water resource challenges, Youth for Water, and the role of women in water sciences.
The latest edition of the annual event has brought together an outstanding lineup of international researchers, scientists and stakeholders to discuss the latest scientific and technological advances with a view to finding new water security solutions. Open to policy makers, scientists and stakeholders currently attending ADSW, the forum offers an excellent opportunity for participants to learn about a range of completed and ongoing research projects led by this innovative program.
His Excellency Dr Abdulla Al Mandous, Director of the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), said: “The 3rd International Rain Enhancement Forum gathers together an outstanding field of leading international innovators in this important field. Over the next four days, the forum will see the exchange and discussion of some of the most cutting-edge research areas with the potential to boost water security for vulnerable populations around the world. Through its commitment to leading international collaboration on the vitally important challenge of water security, the UAE is once again showing its readiness to promote the innovation needed to make a real difference.”
The first day’s session showcased latest international research on water scarcity and droughts, emerging technological innovation, the UAE’s water strategy, and rain enhancement as a solution to water scarcity.
During this session, His Excellency Dr Ayman bin Salem Ghulam, Vice President of Meteorological Affairs and Permanent Representative of KSA with WMO, General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection (GAMEP), Saudi Arabia, said: “The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science is a global program that has already seen a significant level of interest from research institutions around the world. The 3rd IREF is making a real difference by encouraging international scientific networking and helping them to showcase their latest breakthrough technologies.”
This was followed by a discussion on ‘Youth for Water’, which explored the importance of youth education and participation in science, and the potential for enhancing such engagement through water conservation initiatives and youth exchanges and scholarships. The final panel of the day focused on the role of women in science, water conservation, research and education, as well as the role of UAE women in providing leadership on this important issue in the future.
Alya Al Mazroui, Director of the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science, commented: “With the science of rain enhancement attracting growing interest, this forum performs an invaluable function in bringing together leading experts to discuss key issues in this rapidly expanding field of research. With our awardees already developing new science and technologies, we will continue to leverage our global network to drive new solutions for enhancing water security for people in regions lacking secure access to this most essential basic resource.”
As one of the highlights of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the forum also features the presentation of the 1st Cycle awardees results, updates on the 2nd and 3rd Cycle awardee projects, potential solutions to global water resource challenges, youth participation in water-related issues, and the role of women in water sciences. In addition, a special discussion on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in weather sciences, a fast-growing area that offers immense potential for improved forecasting and the management of precipitation and extreme weather events are also on the cards.