The Arab Water Council and dmg events are all set to host the 6th Arab Water Forum from 16-18 September 2024 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), under the auspices of the League of Arab States, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of the UAE, and the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Egypt.
Building on 16 years of success, the triennial Arab Water Forum has cemented its position as a significant platform to foster strategic partnerships and advance collaborative action to build a water-resilient future. This6theditionhosts an international exhibition complemented bya robust programme with over 17technical sessions, featuring keynotes, interactive panels and technical case studies,centring on the policies, strategies, solutions, and partnerships key, with the ultimate aim of delivering a resilient and water-secure future in the Arab region and beyond.
Notable speakers include: H.E. Prof. Mahmoud Abu-Zeid, President of the Arab Water Council; H.E. Prof Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Egypt; H.E. Dr. Aun DheyabAbdulla, Minister of Water Resources, Iraq; H.E. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General, League of Arab States; H.E. Madam ZHU Chengqing, Vice Minister of Ministry of Water Resources of thePeople’s Republic of China;H.E. Prof Loïc Fauchon, President of the World Water Council, and H.E. Mohamed Abou El Enein, Member of the People’s Assembly of Egypt – Undersecretary of the Egyptian Parliament, amongst others.
H.E, Prof. Mahmoud Abu- Zeid, President, Arab Water Council, said, “In the current era characterized by the imminent danger of water scarcity, the World Utilities Congress 2024 and the Sixth Arab Water Forum collaborate to shed light on the trajectory towards sustainable water prosperity for all. This gathering brings together forward-thinking leaders and innovators who are committed to developing solutions that guarantee and ensure every drop counts for generations to come.”
“Water scarcity is indeed a major challenge for the Arab region, with profound implications on energy, food and social security. As the UAE, and many other countries, advance the water scarcity and water security agenda, discussions at the 6th Arab Water Forum will provide a first-hand account of challenges and opportunities from the very people at the forefront of developing a sustainable and water-resilient ecosystem.Discussion topics include transboundary water resources management; peace, climate change and water security in the Arab region; circular water economy for climate security; water-energy-food-ecosystems nexus: best practices and governance; amongst others,” he added.
The Forum will host to a variety of unique and engaging sessions featuring global experts in their fields. One highlight is the ‘WEFE-nexus: best practices and governance’ session, where experts will address the critical interconnections of water, energy, food, and ecosystems within the MENA region. The session will highlight innovative solutions and best practices, fostering enhanced resource efficiency across these interconnected sectors.
“The WEFE Nexus is central to the UfM’s member states’ efforts, fostering regional and local cooperation to address the interconnected challenges of water, energy, food, and ecosystems. by breaking siloes and promoting integrated planning, this approach supports sustainable resource management and resilient communities across the Mediterranean and MENA regions particularly affected by climate change. through policy dialogue, regional partnerships and concrete projects, the UfM has transformed the WEFE Nexus concept into reality”, said Amb. AlMotaz Abadi, Deputy Secretary General for Water, Environment and Blue Economy (UfM), Union for the Mediterranean.
He further continued, “Effective implementation of the WEFE Nexus relies on inclusive governance that brings together all sectors of society empowering local actors and communities. By prioritizing gender mainstreaming and multi-stakeholder engagement, we can transform the interconnected challenges of water, energy, food, and ecosystems into opportunities for sustainable development but also ensuring that the benefits of the Nexus are equitably shared among stakeholders across the Mediterranean and Mena regions. The Arab Water Forum is an opportunity to further streamline this collaborative framework.”
Speaking ahead of the Forum, Dr. Roula Khadra, Science Coordinator, International Officer, Water Resources Management, CIHEAM Bari, said“Empowering youth through capacity development and fostering their innovative ideas are key to building water-secure and resilient communities. By harnessing the creativity and energy of young people, we can drive transformative policies and ensure a prosperous future for all.”
At the Forum, over 60 global exhibitors will showcase the latest in breakthrough and state-of-the-art technologies and priority projects. The exhibitors include national and international utilities, IWPs, financial institutions, technology providers and companies across the sector – encompassing desalination, storage, distribution, agricultural and wastewater treatment and reuse, as well aswater quality and conservation.
The Arab Water Forum is more than just an event; it is a call to action for all who are committed to solving the water challenges facing the Arab region. This is set to be a crucial gathering, where innovation and collaboration will pave the way for a water-secure and prosperous future.