ABU DHABI (WAM)
The Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi (DoE), the Mohamed Bin Zayed Water Initiative (MBZWI), and the International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) have together championed the need for innovative and collaborative water solutions at the UAE Pavilion at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The three entities participated in a panel discussion entitled "Water and Climate Change: Integrating Desalination, Reuse, Renewable Energy, and Stewardship for Sustainable Water Solutions," which focused on innovative approaches to addressing water shortages exacerbated by climate change.
Ahmed Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of DoE, said, "Addressing global water challenges demands a strategic approach that combines advanced technologies with strong collaboration between governments, industry leaders, and financial institutions. Abu Dhabi is leading by example, driving innovation in desalination, water reuse, and energy-efficient water management."
Ayesha Al Ateeqi from the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative said, "Increasing water scarcity represents an urgent threat to global security and prosperity. Positive progress is being made on this issue, but we cannot afford to be complacent."
She added, "The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative is dedicated to helping address global water scarcity by supporting the development and application of breakthrough technologies while raising the importance of water scarcity on the global agenda. Collaboration between industry, the public sector, academia, and innovators is crucial to creating a world in which water is more accessible, more affordable, and more sustainable for all."
Shannon K. McCarthy, Secretary-General of IDRA, remarked, "In an era where climate change drives both water scarcity and flooding, innovative technical solutions like desalination and water reuse are essential to ensure adaptation and mitigation of water scarcity.
Addressing the full spectrum of water challenges requires a holistic approach that includes water conservation, clean water production, industrial water stewardship, protecting natural water resources, circular water systems, and decarbonising water treatment technologies through combining renewable energy."