The effects of climate change, combined with the ever-growing demand for clean water across the globe, underscore the urgency of sustainable water solutions. We must chart resilient water solutions and enlist the global community in this mission.
The Leaders Summit takes us one step closer to addressing such solutions. Bringing into dialogue executives from various sectors including finance, legal, project development, public and private utilities, industrial water users, and technical solution providers, the Summit will provide a common space for meaningful conversations to happen. Addressed topics include how to be Water Positive, ESG Criteria and Ensuring Water Sector PPPs fit the 2030 UN Agenda, how water will drive hydrogen, capturing the value of water, how to innovate the water sector, net zero and water positive goals for industry, the looming water crisis and the effect on food security, and the water energy-food nexus.
Ms. Shannon McCarthy, IDA Secretary General, Italy
Mr. Carlos Cosin, IDA President and CEO of Almar Water Solutions, Spain
H.E. Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Belajar Al Rumaithi, Under Secretary for the Department of Energy, Abu Dhabi, UAE
As the global population grows from 7 billion in 2010 to 9.8 billion in 2050, and incomes steadily grow across the developing world, despite current sluggish rates, overall food demand is on course to increase by more than 50%, and demand for animal-based foods by nearly 70%. Cropland area has been slightly rising over the last decades (only as the outcome of the expansion of agriculture and cattle breeding in emerging economies, which offset the decrease in the most advanced economies). Cropland per capita, though, has collapsed. Producing more calories in less land per capita is only feasible through significant increases in yields per land unit. Some productivity improvements have actually been observed, yet at a pace that would not allow us to hit the target. This has driven major pressures on water resources and soil, thus showing that enhanced water security (including through the diversification of water supply sources) within the context of climate change adaptation is a binding condition for food security.
This Leaders Summit session will look at this critical linkage from three atypical standpoints: the emphasis on food and water systems (rather than just on their long-term security), the importance of taking a long-term perspective from the regulatory point of view to pave the way for dialogue and to facilitate adaptation, and next generation marketplaces for water.
Moderator:
Dr. Gonzalo Delacamara, Director, IE Centre for Water & Climate Adaptation, Spain
Panelists:
This panel brings developers, regulators, and lenders together to discuss the outcomes and success stories of PPP projects in the water sector and how this model has helped meet ESG criteria. World-class investors are conscious of the importance of sustainability to the success of long-term projects, which PPP projects are.
Moderator:
H.E. Eng. Khaled Al Quershi, CEO, SWPC, Saudi Arabia
Co-Moderator:
Panelists:
While solar and wind are well established in the renewable energy mix with significant market share, Hydrogen is now taking an innovative step towards opening a new path as a clean, local, and efficient energy source with commercial viability. Clean water is a critical resource for the electrolysis process, and it will (no doubt) take a distinct role in redefining the energy, mobility, and other vital sectors by producing green Hydrogen.
Moderator:
Panelists:
Mr. Borja Blanco, IDA Board Member, CEO, Aqua Advise, Spain
Moderator:
Panelists:
The global community’s dedication to ESGs has reached new levels. Industry represents a key stakeholder in this process and the growing commitment to reach net zero carbon and water positivity is a daily conversation. But… can this really be done? Join panelists represnting industrial water to discuss the various challenges and approaches to achieving this very important target.
Moderator:
Co-Moderator:
Panelists:
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IDRA’s biennial World Congress is the premier event on desalination and advanced water treatment technologies providing dynamic interaction amongst stakeholders worldwide. Join us down under for dynamic and collective conversations addressing the future of water and the role of desalination and reuse solutions in offsetting water scarcity driven by increased demand and climate change.
© 2024 International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA)
Permission to use this site is granted strictly subject to the Terms of Use