The International Desalination and Water Reuse Association (IDRA) World Congress 2024, hosted by the Department of Energy — Abu Dhabi (DoE), is poised to take place from 8-12 Dec 2024 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
“Addressing water scarcity requires urgency, innovation, and collaboration and in Abu Dhabi, we are committed to delivering answers to this pressing issue, transforming water management and leading global sustainability efforts,” said Dr Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, acting director general of regulatory affairs, DoE.
“We will host the IDRA World Congress in Abu Dhabi, addressing water scarcity by uniting leaders, innovators and changemakers to turn ambition into reality,” he added. “This important event will explore the potential of solutions to shape the evolution of water security and create a future that is secure, equitable and sustainable for all.”
Over four days, the IDRA World Congress 2024 will feature over 200 speakers representing more than 50 countries. Experts will lead discussions across 100 sessions, panels, and workshops, delving into the technical advancements, regulations, finance, and project models in desalination, water reuse, and sustainable water management, water stewardship and decarbonisation strategies.
The opening ceremony is expected to welcome 100 VIP attendees, including distinguished local and international government ministers, industry leaders, and international stakeholders, and over 1,500 delegates.
ADNEC group chief commercial officer Khalifa Al Qubaisi said, “This event marks the return of the congress to Abu Dhabi, reaffirming our leadership in sustainable water solutions and innovation. This congress serves as a platform for local and international stakeholders to exchange knowledge and pioneer innovative solutions that tackle one of the most pressing global issues.”
Shannon McCarthy, secretary general-executive director of IDRA, added: “Climate change intensifies issues like water scarcity and flooding, and innovative solutions such as desalination and water reuse are crucial to addressing this urgent global problem.
“The IDRA World Congress 2024 highlights Abu Dhabi’s enduring commitment to advancing water sustainability and innovation as we work together to drive progress towards a more resilient future for all.”
In addition to the main programme — which includes thematic and technical streams that focus on all aspects related to addressing water scarcity, water resilience, and water security — the congress will host three side events.
Firstly, it will host the XPRIZE Water Scarcity pre-congress team summit sponsored by the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative. It is a US$119m 5-year global competition designed to address the challenge of water scarcity by driving innovation in affordable and sustainable desalination technologies.
Another side event is the leaders’ summit, which will focus on themes such as the water-energy-food nexus, green financing, and corporate leadership in water security.
DoE will also host a special youth programme with over 10 specialised sessions relating to Abu Dhabi’s water journey, youth innovation, sustainable entrepreneurship, and guidance from previous world leaders. The introduction of the DoE youth programme aims to foster the next generation of water sustainability leaders.
With over 1,500 registered attendees, IDRA World Congress 2024 is set to catalyse innovation, partnerships, and actionable strategies to address water scarcity challenges and build a sustainable future for generations to come.
