UAE to shape conversation on future water security

Critical issues around the use and conservation of water will take centre stage at the 7th World Water Forum, to be held in South Korea, where a high level delegation from the United Arab Emirates, led by HH Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, will help shape the conversation on future water security and stimulate tangible actions to alleviate water scarcity.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and Chairman of Masdar, will speak at the opening of the triennial forum, the world's largest international conference on water, to be held in Daegu and Gyeongbuk, South Korea, from April 12-17. The forum's ministerial process brings together national leaders, parliamentarians, ministers, and local government officials to seek solutions to water problems and ensure a significant place for water in the emerging global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr. Al Jaber said: "In light of recent forecasts indicating two thirds of the global population could face water shortages in just 10 years, this important gathering unites the international community with the opportunity to address our shared responsibility to alleviate water scarcity, a mounting challenge that must be countered through collective efforts."

"In the arid Gulf region, water scarcity has always been a primary concern. The UAE's growing economy and population requires reliable access to potable water. We are keen to meet with the global community to shape conversations and develop collective solutions to move from water scarcity to water security, not only in our region but also across the globe."

The UAE delegation will highlight the country's strategic policies that seek to reduce the country's water footprint by 20 per cent by 2020. The delegation will emphasise the ‘Green Growth Strategy', initiated to promote economic growth and social development through sustainable practices, and the ‘Water Conservation Strategy', the Emirates' federal framework for the sustainable management of all water resources in the country.

Innovative technology developed to address the mutual challenges of the water-energy nexus will also be showcased, including Masdar's pioneering renewable energy powered desalination pilot programme, a model of which will be displayed in the UAE Pavilion.

Dr. Rashed bin Fahed, Minister of Environment and Water, and Dr. Matar Hamed Al Neiady, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy, will also speak at the forum discussing integrated water resource management and the inter-connected challenges of the water-energy food nexus.

Managed by the World Water Council, the World Water Forum brings together government leaders, decision makers, scientific experts spanning public and private sectors, academia and industry to drive international discussions on global water challenges.

The UAE delegation to the 7th World Water Forum, will include representatives from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Environment & Water, Federal Electricity & Water Authority, Executive Affairs Authority, National Centre of Meteorology & Seismology, Masdar Institute of Science & Technology, Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority, Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company, Regulation and Supervision Bureau, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, and the United Arab Emirates University.
Source: WAM