December 8-12, 2024, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

September 20, 2024 | Abu Dhabi, UAE — The International Desalination & Reuse Association (IDRA) proudly announces the Preliminary Program for the IDRA World Congress 2024: Addressing Water Scarcity, hosted by the Department of Energy Abu Dhabi. The World Congress includes a high-level Thematic Program and Leaders Summit parallel to the robust four-day, four-track Technical Program, buzzing exhibition, and a specially curated Majlis Theater program, which will be held from December 8 to 12, 2024, at the ADNEC Center Abu Dhabi.

This premier global event will bring together policymakers, utilities, academic public and private sector industry leaders, multilateral funding agencies, and developers to explore cutting-edge solutions to one of the most pressing challenges of our time: Water Scarcity.

“We are excited to bring together thought leaders and innovators from around the world to address the critical issue of water scarcity. The IDRA World Congress curated in partnership with the Department of Energy Abu Dhabi, aims to further actionable solutions that will protect future generations from water scarcity,” Shannon K. McCarthy, IDRA Secretary General, stated.

Under the theme “Addressing Water Scarcity,” the IDRA World Congress 2024 will focus on key solutions for securing global water supplies in the face of increasing climate pressures. The event will feature cutting-edge discussions, interactive panels, and technical presentations aimed at exploring how desalination, water reuse, industrial water stewardship, and sustainable policy and project financing frameworks can create resilient, climate-adaptive water systems.

Preliminary Themes Include:

• Water and Climate Change: Solutions for a Resilient Future. This theme will address the role of desalination and water reuse in mitigating water stress caused by climate change, focusing on how these technologies can help safeguard communities from droughts and floods.
• Integrating Renewable Energy to Decarbonize Water Operations. As the demand for sustainable water solutions grows, this theme will explore how renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, can be integrated into desalination and water reuse operations, reducing their carbon footprint while maintaining efficiency.
• Industrial Water Stewardship and Natural Resource Protection. Leading experts and industry representatives will discuss strategies for adopting responsible water management practices, reducing water consumption, and protecting natural freshwater resources.
• Financing Water Solutions: The Role of Public-Private Partnerships and Multilateral Finance Agencies. This theme will address the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) and the involvement of multilateral finance agencies. It will delve into how large-scale water projects can be implemented globally, with a focus on creating sustainable and financially viable infrastructure.
• Water-Energy Nexus and the Future of Water Innovation. This theme will focus on the convergence of water and energy systems, showcasing the latest innovations that combine desalination and reuse technologies with emerging energy solutions to efficiently meet future water demands.

Key Highlights of the IDRA World Congress 2024:

• Leaders Summit: A high-level, one-day forum bringing together government officials, CEOs, and international experts to discuss collective action to address global water security.
• CEO Lightning Talks: Rapid-fire presentations from industry leaders on corporate leadership and innovative approaches to water scarcity.
• UAE Water Initiative to Address Water Scarcity
• Global Water Reuse Dialogue
• Innovation and XPRIZE Water Scarcity
• Technical Sessions and Workshops: In-depth sessions covering innovation, water reuse, environmental stewardship, and policy recommendations.
• Networking Opportunities: Exclusive events aimed at fostering collaboration between key stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

The Congress will be held in Abu Dhabi, a global hub for water technology and innovation, and a leader in addressing water scarcity through sustainable desalination and water reuse initiatives. As the UAE’s commitment to addressing water scarcity serves as an inspiring backdrop for this critical event.