“Opening Ceremony Launches Bold Vision to Address Water Scarcity and Advance Global Water Equity”

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, December 9, 2024 – The International Desalination and Water Reuse World Congress 2024 (IDRA WC2024), hosted by the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi began this morning at ADNEC, uniting global leaders, innovators, and experts to address one of the world’s most pressing challenges: water scarcity.

Under the theme ‘Addressing Water Scarcity,’ the Congress, which was attended distinguished international UAE officials, ministers of countries, and over 1,000 delegates commenced with an Opening Ceremony featuring the UAE national anthem and a captivating act that celebrated humanity’s relationship with water, blending evocative music, striking visuals, and live performances. This symbolic journey, from scarcity to sustainability, reflected the UAE’s pioneering spirit and its commitment to creating a sustainable legacy for future generations.

In a keynote address on behalf of the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, the DoE’s Chairman, highlighted the significance of the congress, which coincides with the UAE’s celebrations of its 53rd Eid Al Etihad. He emphasized that the event offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on the nation’s remarkable journey towards achieving global leadership in innovation and sustainability.

“Today, we stand united in Abu Dhabi with a shared commitment to safeguarding water sustainability for future generations. This event underscores our collective responsibility to confront the escalating global challenges of water resource management. It is imperative that we prioritise innovation and foster deeper collaboration to develop groundbreaking solutions that ensure a secure and sustainable water future for all. By 2035, 98% of water production in Abu Dhabi will utilise low-carbon reverse osmosis technology — a landmark achievement that underscores the Emirate’s unwavering commitment to water sustainability and carbon reduction.”

In her keynote address at the World Congress Opening Ceremony, IDRA Secretary General Shannon McCarthy highlighted the transformative progress in water resource management over the past three decades and underscored the critical role of desalination and reuse in shaping a sustainable future:

“Reflecting on the strides made over the past three decades since our last congress in Abu Dhabi, we recognize the remarkable progress in our understanding and approach to integrated water resource management. What began as isolated discussions has evolved into a collective recognition of the water-energy-food nexus, which demands holistic solutions. Today, desalination and reuse are no longer seen as supplemental but as foundational pillars of sustainable water stewardship. This congress will act as a domino event, building upon our past achievements and paving the way for a more ‘Water Positive’ future, where responsible water use and global advocacy for reuse practices take center stage.”

IDRA President, Mr. Fady Juez, in his keynote, the global need to address water scarcity, and the IDRA World Congress’s importance as a knowledge-sharing and decision-making platform in this fight:

“The IDRA World Congress 2024 represents an extraordinary opportunity to redefine our collective efforts towards water solutions. This event is a call to action for global stakeholders to collaborate, innovate, and take meaningful steps toward a water-secure future. Together, we will explore groundbreaking technologies, drive impactful policies, and chart a course toward a water-secure future for all.”

The Opening program included a special in-conversation session with H.E. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, UAE, on water supply challenges in space, recycling and purification systems, and water storage and transport. Keynotes included Hon. Bruno Pigott, Assistant Administrator for Water, United States Environmental Protection Agency, H.E. Prof. Hani Sewilam, Minister for Water Resources and Irrigation, Egypt; Mr. Henk Ovink, Executive Director, Commissioner, Global Commission on the Economics of Water; and Word from IDRA World Congress 2024 Titanium Sponsor, Mr. Mohammad A. Abunayyan, Chairman, ACWA Power.

The IDRA also announced the host of the 2026 IDRA World Congress to be the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA), inaugurated through the traditional IDRA World Congress flag ceremony.