Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, December 12, 2024 –The International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) World Congress 2024 Gala Dinner took place at the stunning Emirates Palace Hotel, hosted by the Department of Energy Abu Dhabi. The IDRA recognized the achievements of corporations and institutions from across the globewith Industry & Sustainability Awards, along with the Global Industrial Water Reuse Champion, Presidential, and Lifetime Achievement Awards. 

The 2024 Global Industrial Water Reuse Champions Award—is a recognition of innovation and leadership in one of the most critical areas of water management. 

The WaterReuse Association, US Chamber of Commerce, Veolia, Veralto, the University of Pennsylvania Water Center, and the IDRA present this award as a recognition of top Fortune 1000 companies that incorporate the best in class water recycling and reuse programs to improve water stewardship and achieve their water management goals. This award program was developed as part of the National Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP), a multistakeholder effort led by the US Environmental protection agency to advance the science, policy, research, communications and more supporting water reuse and recycling. 

Recipients of these awards were honored for their innovative efforts in water stewardship and included

Winners of the IDRA Industry & Sustainability Awards were chosen by an independent committee, which included Prof. Glen Daigger from the University of Michigan; Dr. Shadi Hasan from Khalifa University; Prof. In S. Kim from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology; Dr. Miriam Balaban, Editor, Dr. Shamma Al Malek from the Department of Energy, Abu Dhabi; Mr. Silvio Oliva, Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors of Fisia Italimpianti; Dr. Gurdev Singh, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer at PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency; and Dr. Richard Stover, founder of GP Water, LLC. 

Recipients of these awards were honored for their innovative efforts for implementation of sustainable practices. 

INDUSTRY AWARDS: 

The Excellence in Public-Private Partnership Award 

The Pinnacle of Innovation Award for MostInnovative Utility in Water Management

The Breakthrough Innovation Award 

The Visionary Leadership Award for The Most Progressive Disruptive Policy in Water Reuse

The Excellence in Water Reuse Performance Award 

SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS: 

The IDRA Award for MostInnovative Water-Energy Nexus Project 

The Global Sustainability Leadership Award for BestImplementer of UN SDG 6: Water for All 

The IDRA Award for Low Carbon Footprintin Desalination 

The IDRA Award for Lowest Carbon Footprintin Desalination 
For Al Taweelah IWP: 

The IDRA Resilience in Action Award for Circular Water Resources 

The IDRA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Excellence Award 

The IDRA Water Positive Achievement Award 

Lifetime Achievement Award 

In recognition of his years of outstanding achievements, contributions and dedication to the Desalination and Water Reuse Industry, IDRA honored Professor John H. Lienhard V with this prestigious award. 

Presidential Awards 

IDRA President Fady Juez, conferred six Presidential Awards and one Award of Distinction. The Presidential Awards went to H.E. Eng Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Eng. Ahmad Al Shamsi, the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative (MBZ), H.E. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkari, and Mr. Khalid Abdulsamad. 

Awards of Distinction 

In recognition of their outstanding dedication and leadership over the past two years as Co-Chairs of the IDRA Young Leaders Program for Term 20, IDRA honored Mr. Rory Weaver, Dr. Antonella De Luca, and Mr. Daniele Strongone. IDRA takes this opportunity to thank the World Congress host, Department of Energy Abu Dhabi, and all the sponsors, exhibitors, and delegates of the 2024 IDRA World Congress: “ADDRESSING WATER SCARCITY,”IN ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES.

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About IDRA 

The International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA), established in 1973, is a global non profit organization dedicated to advancing desalination, water reuse, and sustainable water management solutions. Representing members in over 60 countries and engaging with an additional 4,000 affiliate members, IDRA brings together a diverse community of public and private utilities, scientists, engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders from governments, corporations, and academia. As part of the United Nations network, IDRA is accredited with UNFCCC, UN ECOSOC, and UN FAO and plays a critical role in addressing the world’s pressing water challenges. 

IDRA collaborates closely with multiple international associations, including the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), WateRuse Association (WRA), the Global Enabling Sustainability Association (GESI), the United Nations CEO Water Mandate and Pacific Institute, the World Water Council (WWC), and array of other member associations to promote integrated water resources management practices and share knowledge on a global scale. These and other partnerships enhance IDRA’s ability to drive meaningful change and develop solutions to water scarcity and quality challenges worldwide.