The Arab Countries Water Utilities Association (ACWUA) will be Knowledge Partner of a global event on water scarcity in arid regions taking place in Abu Dhabi next month.

The International Water Summit 2013, which is co-located with the World Future Energy Summit, both hosted by Masdar, will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) from January 15 to 17 as part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

With recent reports drawing a bleak picture for the future global water reserves and UN-Water warning that two-thirds of the world’s population will face a lack of water in less than 20 years, if current trends in climate change, population growth, rural to urban migration and consumption continue, the need for regional collaboration on water supply in the dry Middle Eastern countries is greater than ever, a statement said.

ACWUA, which has a membership network of more than 100 water utilities, private sector companies and academic institutions, will play a significant knowledge-building role at the summit, said Khaldon Khashman, secretary general of the association.

“By supporting the first International Water Summit, ACWUA aims to build new liaisons with water-related industries in the Gulf, a region that pioneers water projects and provides access to strategic partners and stakeholders who hold expertise, talent, industry knowledge and trade enthusiasm,” said Khashman.

“I would like to welcome all participants at the International Water Summit 2013, and invite them to seize this unique opportunity to connect with a global network of political leaders, water experts and investors from the public and private sector.

“ACWUA’s aim is to build a solid, professional platform for water experts from all over the world to share and exchange their knowledge and expertise. We strongly believe that global cooperation is essential if we want to accelerate the development of sustainable water solutions.

“This is why ACWUA is promoting the International Water Summit 2013 within its network through advertisements, website announcements, newsletters and social media tools,” he added.

Peter McConnell, show director for IWS, said that the ACWUA’s partnership is a sign of concerted Gulf efforts to find solutions to the water scarcity issues facing the region.

“ACWUA represents an influential coalition of water-related partners within the MENA region, and their collective knowledge will significantly contribute to the discussions at IWS, adding a strong regional perspective to global water issues.”

The first International Water Summit to be launched in 2013 will gather world leaders, business innovators and academia luminaries from the global water community to explore future developments of the water industry and the water-energy nexus.

IWS will present participants and visitors with a unique opportunity to network with decision makers, solution providers and water experts from the public and private sectors over three possibility-laden days that will include a high-profile conference with more than 85 prominent speakers and an exhibition that has attracted over 150 exhibitors from 20 countries. – TradeArabia News Service