A panel of leading experts will discuss the direct link between food, water and energy security and share experiences between Australia and the Middle East at special forums hosted by the Council of Arab-Australian Relations (CAAR) next month.

The Food Water Energy Nexus, co-organised by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Trade Commission, will be held on April 14 at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, and April 16 at the International Energy Forum, Riyadh.

CAAR chairman Talal Yassine pointed out that Australia and the Gulf states share a similar climatic and environmental profile and therefore have much knowledge to share.

“Australia has overcome environmental challenges to become a world-leading exporter of food, water and energy policy, research, innovation, products and services. We hope to share our experience through ongoing, senior-level dialogue by bringing the Australia’s best experts to the Middle East,” he remarked.

Organised in conjunction with the Australian Trade Commission’s Australia Unlimited MENA 2014 event, the by-invitation forums are designed to promote discussion and engagement.

The speakers line-up includes Alex Wonhas, the director, Energy Flagship CSIRO; Prof Archie Johnston, the dean of Engineering, University of Sydney (For Riyadh forum only); Prof Abid Khan, the deputy vice-chancellor and VP (Global Engagement) Monash University (Abu Dhabi only); Prof Richard Harper, the chair of Sustainable Water Management, Murdoch University; Richard Price, the CEO of Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) and Mark Pascoe, the CEO of International Water Centre.

“It is important to understand the interdependence between water, food and energy risks and the societal impacts we collectively face over the next few decades to meet our critical needs. Our hypothesis is that it is not just one issue on its own we have to consider but the multiplier effect of food, water and energy requirements combined” stated Yassine.  

“This interdependence, or nexus, is a matter on which Australia is a leading authority. We hope to learn from our Middle East counterparts who share similar climatic and environmental challenges,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service