Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, will be part of the UAE’s delegation to the 6th annual World Water Forum in Marseille, France.

The delegation will extend its expertise in tackling the challenges of water security and scarcity at the event, to be held from March 12-17.
 
At the forum, Masdar will be participating in several ministerial level panels such as “Providing solutions to bridge gaps in water scarcity in the Arab world”, “Contribute in shaping the future of water desalination” and “Help improve water security in the UAE”.

Water security, and its close connection with energy, is a major focus for Abu Dhabi, with the city aiming to host the inaugural International Water Summit in 2013 and bringing together policy makers and experts to initiate a dialogue to improve management of water resources, said a statement.

“The issue of water security and water scarcity is already a topic of major global concern, particularly in regions like the Middle East,” said Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, chief executive officer of Masdar and UAE special envoy for energy and climate change.

“As Abu Dhabi has done in the field of clean energy, we are seeking to drive forward the discussion on the future of water. We are attending the World Water Forum because we are keen to exchange and share knowledge around this vital topic.”

“Furthermore, attending the Forum will enable us to raise awareness about the upcoming International Water Summit in Abu Dhabi – taking place alongside the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in January 2013.”

“The inaugural International Water Summit in Abu Dhabi next year will serve as a platform for global discussions and highlight the pressing need for practical and commercially viable solutions to address water security,” said Dr Al Jaber.

Masdar will also leverage on this forum to highlight the Zayed Future Energy Prize – the world’s pre-eminent award honoring innovation in renewable energy and sustainability. The prize opened for submissions on March 5, 2012.

Abu Dhabi’s International Water Summit aims to enhance and increase the studies and research necessary, create strategic action plans and find solutions to preserving this invaluable resource for future generations. The summit will draw government officials, policy makers, businesses and NGOS from across the world to focus on and find practical solutions to the water challenge. – TradeArabia News Service