The Times Kuwait Report
Water Utilities Congress 2024, held in Abu Dhabi from 16 to 18 September, served as a premier global platform that brought together energy leaders, policymakers, innovators and professionals from across the power and water utilities value chain.
Organized by TAQA, the Abu-Dhabi based international energy and water company, the event provided a platform for participants to discuss and help tackle the urgent challenges posed by global water scarcity — a crisis currently affecting over 3.5 billion people and projected to impact over 5 billion by 2050.
Kuwait Water Association was represented at the Congress by Technical Advisor and Chairwoman of the National Sustainability Committee, Eng. Hebah Abbas.
Participating in the high-level roundtable discussion titled ‘Addressing Water Security: Technology and Investment’, Eng. Abbas emphasized the urgency of swift action on water security.
She added, “Moving forward, we must take bold steps such as establishing a Water Security Accelerator Program that will aim to enhance collaboration and expedite project execution in water security, by rapidly developing innovative projects within a 100-day timeframe.”
In a media statement issued on the sidelines of the Congress, Eng. Abbas elaborated on her initiative for a Water Security Accelerator Program. “The program is structured into four phases: selection and onboarding of promising project teams; Intensive planning and development through workshops and mentorship; Implementation and testing with ongoing support; A showcase to present outcomes to stakeholders.
“Key components of the program will include mentorship, funding, networking opportunities, and a robust monitoring and evaluation framework. This initiative seeks to accelerate the deployment of effective water security solutions, build local capacities, and foster regional cooperation, ultimately establishing a model for sustainable development across the globe,” said the chairperson of Kuwait Water Association.
The roundtable adhered to the Chatham House Rule, fostering an environment for open dialogue where participants could share insights and strategies without attribution. The collective outcomes of this discussion will contribute to a collaborative paper summarizing key strategies for advancing desalination deployment, with recommendations set to be presented at the IDRA World Congress in December.
TAQA’s pivotal role in hosting and facilitating this dialogue underscores its commitment to addressing water security through innovative technologies and strategic investments. As a leading international energy and water company, TAQA continues to spearhead initiatives that promote sustainable solutions and drive industry-wide progress.
During the discussions, participants delved into the critical importance of desalination and water reuse technologies as sustainable alternatives, amid diminishing traditional freshwater resources. The pressing need for innovative approaches is intensified by climate change, population growth, and escalating industrial demands.
As the world faces mounting water security challenges, events like this roundtable are indispensable for building connections and driving collective action among leaders committed to sustainability and innovation in the utilities sector.
