The launch of the International Water Summit was announced collaboratively by the Abu Dhabi government, Masdar and the International Water Assn. (IWA), providing a global platform to discuss and find solutions to the global challenges of water scarcity and security. The inaugural summit will take place alongside the World Future Energy Summit 2013 in Abu Dhabi.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) provides a strong example of the interconnection of energy and water in water-scare regions. More than 70% of the nation’s overall water production and processing costs results from the energy required to desalinate, transport, store, forward and distribute water, demonstrating the pressing need for new approaches to water management.
In 2006, the leadership of Abu Dhabi established Masdar to maintain the country's energy leadership and safeguard the longevity of its natural resources. Since 2008, Masdar has hosted the World Future Energy Summit, which brings together world leaders, business executives and experts from around the globe in a collaborative effort to address world challenges, including energy and resource security.
IWA is the global network of water professionals, working every day to provide water and sanitation services which create healthy living conditions, fuel the economy, protect the environment and enhance living conditions for the citizens of planet earth.
“As a result of the increased pressure on this valuable resource – due to overpopulation, agricultural and economic growth and unsustainable consumption patterns – countries around the world are currently facing real problems with water resources,” said UAE Minister of Environment and Water Dr. Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad. “This summit will be a key addition to the summit and act as an integral driver in shedding light on these serious issues and finding tangible, global solutions.”
Source: Masdar
