The inaugural edition of the International Water Summit 2013 (IWS) in Abu Dhabi, held parallel to the World Future Energy Summit from 15-17 January, both hosted by Masdar, closed today with Masdar’s launch of a pilot program to pair advanced energy-efficient desalination technologies with renewable energy.

In the biggest gathering of its kind, where the world’s most influential water experts came together to address global water issues, Masdar outlined its long-term goal to commercially establish a renewable energy-powered desalination plant in the UAE by 2020.

Speaking at the launch press conference, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, said, “As a global leader accelerating new energy and sustainable development, Masdar is taking serious action to tackle this problem directly. This program is the critical first step in identifying viable technologies that will lead to water security for future generations”

IWS, with over 150 exhibitors from more than 20 countries, is the largest gathering on sustainable solutions for water. The 3-day summit brought together world leaders, government organizations, policymakers, public and private sector investors, business leaders, developers and scientists under one roof at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) to discuss, debate and display the latest thinking in sustainable development.

Commentary from IWS participants follows:
H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary General of EAD: The International Water Summit (IWS) is an important platform to help address a key global issue. As such, global issues require global efforts to find a common global solution. Prioritising, allocation and sharing water locally, nationally, regionally and globally presents some real challenges - social challenges, political challenges and governance challenges. The IWS - along with other international forums - provide us with a great opportunity to share our experiences and to start building the networks and cross boundary relationships required to solve this problem.

This year, EAD played an active role at IWS to showcase its efforts in this area with peers and to discuss potential cooperation opportunities to address this issue. By participating, we have raised awareness about our conservation efforts and regulatory role and highlighted our vision and guiding principles for the conservation of Abu Dhabi’s groundwater. It is important for us to recognise how by protecting this strategic resource today, we can ensure national security and food security today - and for our future generations.

H.E. Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Company (ADWEA): We have been part of WFES for the past four years, and this year we are participating in the first edition of Internal Water Summit. We are glad that there has been a show specially dedicated for water, as it is a significant arising issue not only globally but in the region as well. We are optimistic about meeting our clients, business prospects as well as international players, which can lead to future business opportunities.

Mr. Craig Halgreen, VP Global Communications, Borouge: The whole event really places water and energy in the spotlight. World leaders, regional decision makers and the industry - from water and energy came together to discuss solutions to global water and energy challenges.

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