Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative concludes COP29 programme

BAKU, 23rd November, 2024 (WAM) -- The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative has concluded its COP29 programme at Baku, Azerbaijan, with a focus on identifying opportunities to address the threat of global water scarcity through innovation, collaboration, and youth empowerment.

With an emphasis on fostering solutions-oriented dialogue and action, the Initiative hosted and participated in a range of sessions with key partners focused on mobilising efforts towards a water-resilient future.

As part of its program, the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative hosted a panel discussion, ‘From Lab to Field: Innovations in Water Management’, on 16th November at the Water for Climate Pavilion. The session convened experts from the public and private sectors, academia, and non-profit organisations to explore how technological innovation and new approaches can help to address pressing water challenges.

The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative also organised an interactive youth session, entitled ‘Youth Consultation on Water Scarcity’ on 18th November. Moderated by Elizabeth Wathuti, Founder of the Green Generation Initiative and the youngest Commissioner on the Global Commission on the Economics of Water (GCEW).

Representatives from the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative also participated in various sessions during COP29. Ayesha Al Ateeqi, who led the Initiative’s delegation at COP29, joined the World Bank panel, ‘Leaders’ Perspectives on Fast Tracking Water Security and Climate Adaptation’ on 19th November at the World Bank Pavilion.

Moderated by Saroj Jha, Global Director for Water at the World Bank, the panel explored pathways to accelerate water security and climate resilience, focusing on overcoming governance and financing barriers, as well as scaling private sector investment in innovative solutions. It followed the launch at COP29 of World Bank Group’s Fast Track Global Challenge Program for water security and climate adaptation.

Representatives of the Initiative also participated in a panel hosted by the Department of Energy (DoE), entitled ‘Water and Climate Change: Integrating Desalination, Reuse, Renewable Energy, and Stewardship for Sustainable Water Solution’ at the UAE Pavilion. The session highlighted integrated approaches to addressing water challenges by leveraging the nexus between water, energy, and sustainability.

COP29 provided the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative a valuable opportunity to advance its commitment towards global water resilience through its three core pillars: accelerating innovation, raising awareness, and driving action.

Key discussions have underscored the severity of the global water crisis and highlighted the urgent need to support new breakthrough technologies while improving existing ones, such as desalination, to create abundant, affordable and sustainable water for all.

Reflecting on the conference, Ayesha Al Ateeqi, the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative Delegation Head at COP29, said, “Water scarcity is an urgent issue that threatens global security and prosperity. However, the issue has historically received less public attention and financial support than other critical issues. COP29 has offered a unique opportunity to meet and convene a range of stakeholders on this critical issue.”

The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative is also driving action through its Title Sponsorship of XPRIZE Water Scarcity, which aims to leverage shared creativity to unlock breakthrough advancements in desalination technologies. The five-year, US$119 million prize made possible by a US$150 million commitment from the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, is focused on two key areas: the development of innovative desalination systems and the creation of more cost-effective and sustainable membranes.

To date, 280teams from more than 63countries have pre-registered with the grand prize set to be awarded in 2028.