WS 2013: Government Support is the Key to Water Investment and Business Growth, Say Water Experts

– Regulatory compliance and political initiatives the main drivers for water industry investment, according to industry survey by the International Water Summit
– Government support needed to address global challenges of water scarcity and sustainability, and stimulate business development

Abu Dhabi, Dec 10, 2012 – (ACN Newswire) – Water governance and investment will be key topics addressed at the inaugural International Water Summit (IWS), which will take place on 15-17 January 2013, as a part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

“The sessions we have developed for IWS, including interactive voting sessions, will explore, among other issues, the ways political initiative and water governance can lead to mutually beneficial public-private sector synergies, attract investors and stimulate business development in the water industry,” said Peter McConnell, Show Director for the IWS.

The International Water Summit will include a Ministerial Panel session, entitled ‘Understanding the Role of Water Governance in Improving Global Water Sustainability’, which will introduce us to the global challenges surrounding the water-energy nexus including how food, health, energy, growing scarcity and climate change set the scene for water governance challenges.

OCED’S Anthony Cox and Men Leong Chew from the Public Utilities Board Singapore will lead an interactive panel discussion on ‘Understanding how an Arid Region may Continue Sustainable Growth and Economic Development despite Scarcity Challenges’ which will focus on how water scarce regions can take a strategic approach to the role of tariff, tax and transfer (TTT).

The implementation of international agreements and global standards for water policy will be the focus of the workshop on ‘Global Institutional Cooperation for Enhancing Water Governance,’ which will feature expert panelists such as Bekele Debele Negewo from the World Bank, Faraj Al-Awar from the Global Water Operators Partnership Alliance and Uschi Eid, Vice Chair to the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Water.

The importance of such issues is highlighted by the results of a recent survey conducted by Reed Exhibitions, the organizers of IWS 2013. According to the survey, international water experts believe regulatory compliance and political initiatives are the main drivers for water industry investment.

International companies and consultancies in the water industry strongly endorsed government support for water initiatives, either through regulation or project investment, especially as a means to stimulate business.

Furthermore, water-related investments around the world demonstrate a global trend that underlines the fact that water sustainability is fast becoming an international priority, especially in arid regions.

In Asia, Vietnam has received USD200 million loan from the World Bank for a new water and sanitation project which, when completed, will deliver improved sanitation for 650,000 people and secure clean drinking water for 1.7 million people.

In India, the new Water Ministry said that he will prioritize the country’s National Water Policy by accelerating the completion of water-related programs that have been delayed.

In the MENA region, Libya is set to invest USD10-30 billion over the next few years in water, sanitation and energy reconstruction projects, including the replacement of mains pipes, desalination projects and upgrades to drinking water and sewage treatment plants.

Meanwhile, Iraq’s Kurdistan region plans to invest USD135 million to expand a treatment plant from 600 cubic metres per day to 10,000 cubic metres per day, and replace old mains pipes in Irbil and drinking water pipelines in Dahuk.

IWS Information

The International Water Summit is a new global platform for promoting water sustainability and the water-energy nexus in arid regions. As a natural extension of the UAE’s commitment to sustainability, IWS will bring together policymakers, scientists and business leaders to tackle the urgent challenges of wastewater and water access and security.

The International Water Summit (15 -17 January 2013) is hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted renewable energy company, with Borouge and Borealis being the principal sponsor and the Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority as a strategic partner.

IWS will be co-located with the World Future Energy Summit, also hosted by Masdar, as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (13 – 17 January 2013), alongside the International Renewable Energy Conference in Abu Dhabi (ADIREC) and the 3rd session of the Assembly of IRENA.

About Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, January 13-17, 2013, will attract an anticipated 30,000 participants from 150 countries to Abu Dhabi for what will be the largest gathering on sustainability in the history of the Middle East. ADSW will provide a platform for leaders to address the business, technology and financial challenges required for sustainable development and consider investments and partnerships that can deliver real world solutions. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week will include the following five events: the 6th edition of the World Future Energy Summit; the International Renewable Energy Conference; the International Water Summit; the 5th annual Zayed Future Energy Prize Awards Ceremony; and the General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency. For more information about Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, visit:www.abudhabisustainabilityweek.com.

About International Water Summit 2013

In response to the Abu Dhabi leadership’s compelling declaration that water is more important than oil in the United Arab Emirates, the 2013 International Water Summit from 15 – 17 January 2013 is a bold first step in this arid region to develop the strategic action plans and innovative solutions needed to safeguard this invaluable resource with as little environmental impact as possible.

The 2013 International Water Summit is a testament to the commitment taken by the UAE, Abu Dhabi and Masdar to embrace the inseparable relationship between water and energy. Like energy sustainability, water sustainability needs to be at the top of the global agenda. For more information about the International Water Summit, visit:www.iwsabudhabi.com.

Contact:

Reem Diab / Ian Mason

ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller

Abu Dhabi

UAE

Tel: +9712-6334133

reem.diab@bm.com

2012-12-10 08:00
Source: International Water Summit 2013
www.iwsabudhabi.com