Nairobi, Kenya, November 29 2019 – Today, Mr. Carlos Cosin, IDRA President, attended the 27th NILE BASIN INITIATIVE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS in Nairobi, Kenya to participate in the ceremonious passing of the IDRA flag to the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya for the hosting of the 2021 IDRA World Congress, in Mombasa, Kenya. The ceremony took place during the event’s Opening Session
In October, Mombasa County Government and the Kenya National Ministry of Water and Sanitation were announced as the host of the prestigious IDRA Desalination and Water Reuse World Congress, scheduled to take place from November 7-10, 2021. The IDRA flag was first passed from the World Congress’ 2019 Host, His Excellency Saeed Mohammed al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, to His Excellency Simon Kiprono Chelugui, Cabinet Secretary, and Minister of Water and Sanitation, Kenya, and Hon. Fatma Awale Minister of Water, Mombasa County government.
“Innovation in the water industry through desalination and water reuse is the next technology in ensuring adequate water supply to our citizens, “ said His Excellency William Ruto, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya. Indeed it is a proud moment for Kenya to host the first IDRA World Congress in Africa in 2021 and a great honor to receive the IDRA flag during the Nile Basin Initiative Governance meeting, where most African Water Ministers are represented.” This second ceremonious passing of the flag is a landmark moment in the IDRA’s preparation for the World Congress, as this is the first time in over 40 years the World Congress will travel to sub-Saharan Africa.
“IDRA is honored to bring the World Congress to sub-Saharan Africa for the first time. It is critical that the Association build relationships with this part of the world to represent our membership,” said IDRA Secretary General Ms. Shannon McCarthy. “We thank His Excellency, William Ruto, the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency, Simon Kiprono Chelugui, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Water and Sanitation, Kenya, and Hon. Fatma Awale, Minister of Water, Mombasa, for their outstanding support throughout this process.”
In addition to the World Congress, the Association is developing networking opportunities in the African region, most notably through its strategic partnership with Cape Town’s W12 Congress, January 2020, during which Mr. Carlos Cosin will deliver a keynote address.
For more information, please contact smccarthy@idadesal.org.
About the Nile Basin Initiative
The Nile Basin Initiative (www.nilebasin.org) is an intergovernmental partnership of the 10 Nile Basin Countries with the objective of developing the Nile Basin water resources in a sustainable and equitable way to ensure prosperity, security, and peace for all its peoples. Today, the initiative marked another major milestone, launching the Nile Basin Regional Hydro-Met project, which establishes the first Regional Hydro-Met System for the Nile Basin. This event is hosted by the government of Kenya.
About IDRA
The International Desalination and Reuse Association (www.idadesal.org) is the point of connection for the global desalination and water reuse community. A non-profit association, IDRA serves more than 2,600 core members in 60 countries and reaches an additional 4,000 affiliate members. Its membership comprises scientists, end-users, engineers, consultants and researchers from governments, corporations and academia. IDRA is associated with the United Nations as part of a growing international network of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
About IDRA SWRF
IDRA’s Sustainable Water Resources Foundation (SWRF) (www.idaswrf.org) promotes creative solutions to the world’s most pressing water challenges. With a continuously growing population, innovative water strategies must rise to meet the increasing demand for clean water. SWRF promotes this innovation by advocating clean energy solutions, fostering collaboration among professionals, and supporting educational programs and projects concerning the nexus of water, energy, food, and the environment.
