Boston, November 25, 2019 – The International Desalination and Reuse Association announces its strategic partnership with the City of Cape Town for the 2020 W12 Congress, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre and the University of Western Cape from January 27-31, 2020.
The W12 Congress brings together city officials, academics, business executives, water experts, and students from major cities in the world that are likely to face a “Day Zero Scenario” – that is, the day water resources are completely depleted, and taps run dry. This congress is the first of a global movement featuring important work of city governments taking radical steps to address water crises today. Major themes covered include the current situation of global climate change, the green economy, role of advanced water treatment technologies and solutions, water as business, and “Day Zero” scenarios.
As a strategic partner, the IDRA will play a key role in the upcoming conference. Current IDRA President, Mr. Carlos Cosin, will deliver a keynote speech to congress delegates, detailing how the water sector and the IDRA continue to develop and promote sustainable water solutions. The partnership also furthers IDRA’s growing involvement in the sub-Saharan African water market, where the 2021 World Congress will be hosted in Mombasa, Kenya.
“As an Association, the IDRA is extremely pleased to work with the W12 team on this important initiative,” said IDRA Secretary General Ms. Shannon McCarthy. “Cape Town’s Day Zero scenario is an important reminder of the role advanced water treatment solutions have in securing water sustainability.”
Other keynote speakers include Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Governor of California and current Climate Change Activist, as well as Mr. Sam Katiela, a pioneer in international strategic communication specializing in sustainability-related projects. Discussed topics include, “Funding Water: Making Money Flow for a Priceless Commodity,” “The Deeper Dimensions of Water: Water as a Commodity, as a Resource, as a Right,” and “Water of the Future: Breakthroughs and Solutions.” An entire program agenda can be found here.
The W12 Congress will also host a bustling exhibition area, giving exhibiting organizations the opportunity to showcase their brands and products to policy makers and stakeholders. Information on discounted exhibition rates for IDRA members are available by contacting smulrooney@idadesal.org.
IDRA encourages all members to attend the event, with a 10% discounted registration fee. To receive the IDRA discount code please contact mpszenny@idadesal.org
“The W12 presents an ideal opportunity for policy makers and urban planners to take steps towards ensure water sustainability,” said Ms. McCarthy. “IDRA is proud to play a key role in this effort to connect people and ideas to sustainable water solutions.”
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..