Jeddah: The fourth edition of the Innovation Conference on Water Sustainability 2025 commenced in the Saudi city of Jeddah, with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy actively participating in the proceedings.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Abdullah Al-Abdulkarim, Chairman of the Saudi Water Authority, emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in creating new models for work, finance, and policy to enhance water usage. The conference, which focuses on achieving water sustainability globally, sees participation from educational institutions, scholars, technology firms, research and innovation centers, and decision-makers, all aiming to develop solutions for water sustainability challenges in the 21st century.
Al-Abdulkarim highlighted significant challenges, noting that a quarter of the world's population lacks access to safe water sources, and around 700 million people could potentially face displacement due to water scarcity. He also mentioned the economic importance of water, as approximately 60 percent of global production involves water-based industries and activities.
The Kuwaiti delegation is led by Fahad Al-Thufairi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Water, Electricity and Renewable Energy's Sector of Water Operation and Maintenance. Key topics at the conference include utility regulation, future water solutions, financing sustainability, the circular economy, public-private partnerships, management efficiency, digitalization, and the water-energy nexus. The event will host various activities to connect global innovators.
The conference aims to foster strategic partnerships and initiatives through on-site agreements, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's leadership in water sector innovation and the development of sustainable solutions, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.