Mohamed Bin Zayed Water Initiative Concludes COP29 Programme Addressing Global Water Scarcity Challenges

The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative recently wrapped up its COP29 programme in Baku, Azerbaijan. The event aimed to tackle global water scarcity through innovation, collaboration, and empowering young people. The initiative hosted various sessions to promote discussions and actions towards a future resilient to water challenges.

During the programme, a panel discussion titled ‘From Lab to Field: Innovations in Water Management’ took place on 16th November at the Water for Climate Pavilion. This session brought together experts from public and private sectors, academia, and non-profits to discuss how technology and new methods can address urgent water issues.

An interactive youth session called ‘Youth Consultation on Water Scarcity’ was held on 18th November. Elizabeth Wathuti, Founder of the Green Generation Initiative and the youngest Commissioner on the Global Commission on the Economics of Water (GCEW), moderated this session. It aimed to engage young minds in finding solutions for water scarcity.

Ayesha Al Ateeqi led the Initiative’s delegation at COP29. She participated in a World Bank panel titled ‘Leaders’ Perspectives on Fast Tracking Water Security and Climate Adaptation’ on 19th November at the World Bank Pavilion. This panel focused on accelerating water security and climate resilience by overcoming governance and financial barriers.

The Department of Energy (DoE) hosted another panel where representatives from the Initiative participated. Titled ‘Water and Climate Change: Integrating Desalination, Reuse, Renewable Energy, and Stewardship for Sustainable Water Solution,’ it highlighted integrated approaches using the nexus between water, energy, and sustainability.

COP29 offered a platform for advancing global water resilience through three core pillars: accelerating innovation, raising awareness, and driving action. Discussions highlighted the severity of the global water crisis and stressed supporting new technologies while improving existing ones like desalination.

Commitment to Innovation

Ayesha Al Ateeqi noted that "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." She emphasized that COP29 provided a unique opportunity to engage stakeholders on this vital matter.

The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative is also actively involved in XPRIZE Water Scarcity as a Title Sponsor. This initiative aims to foster creativity to achieve breakthroughs in desalination technologies with a five-year US$119 million prize supported by a US$150 million commitment from the Initiative.

Currently, 280 teams from over 63 countries have pre-registered for this competition. The grand prize will be awarded in 2028. The focus is on developing innovative desalination systems and creating cost-effective, sustainable membranes.

With inputs from WAM