emirates7 - The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative concluded its COP29 programme in Baku, Azerbaijan, emphasizing innovative solutions, collaboration, and youth engagement to tackle global water scarcity.
As part of its efforts to promote action-oriented discussions, the Initiative organized and participated in various sessions with key partners to advance the goal of a water-resilient future.
One highlight of the programme was the panel discussion, *“From Lab to Field: Innovations in Water Management,”* held on 16th November at the Water for Climate Pavilion. This session brought together experts from government, academia, the private sector, and non-profits to explore how emerging technologies and novel approaches can address critical water challenges.
Additionally, on 18th November, the Initiative hosted an interactive session titled *“Youth Consultation on Water Scarcity,”* moderated by Elizabeth Wathuti, Founder of the Green Generation Initiative and the youngest Commissioner on the Global Commission on the Economics of Water (GCEW).
The Initiative’s representatives also engaged in broader COP29 activities. Delegation leader Ayesha Al Ateeqi participated in the World Bank panel *“Leaders’ Perspectives on Fast Tracking Water Security and Climate Adaptation”* on 19th November. Moderated by Saroj Jha, Global Director for Water at the World Bank, the panel addressed barriers to governance and financing while promoting private sector investments in innovative water solutions. This discussion followed the COP29 launch of the World Bank Group’s Fast Track Global Challenge Program for water security and climate adaptation.
The Initiative also contributed to a session organized by the UAE Department of Energy titled *“Water and Climate Change: Integrating Desalination, Reuse, Renewable Energy, and Stewardship for Sustainable Water Solutions”* at the UAE Pavilion. The session underscored the importance of leveraging the interconnections between water, energy, and sustainability to address water-related challenges.
Through its participation, the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative reinforced its commitment to global water resilience via its three main pillars: fostering innovation, raising awareness, and driving impactful action. Key discussions at COP29 emphasized the urgency of addressing the global water crisis, supporting breakthroughs in technology, and improving existing solutions like desalination to ensure sustainable, affordable access to water.
Reflecting on the event, Ayesha Al Ateeqi stated, “Water scarcity poses a significant threat to global security and prosperity, yet it has historically received limited public and financial attention. COP29 provided a valuable platform to engage a diverse range of stakeholders in addressing this critical challenge.”
The Initiative is also taking direct action through its Title Sponsorship of XPRIZE Water Scarcity, a competition aimed at fostering innovative advancements in desalination technology. Backed by a US$150 million commitment, the five-year program includes a US$119 million prize and focuses on developing cost-effective, sustainable desalination systems and membranes.
So far, 280 teams from over 63 countries have pre-registered for the competition, with the grand prize set to be awarded in 2028.
As part of its efforts to promote action-oriented discussions, the Initiative organized and participated in various sessions with key partners to advance the goal of a water-resilient future.
One highlight of the programme was the panel discussion, *“From Lab to Field: Innovations in Water Management,”* held on 16th November at the Water for Climate Pavilion. This session brought together experts from government, academia, the private sector, and non-profits to explore how emerging technologies and novel approaches can address critical water challenges.
Additionally, on 18th November, the Initiative hosted an interactive session titled *“Youth Consultation on Water Scarcity,”* moderated by Elizabeth Wathuti, Founder of the Green Generation Initiative and the youngest Commissioner on the Global Commission on the Economics of Water (GCEW).
The Initiative’s representatives also engaged in broader COP29 activities. Delegation leader Ayesha Al Ateeqi participated in the World Bank panel *“Leaders’ Perspectives on Fast Tracking Water Security and Climate Adaptation”* on 19th November. Moderated by Saroj Jha, Global Director for Water at the World Bank, the panel addressed barriers to governance and financing while promoting private sector investments in innovative water solutions. This discussion followed the COP29 launch of the World Bank Group’s Fast Track Global Challenge Program for water security and climate adaptation.
The Initiative also contributed to a session organized by the UAE Department of Energy titled *“Water and Climate Change: Integrating Desalination, Reuse, Renewable Energy, and Stewardship for Sustainable Water Solutions”* at the UAE Pavilion. The session underscored the importance of leveraging the interconnections between water, energy, and sustainability to address water-related challenges.
Through its participation, the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative reinforced its commitment to global water resilience via its three main pillars: fostering innovation, raising awareness, and driving impactful action. Key discussions at COP29 emphasized the urgency of addressing the global water crisis, supporting breakthroughs in technology, and improving existing solutions like desalination to ensure sustainable, affordable access to water.
Reflecting on the event, Ayesha Al Ateeqi stated, “Water scarcity poses a significant threat to global security and prosperity, yet it has historically received limited public and financial attention. COP29 provided a valuable platform to engage a diverse range of stakeholders in addressing this critical challenge.”
The Initiative is also taking direct action through its Title Sponsorship of XPRIZE Water Scarcity, a competition aimed at fostering innovative advancements in desalination technology. Backed by a US$150 million commitment, the five-year program includes a US$119 million prize and focuses on developing cost-effective, sustainable desalination systems and membranes.
So far, 280 teams from over 63 countries have pre-registered for the competition, with the grand prize set to be awarded in 2028.