JEDDAH, Dec 8 (KUNA) -- The fourth edition of the Innovation Conference on Water Sustainability 2025 kick-started in the Saudi city of Jeddah on Monday, with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy participating.
Addressing the event, Chairman of the Saudi Water Authority (SWA) Abdullah Al-Abdulkarim underlined the necessity of cooperation and supporting innovation in developing models of work, finance and policies to strengthen water usage.
He added that the conference, which highlights the means to achieve water sustainability in the world, draws the participation of educational institutions, scholars, technology firms, research and innovation centers, decision-makers and stakeholders, to find water sustainability solutions in the 21st century.
He cited key challenges as a quarter of world population's lack of access to safe water sources and potential displacement of around 700 million people due to water scarcity.
The Saudi official added that water contributes to promoting world economies, given that around 60 percent of world production includes water-based industries and activities.
Acting Assistant Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Water, Electricity and Renewable Energy's Sector of Water Operation and Maintenance Fahad Al-Thufairi is leading the Kuwaiti delegation partaking in the conference.
Key topics will 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 feature various activities to connect global innovators.
The conference aims to establish strategic partnerships and initiatives through agreements signed on-site, reinforcing the Kingdom's leadership in water sector innovation and supporting sustainable solutions as part of Saudi Vision 2030. (end) fn.mt