MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL

Although it can indeed be stated that organizations like ours have helped many in water-stressed regions gain access to freshwater over the last ten years, it is worth noting that, despite our great efforts, and because of the rising consequences of global warming and rapid industrial and population growth, the overall challenges associated with water scarcity are still projected to worsen in the coming years.

Last March, the United Nations 2023 Water Conference in New York City focused on the urgent need to unite the world in establishing international mechanisms to adapt to the rising incidences of extreme and prolonged droughts and floods stressing the earth’s ecosystems. IDA participated as an UN-recognized ECOSOC organization and provided a statement on the role of non-conventional water resources in adapting to water scarcity, specifically desalination, and reuse.

As we approach the IDA Seville Summit on Water and Climate Change that will take place on 15-18 October 2023 in the beautiful country of Spain, we must both consider and enhance the philosophies proposed by the United Nations earlier this year and continue to promote the innovative on the ground advancements in water supply that our community has always led, fostered, and encouraged.

In this issue of the IDA Global Connections, we are honored to feature the interview with Mr. Saroj Kumar Jha, the Global Director for the World Bank Group’s Water Global Practice, who discusses the estimated investment of 22.6 trillion is needed by 2050 for water infrastructure to create water security for all, and how policy reform to attract private investment is critical, hence the new framework for “Scaling Finance in Water.”

Dr. Zeynep Erdal, the Director of Integrated Solutions and Capabilities at Black & Veatch, shares her company’s continuing efforts to advance water reuse technologies to expand water reliability and resilience worldwide.

Dr. Art K. Umble, a global leader in promoting sustainability of the water environment and the Director of the Stantec Institute for Water Technology & Policy, addresses the roles and responsibilities of water professionals in addressing climate change and, specifically, the actions that industry authorities must lead.

Eng. Tariq Al-Ghafari, Deputy Governor of Research, Innovation and Project Execution, SWCC- DTRI, updates us on the initiatives and advances the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made to reduce carbon emissions and the innovative research to achieve these goals.

Ms. Julie Minton, a Research Unit Leader at The Water Research Foundation, shares the US technological innovations over the last fifty years that have paved the way for progress in wastewater recycling for societal benefits.

Dr. Sharon P. Nappier, a National Program Leader for Water Reuse in the Office of Water at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Ashley S. Harper, a team member in the Water Reuse Program in the Office of Water at the US EPA, collaborate on a piece to detail the efforts of the EPA to ensure all communities have access to tools that help mitigate the impacts of climate change on water supply.

We hope you enjoy the piece by Ms. Lauren Nicole Core, a Climate and Water Writer and Filmmaker who stresses the importance of desalination in meeting the freshwater needs of water-scarce communities and the technological developments that are unlocking the capabilities to do so.

From a historical perspective, Dr. Emilio Gabrielli, an International Water Consultant, and former IDA President, details how water treatment was first introduced, not for people's health but to ensure the quality of European banknotes.

In our IDA News section, we share the interesting and impactful aspects of our exciting new activities, including announcing a recent

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Canada Ocean Racing Be Water Positive Team that solidifies our commitment to promoting sustainable water practices and spotlighting water positive actions across the globe. We also provide a link to complete an IDA survey on the current use of PVDF-based membranes (MF/UF) in water treatment systems so that we can better support European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) decision-making. Along with key partners, we announce a call for the 2024 Global Industrial Water Reuse Champions Award nominations to recognize those Fortune 1000 companies that share our commitments and principles. And we provide comprehensive details on the beginning of our 50th-anniversary celebration at the IDA Seville Summit on Water and Climate Change, including part of the historical timeline of the last fifty years in the industry and as an association.

Finally, and sadly, we mourn the loss of Professor David Hasson, an incredible pioneer, and contributor to the development of desalination technologies in Israel and worldwide.

Over the past fifty years, we have seen significant progress in addressing water scarcity with sustainable solutions. However, as noted in our wonderfully informative essays herein, much work still needs to be done. We look forward to seeing you in Spain, continuing the robust and most critical discussions on our shared objectives, and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the International Desalination Association and the industry.

We stand united in the understanding that the future of sustainable water development rests on our very capable shoulders. And we are proud to stand alongside our membership.

Sincerely,

Shannon McCarthy