In a bid to elevate the issue of water scarcity on the global agenda, the UAE hosted the first council meeting of the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative. The meeting, chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, focused on developing sustainable global access to water using cutting-edge technologies.
The council explored innovative ways to address the growing challenge of global water shortages, with particular emphasis on encouraging youth engagement. The initiative, launched by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed, has already committed $150 million to tackle this critical issue. A key project under the initiative is the five-year XPrize Water Scarcity competition, which offers $119 million in prizes for sustainable seawater desalination solutions.
Sheikh Abdullah emphasized that existing solutions to water scarcity are insufficient to prevent future crises. He reiterated the UAE’s commitment to ensuring access to clean water for those most in need. The initiative forms part of the UAE’s broader efforts to collaborate with the international community in developing long-term water solutions, particularly in regions facing severe shortages.
The meeting was attended by key ministers, including Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei and Climate Change Minister Dr. Amna Al Shamsi, who discussed priority projects and the initiative’s strategic framework focused on innovation and global outreach.
For further details, you can read the full article on The National.