The Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), will feature prominent national stakeholders and sustainability leaders during the second edition of its flagship event, the International Conference on Sustainable Energy-Water-Environment Nexus in Desert Climates 2021 (ICSEWEN21). 

The opening ceremony will be held at the Minaretein building (formerly known as the College of Islamic Studies) on November 22, and promises to be an insightful dialogue on key topics in the EWE nexus. ICSEWEN2021 will feature national leadership figures including His Excellency (HE) Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, Chairman of The Al-Attiyah Foundation; HE Eng. Essa bin Hilal Al-Kuwari, President of KAHRAMAA; and HE Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Chairman of the Joint Advisory Board of Texas A&M University at Qatar and former Minister of Energy and Industry for Qatar. Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al Thani, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Public Health, will deliver the plenary address for the virtual sessions.

The biennial conference will address obstacles and opportunities in developing sustainable solutions to energy, water, and environmental challenges in desert climates, and their inherent relationship with climate change. Themes discussed will include: Opportunities and Challenges for the EWE Nexus; Food and Water Security in Arid Environments, and Smart Sustainable Cities for Desert Climate.

Dr. Jenny Lawler, Senior Research Director of the Water Center at QEERI and Conference Chair, said: “Keeping in step with the huge success of ICSEWEN19, this conference will bring together experts involved in research, policy, practice, and business related to the EWE nexus. Participants and attendees can look forward to a rich and immersive experience with plenary speeches, panel discussions, over 70 high-quality scientific oral presentations, sustainable practicum workshops, poster sessions, and online moderated networking opportunities. Competitions are also being held for the Best Paper Award and Early-Stage Researchers Award, showcasing the next generation of scientific researchers, which promises to be very enjoyable.”

Over 300 researchers, scientists, engineers, and stakeholders from Qatar and around the world are expected to attend the four-day event. A live-streamed, in-person inaugural ceremony will be followed by three days of the highest quality scientific contributions streamed live over a virtual conferencing platform.

Dr. Marc Vermeersch, Executive Director at QEERI, added: “Qatar, a signatory to the Paris Agreement, is committed to playing an influential role in achieving sustainability goals that will have local, regional, and global impact. Research, development, and innovation are instrumental in achieving this goal. To effect real sustainable change, we need to have a collaborative approach, and ICSEWEN aims to bring forth dialogue not just from experts at QEERI and in Qatar, but to address the key challenges globally within the EWE nexus.”

He added: “QEERI is honored to have on board KAHRAMAA and The Al-Attiyah Foundation as Strategic Partner and Knowledge Partner, respectively, with Vodafone Qatar as Gold Sponsor, Enbat Holdings as Wellness Partner, and support from the Qatar Scientific Club as our Community Partner.”

ICSEWEN21 will also host engaging sessions to encourage and create awareness among the public and young scientists. That includes a workshop on the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Framework, co-hosted with Qatar Scientific Club, and the third edition of QEERI’s popular Young Innovator Awards Competition. An exciting online cultural program will feature contributions from the Museum of Islamic Art and other national entities.

Online registration for ICSEWEN21 is now open. Anyone interested may register to attend at https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/qeeri/ICSEWEN21/registration