A large number of delegates and guests attended an interesting panel discussion on ‘Implementing a Policy Framework to Support Sustainable Development through the Water-Energy-Environment Nexus, during the final day of the International Conference on Sustainable Energy-Water-Environment Nexus in Desert Climates 2019 (IC-SEWEN’19). IC-SEWEN’19, which was held at the Qatar National Convention Centre from 2-5 December, is the flagship conference of the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University.

The four-day conference showcased a multitude of sessions including panels, round tables, oral and poster presentations on various topics related to the opportunities and challenges across the energy, environment, water and food security tracks. These sessions were attended by more than 400 delegates – scientists, researchers, engineers and students – from around the world. 

“I am pleased to attend this important conference, which seeks to address vital topics that can no longer be individually shouldered by countries, regions, or economies. The global challenges we address here require collective efforts. Addressing water and energy security topics, through established processes, is quite important and relevant to the developmental prospects of all countries,” said Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah, president of Hamad Bin Khalifa University.

Over 1000 students participated in the Young Innovator competition where they submitted short videos showcasing how objectives related to certain sustainable development goals can be achieved. The Philippines International School, Compass International School, and Awfaz Global School walked away with top prizes in the senior, intermediate and junior categories. University students from Qatar and around the world also competed in the Student Oral and Poster presentations in energy, environment, water and food security. The winner in each category won a cash prize of 300 USD.

Breakout sessions during the conference explored topics such as water desalination, environmental challenges in a changing climate, sustainable oil and gas processes, food security and energy-water-environment nexus, and opportunities in decentralized energy, among others. Pre-event activities also featured a panel discussion on Unlocking the Potential of Women for Sustainable Development, and a workshop on Corrosion Management, and one on PV Technologies for the Desert Climate.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Dr. Marc Vermeersh thanked the delegates and guests, and said: “It has been a delightful event – a journey of four days bringing together various perspectives in research, development, technology and innovation. The diversity that we have seen at QEERI IC-SEWEN: nationality, gender, technical expertise and mindsets is remarkable, and we hope that this conference has set up a platform to build a more solid network, and collaborations through which we can combine efforts to tackle the challenges relating to the energy-water-environment nexus.”

The strategic partner for QEERI IC-SEWEN 2019 is Kahramaa, and ExxonMobil and Nebras Power are platinum sponsors. Vortex IoT is on board as Gold Sponsors and it is supported by Total, Clarivate Analytics, Qatar National Research Fund, Education City Golf Club, University of Swansea and Destination Management partners are 365 Adventures.

The next edition of QEERI IC-SEWEN will be in 2021. QEERI contributes towards assisting Qatar tackle its grand challenges through its Energy, Water, Environment and Sustainability, Corrosion, and Computational Processes and Materials Centers. It also hosts a Natural and Environmental Hazards Observatory and the Earth Sciences Program.