UAE launches $150 million initiative to combat global water shortages
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Abu Dhabi: President Sheikh Mohamed of UAE unveiled a groundbreaking $150 million initiative, aiming to tackle the pressing issue of global water scarcity. The initiative, named the XPrize Water Scarcity competition, is a collaborative effort between the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative (MBZWI) and the American XPrize Foundation, aiming to revolutionize access to clean water through sustainable and affordable seawater desalination systems.
The XPrize Water Scarcity competition is worth a total prize of $119 million and encourages global innovators to focus on transforming the reliability, affordability and sustainability of water desalination technologies.
The launch event held at the Niqa bin Ateej Water Tank and Park in Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi, was attended by key dignitaries including Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad and Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, among others.
Speaking at the launch, Sheikh Abdullah emphasized the critical need for innovative solutions to combat water scarcity, stating that existing measures are inadequate to address the looming crisis. He underlined the initiative's commitment to collaborating with global stakeholders to develop and implement viable solutions efficiently.
Prof Nidal Hilal, director of New York University Abu Dhabi's Water Research Centre and advisory board member of XPrize Water Scarcity, hailed the initiative as "the largest in human history." He emphasized its significance in promoting peace and ensuring water becomes a source of life rather than conflict, inviting innovators worldwide to participate in the competition.
The launch of the XPrize Water Scarcity competition follows the UAE's proactive stance on addressing global water scarcity, exemplified by the comprehensive discussion paper published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in December. Titled 'Ripple Effect: Water Scarcity – The Hidden Threat to Global Security and Prosperity,' the paper serves as a clarion call for international cooperation to confront this emerging challenge.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, the discussion paper revealed that four billion people experience water scarcity for at least one month annually, with projections indicating a worsening trend. It warned of dire consequences including loss of life, food insecurity, economic underdevelopment and geopolitical instability if decisive action is not taken promptly.
The establishment made by the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative highlights the UAE's commitment to addressing global water scarcity comprehensively, signalling a pivotal step towards securing a sustainable future for all.