Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) recently hosted the “Sustaining the Oasis” Hiwaraat conference, which is set to shape new dialogues, collaborations, and research partnerships focused on water security and climate change. This conference, held from November 12-13, was a joint effort between GU-Q and the Earth Commons Institute at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.
The discussions at the conference aimed to connect policy with science and explore the role of water in achieving regional cooperation, stability, climate change adaptation, and mitigation. By bringing together experts from various fields, the conference aimed to kickstart important agendas and foster a sense of shared responsibility.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Safwan Masri, the dean of GU-Q, emphasized the value of dialogues like Hiwaraat in bringing together individuals who care about common issues. He highlighted the importance of collaboration and the need to build an environmental presence in critical areas.
The conference featured a keynote address by Malcolm Gladwell, a renowned author and journalist. Gladwell stressed the urgency of addressing water challenges and advocated for taking greater social risks. His message resonated with speakers from over 35 organizations, including the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, who explored inclusive and sustainable solutions to combat climate stressors, freshwater scarcity, and regional conflicts.
One of the panels focused on Qatar’s water strategy, with representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and Qatar Foundation’s environmental research centers. The panel highlighted Qatar’s efforts to honor international commitments and how challenges have transformed into opportunities for the region. Dr. Jenny Lawler, Senior Research Director at QEERI Water Center, emphasized the importance of research collaboration to advance technologies that address global water challenges.
Another panel discussed the role of Gulf countries in shaping a water-secure world. Speakers pointed to the region’s adaptability, investments in non-conventional water sources, and wastewater reuse as key drivers of achievements. However, they also emphasized the need for more sustainable water consumption, particularly in the agriculture sector. Roula Majdalani, Senior Climate Change Advisor at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), highlighted the potential of circularity, technology, precision agriculture, and heat-tolerant crops in achieving better demand management and food sovereignty.
The outcomes of the Hiwaraat conference are expected to have a significant impact on shaping future dialogues, collaborations, and research partnerships in the field of water security and climate change. By bringing together experts and stakeholders, this conference has set the stage for innovative solutions and increased cooperation in addressing the pressing water challenges facing the region and the world.
Meta Description: Georgetown Qatar’s Water Security Conference explored regional solutions and concerns related to water security and climate change. Keynote speaker Malcolm Gladwell emphasized the need for urgency, while panels highlighted Qatar’s water strategy and the role of Gulf countries in achieving a water-secure world.
