MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL

Dear Members and Colleagues,

I am so pleased to celebrate the third anniversary of IDA Global Connections with this Spring 2021 issue! IDA is proud to publish this quarterly magazine, featuring ever-insightful and innovative work from experts, industry leaders, and researchers – all committed to creating a more sustainable future.

In this issue, we are honored to feature an interview with Ms. Marta Verde, CEO of GS Inima, on non-conventional water solutions that combat global water scarcity. GS Inima has made notable strides in the desalination industry, optimizing energy consumption and boasting a deep knowledge of the technical and corporate realities of the water sector. Ms. Verde has been working in the industry since 1996, and we are pleased to share her expertise and knowledge with you. The articles in this issue are an exceptional resource for readers of Connections, bringing leaders' perspectives throughout the water sector to your fingertips. H.E. Eng. Abdullah Bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkareem, the Governor of SWCC, writes on SWCC's vision for the future with a passionate commitment to desalination innovation; Mr. Jeff Mosher, General Manager of SAWPA, writes on SAWPA" s inland empire brine line, a fascinating and unique salinity management resource; Ms. Nicole Richards, the CEO of Allonnia, writes on how "waste is a failure of imagination," showcasing how Allonnia's inspiring mantra draws inspiration from nature's potential to save the planet; Ms. Lydia Whyatt, Managing Director of Resonance Asset Management, writes on the financial realities of water reuse, laying out the challenges of commercial structures and how these can be overcome; Dr. Chris Fellows and Eng. Fredrich Alt presents the

reduced carbon footprint in the Ras Al Khair plant. Kim Shugar, the American Membrane Technology Association's Executive Director, updates readers on AMTA's innovation and research, even in the face of COVID-19's profound challenges.

We are pleased to present another chapter of our Favorite Papers to our readers. Five veterans of the water sector have curated timeless research on behalf of our readers, with subjects ranging from reverse osmosis, desalination in Dubai, MED units, chemical-based innovation, and the kinetics of calcium carbonate deposit formations. This section is truly an education unto itself!

IDA is also happy to announce its partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy's Waves to Water and Solar Desalination Prizes. I am delighted to see how these competitions foster innovation and community in entrepreneurs, researchers, and leaders of the water sector's future. It is an exciting time to be part of this fantastic project! We are also pleased to announce the PUB- IDA Business Forum webinar on June 29th. IDA is a longstanding PUB-SIWW Strategic Partner, dating back to the inauguration of SIWW.

Likewise, we are excited to announce the upcoming webinar addressing the myths and misconceptions of desalination organized in partnership with the IDA Energy and Environment Committee and the Desalination Technology Research Institute of SWCC. This webinar is the first in a series of webinars aimed to address environmental issues.

I would be remiss if I failed to mention one of our most exciting new initiatives: IDA Talks. These short videos share knowledge on desalination, water reuse, recycling, and relevant energy solutions. They are a great way to stay connected to the water sector in these days of remote work and travel limitations. Share your knowledge by submitting an idea for a talk to info@ idadesal.org!

With three upcoming conferences and the 2022 World Congress, we look forward to the opportunity to see you soon in one of our upcoming online or in-person programs. Check out the options to submit your extended abstract to participate one of these dynamic technical programs.

These contributions are meant to spark your curiosity, provoke critical thought, and inspire you. Please read, enjoy, and share with family and friends! A sustainable future depends on all of us.

Sincerely,

Shannon K. McCarthy IDA Secretary General