MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL

Dear Members and Colleagues,

In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to come together as a global community. We hope that you are well and keeping safe.

During this past quarter, the IDA Board of Directors in communications with the County Government of Mombasa decided to change the venue for the 2021 IDA World Congress. The IDA desire and commitment to bring to Africa, the World Congress, remains unchanged.

Simultaneously, the IDA is pleased to announce its flagship event will return to Australia a decade later from the IDA World Congress held in Perth. The 2021 World Congress in Sydney, will be held throughout the week of November 7-11, 2021. The Congress week will showcase a robust technical program, global industry leaders summit, dynamic exhibition, innovative training courses, facility tours, and networking opportunities. More information is featured on page 60.

In this Issue of IDA Global Connections, we are honored to feature an exclusive interview with HE Eng. Abdullah Bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkareem, the Governor of Saudi Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC). The discussion focuses on the dynamic privatization journey of SWCC. We hope you enjoy learning more about the progressive steps H.E. Governor Al-Abdulkareem is taking to implement the program.

On July 29 we are pleased to feature a special IDA Academy webinar on Innovations in Brine Mining held under the patronage of HE Governor Al-Abdulkareem and chaired by Dr. Ahmed Al-Amoudi, the Director General of SWCC Desalination Technologies Research Institute. A complete program of this webinar is available on the IDA website.

We hope you enjoyed the IDA Academy Spring 2020 Webinar Series focused on Renewable Energy & Advanced Water Treatment Solutions. Many respected industry experts shared their knowledge and helped us to build community from their homes' comfort and safety. Our members have risen to these difficult times with passion, brilliance, and hard work. We are grateful.

Due to Covid-19, the IDA event for Fall 2020, the third International Water Reuse & Recycling Conference: Making Every Drop Count, to be held in Rome, Italy, is now scheduled for March 15-17, 2021. The conference event preparations are well underway. The Association will accept abstracts for the technical program until December 15 and is actively calling for sponsors and strategic partners. For more information, please visit wrr.idadesal.org.

We are pleased to report that during this last quarter, the Term 19 YLP Committee has been working diligently to launch the 2020-21 IDA Mentor program. Mr. Michael Warady has written an excellent piece on program’s history and benefits, allowing young professionals to gain insight from experienced IDA members into the water reuse and desalination world. To become involved with the YLP, we welcome you to view page 64 and get in touch with your regional coordinator or contact info@idadesal. org.

In addition to these exciting updates, contributions in this issue include two executive insight pieces, one from Mr. Gavin Von Tonder of Neom, on water reuse and recycling, the other from Mrs. Annelise Avril of Suez, on how to reduce waste using innovation and digitalization. Also included are: the Public Utility Leader Insight article focused on desalination in Spain by Mr. Fermin Lopez Unzu of Acuamed; A research team from Northwestern University discusses new collaboration for innovation at the waterenergy nexus; an article on the unique Agua Doce Program in Brazil by Dr. Emilio Gabbrielli; an update on the US Department of Energy Solar Desalination Prize; a note from the President of our Japanese Affiliate, Dr. Hideo Iwahashi from JDA; a Student Corner piece from Mr. Iván Sola; and the second of a two feature op-ed piece on the “IDA Genealogy,” provided by IDA Honorary Council Member and Past President, Dr. Jim Birkett.

This issue highlights resources and research endeavors toward a more sustainable future. There is much to look forward to, so please mark your calendars for all that is to come! We are thankful to our membership community for its continued support.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and enjoy this issue!

Shannon K. McCarthy IDA Secretary General