IDA Announces Strategic Partnership with the Cape Town’s 2020 W12 Congress

The International Desalination Association has announced its strategic partnership with the City of Cape Town for the 2020 W12 Congress, to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre and the University of Western Cape from January 27-31, 2020.

The W12 Congress brings together city officials, academics, business executives, water experts, and students from major cities in the world that are likely to face a “Day Zero Scenario” – that is, the day water resources are completely depleted, and taps run dry.

This congress is the first of a global movement featuring important work of city governments taking radical steps to address water crises today. Major themes covered include the current situation of global climate change, the green economy, role of advanced water treatment technologies and solutions, water as business, and “Day Zero” scenarios.

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As a strategic partner, the IDA will play a key role in the upcoming conference. Current IDA President, Mr. Carlos Cosin, will deliver a keynote speech to congress delegates, detailing how the water sector and the IDA continue to develop and promote sustainable water solutions. The partnership also furthers IDA’s growing involvement in the sub-Saharan African water market, where the 2021 World Congress will be hosted in Mombasa, Kenya.

“As an Association, the IDA is extremely pleased to work with the W12 team on this important initiative,” said IDA Secretary General Ms. Shannon McCarthy. “Cape Town’s Day Zero scenario is an important reminder of the role advanced water treatment solutions have in securing water sustainability.”

Other keynote speakers include Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Governor of California and current Climate Change Activist, as well as Mr. Sam Katiela, a pioneer in international strategic communication specializing in sustainability-related projects. Discussed topics include, “Funding Water: Making Money Flow for a Priceless Commodity,” “The Deeper Dimensions of Water: Water as a Commodity, as a Resource, as a Right,” and “Water of the Future: Breakthroughs and Solutions.” An entire program agenda can be found here.

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The W12 Congress will also host a bustling exhibition area, giving exhibiting organizations the opportunity to showcase their brands and products to policy makers and stakeholders. Information on discounted exhibition rates for IDA members are available by contacting smulrooney@idadesal.org.

IDA encourages all members to attend the event, with a 10% discounted registration fee. To receive the IDA discount code please contact mpszenny@idadesal.org

“The W12 presents an ideal opportunity for policy makers and urban planners to take steps towards ensure water sustainability,” said Ms. McCarthy. “IDA is proud to play a key role in this effort to connect people and ideas to sustainable water solutions.”