"Leadership in water means listening, acting, fostering global partnerships for real-world impact"

Second, my time in the private sector, particularly collaborating with utilities, technology innovators, and policymakers, has reinforced the importance of cross-sector collaboration and innovation. We need to move faster to adopt and scale proven technologies like desalination and water reuse, while also creating the policy and financing frameworks to make these solutions accessible globally.

Finally, I've been fortunate to work with brilliant colleagues and visionary leaders from across the water community. These collaborations have taught me that leadership in water means listening deeply, acting boldly, and fostering global partnerships that drive real-world impact.

As President of IDRA, my focus will be on accelerating innovation, equity, and collaboration, ensuring that IDRA continues to be a catalyst for the global adoption of advanced water solutions that meet the challenges of our time.

From your perspective, which global water challenges currently pose the most significant risk to achieving sustainability and resilience?

At IDRA, we see the most significant global water challenges as deeply interconnected with climate change, population growth, and economic development.

Three critical risks stand out:

• Escalating water scarcity. Water scarcity is no longer a distant threat—it is a reality for billions of people. Climate change intensifies droughts and alters precipitation patterns, while growing demand from agriculture, industry, and cities is outstripping available supply. Without bold, systemic action, water scarcity will undermine global sustainability and development goals.
• Lagging infrastructure and policy innovation. While recycling and desalinating water technologies have advanced rapidly, policies, financing mechanisms, and institutional capacity have not kept pace. Many regions lack the regulatory frameworks, cross-sector coordination, and investment models to implement water reuse and desalination at scale. This policy-implementation gap puts climate adaptation efforts at risk.
• Energy-water nexus pressures. Desalination and water reuse are energy-intensive processes, and in a world transitioning to net zero, water's carbon footprint must be urgently addressed. At IDRA, we advocate for integrating renewable energy into water production, exemplified in Iceland, the host of our 2025 Reykjavik Summit on Climate and Water. There, geothermal and hydropower demonstrate how water security can be achieved sustainably.

Water scarcity continues to intensify worldwide. How do you view the roles of desalination and water reuse within a comprehensive, long-term strategy to enhance global water security? 

Desalination and reuse are not endpoints but dynamic parts of a broader system that captures, treats, and recycles water continuously

Desalination and water reuse are vital components of a long-term strategy to achieve global water security, particularly when embedded within a circular water economy.

Water reuse enables the continuous recovery and repurposing of treated wastewater for agriculture, industry, and even potable use, maximizing the value of every drop and reducing reliance on limited freshwater sources. When powered by renewable energy and paired with innovations like brine recovery, desalination provides a stable supply while minimizing environmental impact.

Together, these solutions support a closed-loop water system that is more efficient, resilient, and aligned with climate goals. At IDRA, we see the circular water economy as the foundation for sustainable water management, where desalination and reuse are not endpoints but dynamic parts of a broader system that captures, treats, and recycles water continuously to meet growing needs.

From an IDRA standpoint, what barriers—technical, economic, or social—remain the greatest obstacles for broader global adoption of wastewater reuse?

The most significant barriers to broader global adoption of wastewater reuse are not technological—they are economic, regulatory, and social. Technically, the solutions are proven, but scaling them requires stronger regulatory frameworks that define quality standards, build public trust, and enable cross-sector implementation.

Economically, many regions struggle with the upfront capital costs and lack access to innovative financing models like blended finance or public-private partnerships that can make projects bankable.

Socially, public perception and acceptance remain major hurdles, particularly for potable reuse, where a lack of awareness or cultural stigma can delay adoption even in water-stressed areas.

Overcoming these obstacles requires coordinated action: clear policies, education campaigns, incentives for investment, and platforms - like IDRA’s Reykjavik Summit - to share knowledge and build global momentum for reuse as a mainstream water solution.

What are the most promising technological advancements today in the desalination sector that could substantially enhance its sustainability, efficiency, and acceptance?

Today, some of the most promising advancements in the desalination sector directly address the need for greater sustainability, efficiency, and public acceptance. On the technology front, innovations in membrane design, such as graphene oxide and high-rejection membranes, are significantly reducing energy use and operational costs, making reverse osmosis more efficient and accessible. Adopting energy recovery devices and batch RO configurations is also transforming performance, with some systems cutting energy consumption by over 80%.

Equally important is the integration of renewable energy. Solar-powered desalination systems, including recent battery-free models developed by MIT, and wave-powered units are showing real promise for off-grid, climate-resilient applications. These solutions are especially critical for remote and water-stressed regions.

Another significant development is in environmental stewardship, specifically, the advancement of zero liquid discharge (ZLD) and high-recovery systems that minimise brine waste. Approaches like the IBTS Greenhouse push the envelope by combining renewable energy, modular design, and extremely low energy consumption.

Considering the growing importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria in corporate decision-making, how can water-intensive industries effectively integrate desalination and water reuse to improve their ESG performance?

By adopting water reuse, companies can create a circular water economy within their operations, supporting sustainability goals

As ESG criteria increasingly shape corporate decision-making, water-intensive industries have a crucial opportunity to enhance their environmental and social performance by integrating desalination and water reuse. These technologies help reduce reliance on freshwater sources, lower overall water footprints, and build resilience against climate risks.

By adopting water reuse systems, companies can create a circular water economy within their operations, supporting sustainability goals and improving ESG metrics. When desalination is powered by renewable energy, it also lowers carbon emissions, aligning with broader climate targets. Effective governance through transparent water stewardship policies, including monitoring and stakeholder engagement, further strengthens ESG performance.

At IDRA, we see the integration of desalination and reuse not just as a technical upgrade, but as a strategic move that aligns operational continuity with environmental responsibility and social license to operate.

Emerging contaminants like PFAS pose a considerable challenge globally. How does IDRA advocate addressing these complex contaminants, and what advancements do you consider most promising?

Emerging contaminants like PFAS represent a significant challenge to global water security. These substances are persistent and resistant to conventional treatment methods, necessitating innovative approaches to ensure safe and sustainable water supplies.

To address this issue, IDRA advocates adopting advanced treatment technologies that effectively remove PFAS from water sources. Promising advancements include:

• Ceramic membrane filtration: Utilising robust ceramic membranes, which offer high resistance to fouling and can effectively remove PFAS, heavy metals, and suspended solids, even under challenging conditions like high turbidity. 

• Hybrid treatment systems: Combining technologies like nanofiltration with electrochemical oxidation or biochar-based adsorption to enhance the removal efficiency of PFAS compounds. 

Furthermore, IDRA emphasises integrating these technologies into water reuse and desalination systems to promote a circular water economy. This approach addresses PFAS contamination and contributes to sustainable water management practices.

Public acceptance remains a critical factor for the successful implementation of reuse and desalination projects. From your global experience, what are the most effective approaches to enhance public trust and acceptance?

The most significant barriers to broader global adoption of wastewater reuse are not technological—they are economic, regulatory, and socia

Building public trust in desalination and water reuse requires clear communication, community engagement, and positive messaging. Providing accessible safety information, using favourable terms like “purified water,” and involving the community through tours and forums helps demystify the process.

Partnering with trusted institutions and experts further strengthens credibility. These combined strategies enable water utilities and policymakers to address concerns effectively, fostering greater acceptance and support for sustainable water solutions worldwide.

As energy demand is a crucial concern for water treatment processes, what recent developments or best practices have significantly improved energy efficiency in desalination and wastewater reuse projects?

Recent developments in energy efficiency for desalination and wastewater reuse include advances in energy recovery devices and innovative reverse osmosis (RO) membrane technologies, such as high-rejection and graphene oxide membranes, that can reduce energy consumption by up to 60%.

Renewable energy integration, especially solar-powered desalination systems, can also enable off-grid operation without batteries, enhancing sustainability. Portable and modular desalination units, powered by renewables, offer energy-efficient, scalable solutions for remote or emergency settings, providing reliable water access with minimal energy use.

Together, these advancements make desalination and reuse more sustainable and accessible worldwide. 

Many utilities and municipalities seek effective funding solutions for major water infrastructure investments. Which financing models or public-private partnerships have you observed as particularly effective for large-scale water reuse or desalination projects?

Effective financing is one of the most critical enablers for large-scale water reuse and desalination projects. From IDRA’s global perspective, several models stand out. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) remain one of the most successful frameworks, combining government support with private sector efficiency, capital, and innovation. Models such as Design-Build-Own-Operate (DBOO) and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) have been particularly effective in ensuring project delivery, cost control, and long-term sustainability.

Blended finance, which mixes public funding, development finance, and private investment, has also emerged as a powerful tool, especially in emerging markets. Instruments like green bonds, climate adaptation funds, and water resilience investment platforms are increasingly being used to align infrastructure with ESG goals and attract institutional investors.

Regulatory frameworks vary globally. What key regulatory strategies or best practices would you highlight as particularly successful in promoting the adoption of reuse and desalination projects?

Robust, forward-looking regulatory frameworks are essential to scaling water reuse and desalination. Globally, the most successful strategies share several common features. First, clear water quality standards and permitting processes provide certainty for project developers and help build public trust. Jurisdictions like Singapore, Israel, and parts of the U.S. have demonstrated how transparent, science-based guidelines enable safe potable reuse and large-scale desalination adoption. Second, incentive-based regulations can drive behaviour change and investment. Third, integrated resource planning, where desalination and reuse are incorporated into national water strategies, ensures alignment with climate, energy, and land-use policies.

Finally, regulatory flexibility and cross-sector coordination, for example, between environment, health, and infrastructure ministries, allow for innovation while safeguarding public health and ecosystems.  

What do you see as the practical implications of IDRA’s "Be Water Positive+" initiative for businesses and utilities, and how can organisations realistically implement water-positive principles?

IDRA’s “Be Water Positive+” initiative encourages businesses and utilities to go beyond reducing water use and to actively enhance local water resources, fostering a net positive water impact. The practical implications of this approach are profound: organisations are called not only to manage water efficiently but also to become stewards of their watersheds and catalysts for regional water resilience.

To implement water-positive principles realistically, organisations should begin with comprehensive water audits to identify inefficiencies and high-impact intervention points. From there, they can invest in cutting-edge solutions like advanced water reuse systems, desalination technologies, and smart infrastructure that recycles and supplements freshwater supplies. Supporting local ecosystem restoration—such as aquifer recharge, wetland rehabilitation, and watershed protection—helps return more water to nature than is withdrawn.

Crucially, transparent monitoring and public reporting of water use and restoration efforts build credibility and stakeholder trust. Forming public-private partnerships and engaging local communities amplifies impact and ensures locally appropriate solutions.

IDRA’s partnerships with global leaders like the CEO Water Mandate and the Net Positive Water Impact initiative provide a strong framework for companies aiming to align with international best practices and accountability standards. Collaboration with the Alliance for Water Stewardship also helps organisations adopt long-standing globally recognised certification systems to operationalise water stewardship across supply chains.

Additionally, IDRA’s outreach campaign through the Canada Ocean Racing Team helps bring the “Be Water Positive and embrace Water Stewardship” message to global audiences in a compelling and action-oriented way, highlighting the intersection of innovation, resilience, and public engagement.

These efforts reflect IDRA’s commitment to advancing integrated water resource management and building a resilient, circular water economy through innovation, collaboration, and leadership.

IDRA emphasises the "One Water" approach—managing all water resources holistically. How can this integrated strategy significantly enhance resilience and sustainability within urban and industrial water management?

Renewable energy integration, especially solar-powered desalination systems, can enable off-grid operation without batteries

IDRA's "One Water" approach promotes the integrated management of all water sources: drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and groundwater, as a unified resource. This holistic strategy enhances resilience and sustainability in urban and industrial water management by optimising water use across sectors, reducing waste, and improving water quality.

Implementing "One Water" involves adopting circular water economy principles, investing in advanced desalination and reuse technologies, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. By viewing all water as a valuable resource, organisations can create more adaptive and efficient water systems, ensuring long-term water security and supporting sustainable development goals.

As an organisation with consultative status at the UN and other global bodies, how does IDRA plan to leverage these partnerships to advance global awareness and adoption of integrated water reuse and desalination solutions?

We are committed to leveraging our consultative status with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and our membership in the UN-Water Special Framework for Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG) to advance global awareness and adoption of integrated water reuse and desalination solutions. Our strategic approach includes:

• Policy advocacy and thought leadership: Collaborating with UN agencies and international bodies to influence water governance frameworks, promoting policies that support sustainable water management practices. 
• Knowledge sharing and capacity building: Organising global events, such as the 2026 IDRA World Congress in Riyadh and the 2025 IDRA Reykjavik Summit on Water and Climate, to disseminate research, showcase innovations, and facilitate stakeholder dialogue. 
• Public-private partnerships: Fostering collaborations between governments, industry leaders, multilateral institutions, the finance community, and civil society to implement scalable water solutions that address local and global challenges.

Through these initiatives, IDRA aims to catalyse the widespread adoption of integrated water reuse and desalination technologies, contributing to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation for all.

With the upcoming IDRA Summit on Water and Climate in Reykjavik (October 2025), what key outcomes or strategic directions do you aim to achieve to influence global water policy, industry practices, and sustainable water management? 

IDRA’s “Be Water Positive+” initiative encourages businesses and utilities to go beyond reducing water use and enhance local water resources

The IDRA Reykjavik Summit 2025, themed “Adaptation and Mitigation for a Sustainable Future” aims to accelerate global progress on integrated water, energy, and climate solutions. We will spotlight innovations in desalination, water reuse, renewable energy integration, and AI-driven water management to promote scalable, climate-resilient approaches to ensure drinking and industrial water needs.

The Summit will foster strategic public-private partnerships to unlock investment and strengthen policies supporting sustainable water infrastructure. Emphasising a circular water economy, it will showcase best practices across the water-energy-food nexus to advance resource efficiency. 

Through high-level dialogue and media outreach, IDRA seeks to position desalination and reuse as vital to achieving Sustainable Development Goals and net-zero targets globally. Ultimately, Reykjavik 2025 will unite stakeholders to drive coordinated action for a resilient and sustainable water future.