EAD organizes three-day meeting to develop Arab Water Academy Business Strategy and 2009 Learning Program

A team of experts attended the workshop included World Bank, Stockholm International Water Institute, National Water Research Center, Egypt, International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), International Water Management Institute, The Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD), and Netherlands Institute of International Relations

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony H.E. Majid Al Mansouri, EAD's Secretary General said that the world is increasingly getting concerned about the availability and quality of water, where the quality is deteriorating and the quantity of water in the region has been significantly depleted in recent years as a result of drought conditions and rapid development and population growth.

He noted that this three-day workshop is of great importance for developing the proposed courses by Arab Water Academy, where it is not just a round table discussion and course development but a road map defining the range of challenges caused by water scarcity that are facing the Arab Countries and identifying the way forward and actions to be taken to meet those challenges and mitigate their impacts.

"It is not a matter of making choices but it is destiny to maintain economic growth, social peace, and livelihood not only for this generation but for the next generations," he added.

Al Mansouri assured that the Arab Water Academy is fully supported by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the Arab Council for Water and the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture, the World Bank and Islamic Development Bank. Expectations are high and this also forms another dimension of challenges and we are also looking for localized programme but of international quality.

During the workshop participants discussed the academy role in addressing the issue of water shortages in the region. The academy will take a major step towards creating a significant training center that will prepare qualified and skillful workers who can help carry out the planning and integrated management of water resources in the Arab world.