The Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), will feature prominent national stakeholders and sustainability leaders during the second edition of its flagship event, the International Conference on Sustainable Energy-Water-Environment Nexus in Desert Climates 2021 (ICSEWEN21).

The opening ceremony will be held at the Minaretein building (formerly known as the College of Islamic Studies) on Nov. 22, and promises to be an insightful dialogue on key topics in the EWE nexus. Over 300 researchers, scientists, engineers, and stakeholders from Qatar and around the world are expected to attend the four-day event. A live-streamed, in-person inaugural ceremony will be followed by three days of the highest quality scientific contributions streamed live over a virtual conferencing platform.

The biennial conference will address obstacles and opportunities in developing sustainable solutions to energy, water, and environmental challenges in desert climates, and their inherent relationship with climate change.
Themes discussed will include: Opportunities and Challenges for the EWE Nexus; Food and Water Security in Arid Environments, and Smart Sustainable Cities for Desert Climate.

ICSEWEN21 will also host engaging sessions to encourage and create awareness among the public and young scientists. That includes a workshop on the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Framework, co-hosted with Qatar Scientific Club, and the third edition of QEERIs popular Young Innovator Awards Competition. An exciting online cultural program will feature contributions from the Museum of Islamic Art and other national entities.

Senior Research Director of the Water Center at QEERI and Conference Chair, Dr. Jenny Lawler, said: "Keeping in step with the huge success of ICSEWEN19, this conference will bring together experts involved in research, policy, practice, and business related to the EWE nexus. Participants and attendees can look forward to a rich and immersive experience with plenary speeches, panel discussions, over 70 high-quality scientific oral presentations, sustainable practicum workshops, poster sessions, and online moderated networking opportunities.

Competitions are also being held for the Best Paper Award and Early-Stage Researchers Award, showcasing the next generation of scientific researchers, which promises to be very enjoyable." she added.

The Executive Director at QEERI, Dr. Marc Vermeersch added: "Qatar, a signatory to the Paris Agreement, is committed to playing an influential role in achieving sustainability goals that will have local, regional, and global impact. Research, development, and innovation are instrumental in achieving this goal. To effect real sustainable change, we need to have a collaborative approach, and ICSEWEN aims to bring forth dialogue not just from experts at QEERI and in Qatar, but to address the key challenges globally within the EWE nexus."