2020’s Renewed Dedication to Sustainability: IDA’s International Water Reuse and Recycling Conference

2019 ended with the United Nation’s Climate Change Conference, COP 25, where hundreds of leaders from around the world promised a renewed effort to create sustainable solutions in 2020. The overarching message of the conference was clear: the time for waiting is over. 2020 must be the year we address the world’s climate emergency, and we must do so together.

As a recognised UN Non-Governmental Organization, IDA is ready to respond to COP25’s call for climate action. From September 28-30, the Association will host its third annual Water Reuse and Recycling Conference, “Making Every Drop Count,” an international conference dedicated to solving the world’s growing demand for fresh water in a time of climate uncertainty and limited resources. The conference will take place in the historic city of Rome, gathering delegates from all regions of IDA’s membership.

The Association has opened a call for extended abstracts for oral presentation during the Conference. These abstracts can focus on a variety of topics, including cutting-edge technologies related to the water-energy nexus, best practices in reuse, and industrial water reuse and recycling, provided they address the conference’s overarching theme, “Making Every
Drop Count.”

“All industry, public and private utility, financial and legal professionals, and students and academics are encouraged to submit their abstracts on topics related to increasing the use of water reuse and recycling solutions and those that include renewable energy,” said IDA Secretary General, Ms. Shannon McCarthy. “We aim to share the latest and most innovative solutions to collaboratively implement a new global vision of sustainability.”

Authors who submit before January 31, 2020, are eligible for IDA’s Early Bird Decision. Early bird authors are guaranteed an answer from IDA’s Technical Program committee by February 14, 2020, and accepted authors will receive a personal note from the committee with feedback on their submission, as well as unique opportunities for PR through IDA’s social media networks. More information on paper submissions can be found here or by contacting [email protected].

The Conference will also include an awards ceremony for the Water Reuse and Conservation Awards, celebrating outstanding individuals and organizations who have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to conservation and sustainable practices. The Association will open the call for nominations February 15, and all nominations will be reviewed and evaluated by the Association’s Awards Committee. Parties interested in nominating either themselves or others can do so by contacting [email protected].

“As the water sector’s leading network, it is IDA’s responsibility to recognise the stakeholders who are working to change our future,” said Ms. McCarthy. “These awards are an opportunity not only to celebrate those organizations who are fighting climate change: they’re a chance to set a new standard of sustainable practice for everyone in the global water sector.”

The Conference is actively seeking sponsors, with a variety of sponsorship opportunities available here. Sponsorship opportunities can be addressed to [email protected].

“2020 cannot be a year like any other,” said Ms. McCarthy. “It must be a time of resolute change and renewed dedication—and IDA is ready to lead these efforts, so we see the results the world needs.”

For more information about IDA, please visit idadesal.org.