The Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) concluded the International Conference on Sustainable Energy-Water-Environment Nexus in Desert Climates (ICSEWEN23), that was held from October 30 to November 2, 2023, at Qatar National Convention Center.

The conference featured plenary sessions, technical talks, scientific presentations, and panel discussions where around 700 experts gathered to share innovative solutions, impactful research, and advancements with one another across five main themes: Energy Transition; Water Resources, Processes and Advances; Environmental Pollution and Mitigation; Innovative Solutions for the Oil and Gas Industry; Sustainability and Digital Solutions.

Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) and The Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development served as Strategic and Supporting Partner respectively. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Ajyal Educational Center. served as educational partners. The International Horticultural Expo 2023, Earthna Centre, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), Enbat Holdings; Qatar Scientific Club; and the National Museum of Qatar also contributed to the hosting of ICSEWEN23.

On the concluding day, the event chairs announced the best poster and best presentation winners. The recipients of the Best Presentation Awards were as follows: Kaltham Ismail from Khalifa University, UAE, secured the first place, followed by Naheel Kamal from Texas A&M University, Qatar, in the second place, and Jasir Jawad from HBKU, Qatar, who secured the third place.

For the Best Poster Award, the winners were Taghreed Al-Gunaid from Qatar University, clinching the first place, followed by Noora Al-Subaiei from Texas A&M University, Qatar, in the second place, and Izza Fatima from Qatar University securing the third place.

ICSEWEN23 also announced the winners of its 3rd Young Innovator Award (YIA) competition, which awards young scientists aged 6 to 17 years old for their innovative ideas in the field of sustainability. Held under the theme “The Innovation of Today Leads the Sustainability of Tomorrow,” the Award honored teams of participants from Qatar-based schools in three categories. The winners of the Senior Category (14-17 years old) were Al-Sailiyah Secondary Independent School for Girls, Khalifa Secondary School for Boys, Al Aqsa Preparatory School for Girls. and for the Intermediate Category (10-13 years old), the winners were Kamal Naji School for Boys, Al Wukair School for Boys, Hind Bint Amr Al-Ansaria Preparatory School for Girls. Finally for the junior category (6-9 years old) the winners were Al Wukair School for Boys, Zaynab Bint Jahsh Girls Primary independent school for girls and Philippine School Doha. Awards were delivered by  Ms. Maha Zayed Al-Ruwaili, Assistant Undersecretary for Education Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and Dr. Abu Bakr Musa Abdullah, Executive Director of the Ajyal Educational Center.

Speaking about the conference, Dr. M. Ramii Alfarra, Co-chair of ICSEWEN23 and Principal Scientist at QEERI, said: “Delegates explored strategies and solutions to key  challenges related to the sustainability of the energy-water-environment nexus in arid regions, and focused  on knowledge exchange and forging national and international collaborations. As our flagship conference, ICSEWEN embodies QEERI and HBKU’s commitment to build expertise and research capacity in Qatar and the region and contribute to enhancing climate and environmental resilience worldwide.”

Dr. Khaled A. Mahmoud, Co-chair of ICSEWEN23 and Research Program Director at QEERI, said: “The growing attendance in each edition of ICSEWEN underscores the significance of the academic and practical discussions. This year's plenary sessions covered vital themes, including the Energy Transition Towards Net Zero, Climate Change Impacts, and Water Desalination and Management. The Conference also delved into topics such as the economics and policy of energy transition, sustainable energy technologies, water resources, large-scale water management, air quality challenges in arid environments, climate change adaptation, corrosion solutions, food security, smart cities, and more.” 

The Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), is a national research institute tasked with supporting Qatar in addressing its grand challenges related to energy, water, and environment. Through its experienced scientists, engineers, and technicians supported by its focused management and operations teams, working within its world-class indoor and outdoor facilities aims to make a lasting positive impact on Qatar and the region.