QU’s Unesco Chair on Desalination and Water Treatment marks World Water Week

Doha, Qatar - Prof Syed Javaid Zaidi, the director of the Unesco Chair on Desalination and Water Treatment at Qatar University (QU), took part in the World Water Week events organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute. The week-long conference focused on innovation within the water sector and addressed critical issues related to water security.

Key topics included building water-resilient agricultural supply chains, water diplomacy, water stewardship, ensuring water and sanitation during crises and displacement, and sustainable public drinking water services at scale through results-based funding. Artificial intelligence in water management, creating social infrastructure for water security, and combating algal blooms to safeguard drinking water and public health were also discussed.

QU's Unesco Chair team has been actively working on developing a range of membrane desalination technologies, focusing on reverse osmosis, forward osmosis, and pressure retarded osmosis systems. These technologies aim to transform agricultural and industrial waste into valuable materials for water treatment and reduce water usage in agriculture. Additionally, the team trains process and plant engineers to support Qatar's water sector.