UM6P Hosts 6th IAHR Congress to Shape Africa’s Water Security Future

Tuesday 10 December 2024 - 09:50

By: Dakir Madiha

UM6P Hosts 6th IAHR Congress to Shape Africa’s Water Security Future

The University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) in Benguerir is at the forefront of Africa's water policy discussions, hosting the 6th African Congress of the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR). This pivotal event, running from December 9 to 12, addresses water security across Africa in the context of climate change. Under the theme “Water Security in Africa in the Context of Climate Change,” the congress brings together experts from academia, engineering, public policy, and the private sector to forge solutions to urgent water management challenges.

Fostering Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

The congress serves as a hub for multidisciplinary dialogue, aimed at driving actionable solutions to secure Africa's water future. As climate change intensifies water scarcity, experts will discuss topics like watershed management, hydraulic infrastructure security, nature-based solutions, and the integration of digital technologies for water resource management. A highlight of the event is the inclusion of 50 young African researchers who have received scholarships to present their work, underscoring the importance of youth engagement in tackling global challenges and empowering future leaders in water security.

Chehbouni Abdelghani, Chair of the Congress at UM6P, spoke about the university’s role in advancing meaningful research. “Our aim is not just high-level research but research that makes a difference,” said Chehbouni. “This impact manifests in many ways—developing solutions to improve living conditions, guiding public policy with data-driven insights, or creating opportunities for young graduates to establish their own businesses.”

A Platform for Global Collaboration

The event has attracted a distinguished lineup of engineers, climate scientists, policymakers, and researchers, with discussions focused on Africa's evolving water management landscape. Philippe Gourbesville, President of IAHR, expressed his excitement about Africa's active participation, noting, “I’m very happy to see the African community so mobilized. The Moroccan community, in particular, has been extremely active and competitive in hosting this Congress, which is a very positive sign.” He also emphasized the importance of such initiatives in strengthening collaboration among African nations to build a global network of water professionals.

UM6P’s commitment to scientific research and innovation is evident throughout the congress, with the university highlighting its role in promoting interdisciplinary collaboration to address water security challenges across Africa. The event has positioned Morocco and UM6P as key players in the global conversation about water security, paving the way for long-term partnerships and innovative solutions to Africa’s water challenges.

The 6th IAHR African Congress demonstrates the power of collaboration, driving progress toward sustainable solutions that will benefit Africa for generations to come.