Global leaders commit to accelerating water resilience at IDRA colloquium in Seville
In an era marked by climate change and increasing water scarcity, the International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) convened a critical colloquium in Seville, Spain, on June 1-2, 2025. This event brought together a diverse group of government leaders, industry innovators, and policy experts from around the world to explore pressing issues related to securing sustainable water sources. The discussions centred on enhancing resilience through advanced techniques such as desalination, water reuse, and innovative management practices.
Shannon McCarthy, IDRA's secretary general, emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating, “Climate change is intensifying water scarcity, yet the tools to build resilience already exist; what is missing is speed, scale, and stronger alignment between policy and investment.” The colloquium aimed to bridge this gap, garnering commitment from leaders across regions, including North Africa and Latin America, to work collectively in addressing the global water crisis.
The discussions were particularly poignant in light of chronic drought conditions affecting southern Europe. Andalusia, the hosting region, has emerged as a model of water resilience, with its proactive investments in wastewater reuse and desalination technologies. President Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla articulated this commitment during his opening address, stating, “For Andalusia, water is not simply a policy issue; it is a matter of survival, identity, and future prosperity.” This perspective strongly aligns with recent initiatives such as a collaboration between IDRA and the Regional Government of Andalusia to establish Seville as a Global Water Hub, positioning the region as a key player in the global conversation around sustainable water management.
Representatives from North Africa also highlighted their national strategies during the colloquium. Officials from Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco discussed how they are integrating renewable energy with desalination and treated wastewater reuse into their agricultural and urban planning. This multi-faceted approach aims to bolster resilience against water scarcity, reflecting a growing trend of collaborative efforts across borders.
Latin American participants added another dimension to the discussions, with leaders from Chile and Brazil showcasing innovative public-private partnerships designed to combat water vulnerability. Their efforts have focused on enhancing urban water management strategies, particularly in regions grappling with rapid population growth and climate-induced challenges.
Looking ahead, the colloquium is set to serve as a precursor to IDRA's forthcoming events, including the Reykjavik Summit scheduled for October 2025 and the World Congress in Saudi Arabia in 2026. These future gatherings will further the dialogue and deepen commitments among global stakeholders.
As nations seek to adapt to the rapidly changing climate, the collaborative spirit fostered at the Seville colloquium underscores a crucial shift from vision to action. It reflects not only a growing recognition of the need for urgent solutions to water scarcity but also the importance of innovative thinking and cooperative frameworks. “We cannot wait for rain. We must act now, together, to make every drop count,” President Bonilla urged, encapsulating the time-sensitive nature of the challenges ahead.
The strategic partnerships formed during this colloquium are essential for advancing the next generation of resilient water solutions. With such international engagement, there is hope that viable pathways for securing water resources and promoting sustainability will flourish in the years to come, making a significant impact on global water security.