This year's three-day Saudi Water and Power Forum under the theme “Sustainable Prosperity through Knowledge, Innovation and Cooperation” will serve as a catalyst for change. To be held on Oct.3-5 at the Jeddah Hilton, the forum 2010 comes at an auspicious time for major stakeholders amid intense demand for the two commodities. Abdullah Al-Hussayen, Minister of Water & Electricity, said: “As it grows in stature each year, SWPF plays a key role in uniting Saudi and international stakeholders to discuss the policies and strategies, which will determine the future of Power and Water in Saudi Arabia. At SWPF 2010, we look forward to the next generation of development and focus on how we can adapt to the changing market and achieve sustainable prosperity through knowledge, innovation and cooperation.” Highlighting the ministry's support of the forum, Dr. Adil Bushnak, chairman of Bushnak Academy and head of SWPF's Organizing Committee, said “the forum is considered one of the most significant scientific gatherings to be held in the Kingdom.” He pointed out that SWPF reflects the Kingdom's continuous strides towards the sustainable development of the power and water sectors, “SWPF is the event where policies and strategies are laid down to determine the future of power and water in the Kingdom on the one hand and guide investors in accomplishing their objectives on the other.” SWPF's program for this year will address a wide spectrum of topics including policies, projects & prospects for a sustainable future, initiatives to support innovation in the field, realizing the potential of technology, renewable energy opportunities and solutions, energy conservation and demand management, water resource management, financial tools for technology development, produced water: waste or resource in addition to consumer relations. Keynote speakers in this year's forum include Prince Khalid Bin Faisal Bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Makkah Region; Abdullah Al-Hussayen, minister of Water & Electricity; Loay Al-Musallam, CEO, National Water Company; Dr Hashim Abdullah Yamani, governor, King Abdullah City for Atomic & Renewable Energy (KACARE); Dr Mahmoud Abu-Zeid, president, Arab Water Council & former minister of Water Resources & Irrigation, Egypt; Prince Dr Turki Bin Saud Bin Mohammad Al Saud, vice president, KACST; Fehied Fahad AlShareef, governor, SWCC; Steve Bolze, president & CEO, Power & Water, GE; Mohammad Abunayyan, chairman, ACWA Power International. A new partnership with Al Aghar, an independent non-profit think-tank in the Kingdom, will also be announced at the SWPF 2010. The partnership will come up with a study and recommendations on how Saudi Arabia can become a leader in knowledge and innovator in power, water and renewable energy. SWPF is organized by the CWC Group and the Bushnak Academy. __
