Khalifa University Champions Water Innovation at Global Climate Summits
The institution advances cutting-edge research and international partnerships during UN General Assembly discussions, positioning the UAE as a leader in water resilience ahead of December's UN Water Conference.
Khalifa University of Science and Technology has reinforced its position at the forefront of global water innovation, participating in a series of high-level engagements during the 81st United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meetings and Climate Week NYC 2026 in New York.
The institution’s contributions to international discussions on water security come as preparations intensify for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, which the UAE will co-host with Senegal in Abu Dhabi from 8th to 10th December 2026. These engagements demonstrated the University’s commitment to translating scientific knowledge, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into practical solutions for water resilience.
Professor Shadi W. Hasan, Director of Khalifa University’s Centre for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology and Chairholder of the UNESCO Chair on Global Water Resilience, Innovation and Sustainable Solutions, featured prominently across the New York proceedings. His contributions encompassed discussions on AI-enabled water intelligence, sustainable water treatment and urban water resilience.
At the UAE Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Professor Hasan participated in a high-level consultation on advancing AI-powered hydrology for water resilience, exploring how artificial intelligence, Earth observation and advanced hydrological modelling can enable governments to better understand water systems and strengthen integrated planning. He emphasised the necessity of shifting from reactive approaches toward predictive and preventive water management strategies.
Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, remarked: “The UAE’s preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference provide an important opportunity to translate scientific knowledge and innovation into solutions with meaningful and lasting impact. Khalifa University is contributing its research capabilities, expertise and international partnerships to this effort, connecting knowledge with policy, technology and implementation to advance water security and resilience.”
The University also showcased advances in sustainable membrane technology at the UAE Water Academic Carnival, held at the UAE Permanent Mission. Professor Hasan’s presentation highlighted research on next-generation biodegradable membranes, demonstrating progression from fundamental materials research through to real-world deployment.
Additionally, Professor Hasan served as Co-Chair of the inaugural Water Cities Dialogue at Columbia University during Climate Week NYC, bringing together universities, cities and water experts to examine urban water security and resilience under changing climatic conditions. The dialogue established an international framework connecting New York, Abu Dhabi, Naples and Venice, with the second meeting planned for Abu Dhabi during December’s UN Water Conference.
A unifying theme emerged across the various discussions: water intelligence’s true value lies in enabling decisions and interventions. Converting enhanced prediction into engineering, operational and policy action remains critical to delivering measurable improvements in water resilience across regions and sectors.
Source: WAM