Deputy Prime Minister inaugurates GWECCC 2025

The Congress, held under the patronage of H.E. Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, at Exhibition World Bahrain, brings together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss innovative solutions for sustainable water and energy management and to address the pressing challenges of climate change.

Dr. Bin Daina highlighted the urgency of addressing climate challenges. “We face rising temperatures, droughts, and delayed rainfall, all linked to climate change. Through regional cooperation, innovation, and policy integration, we can address these challenges and secure a sustainable future for our communities,” he said.

H.E. Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, praised Bahrain’s leadership in promoting sustainability. “Through innovation, research, and investment in renewable energy, the GCC countries are balancing economic growth with the preservation of natural resources,” he said. Al Budaiwi also noted ambitious national targets across the region, including Bahrain’s goal to generate 20% of energy from renewable sources by 2025 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

Further he stressed the importance of balancing conventional and alternative energy sources. “Even with trillions invested in alternative energy, conventional systems remain essential for global energy security and water supply. Technologies such as carbon capture and storage, AI-driven efficiency improvements, and wastewater reuse are vital to ensure sustainable production and resource management,” he said.

The Congress also heard from global industry leaders, including Ahmad O. Al Khowaiter, Executive Vice President of Technology & Innovation at Aramco. He emphasized the dual challenge of advancing alternative energy while maintaining conventional energy systems. “We must ensure that vital resources such as water and energy remain available and sustainable for future generations. Collaboration and innovation are key to achieving meaningful progress,” he said.

Marco Arcelli, CEO of ACWA Power, highlighted technological solutions in water and energy management. “Over the past 15 years, we have reduced water consumption per cubic meter by 87% and decoupled desalination from energy-intensive processes. Sustainability, affordability, and security must go hand in hand—and we need to act fast,” he said, stressing the importance of regional cooperation and cross-sector collaboration.

GWECCC, Founding Partner, Aramco has enhanced water efficiency, cut CO2 emissions, and diversified its water sources, while ACWA Power has invested $7 billion in renewable and low-carbon technologies, reduced energy use for water desalination by 87%, and is replicating sustainable water and energy solutions globally.

The Congress, a flagship initiative supported by all GCC governments, operates under the theme “Sustainable Water and Energy Transition: Innovating for a Secure Future.” It provides a strategic platform for knowledge exchange, research, and actionable solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and global climate commitments.

The Congress also highlighted Bahrain’s role as a regional hub for innovation, sustainability, and climate leadership. The Kingdom’s initiatives in renewable energy, water security, and environmental conservation set a benchmark for the Gulf.

Through multi-sector collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise, GWECCC 2025 aims to accelerate the transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon, and water-secure future for the region and beyond.