The Global 300 Water Leaders Group UK has invited Syed Salahuddin Ahmed, CEO/MD of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC), to participate in the Global Water Summit in London, United Kingdom, scheduled for April 15-17, 2024.Syed Salahuddin Ahmed is the sole official from Pakistan designated to address water security concerns at the event.
The theme of this year’s Global Water Summit is ‘Security for a Changing Planet’. Organizers aim to highlight the interconnection between water security, climate change, and the potential economic and environmental stability water investment can bring to the planet.
Syed Salahuddin Ahmed will engage in high-level discussions during the Development Finance Dialogue session, addressing topics such as innovative approaches to bridge the gap between utilities striving to achieve SDG6 and the financial institutions supporting them. Other topics include unlocking funds for SDG6 expansion through efficient utilities and strategies to tackle lost or stolen water to enhance revenue and investor confidence.Mr. William Muhairwe, Executive Director of the Global Water Leaders Group, stated that following workshops held in Vietnam, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mexico, the 300 Water Leaders Initiative has gained significant momentum, and the Global Water Summit will serve as a platform to capitalize on this global network.
A gala dinner on April 16 will feature the Global Water Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in the international water industry. For the first time, an ‘SDG6 Champion’ award will be presented to the utility leader with the most inspiring and ambitious roadmap to achieving SDG6. Describing it as a remarkable opportunity to represent Pakistan, Syed Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized the importance of addressing water security issues facing the country. He highlighted KWSC’s efforts in reshaping the utility and ensuring water security for Karachi, underscoring the need for initiatives tailored to local needs.Syed Salahuddin stressed the importance of aggressive measures to reduce Non-Revenue Water, diversify water resources, and harness the potential of wastewater treatment. He affirmed KWSC’s commitment to water conservation, recycling, and promoting energy efficiency in the water sector.The Global Water Summit brings together 300 leaders from across the globe, and Salahuddin has been elected as a Steering Committee member from South Asia in recognition of KWSC’s recent achievements.It’s worth noting that two months ago, US Ambassador Donald Blome, along with US Consul General Conrad Tribble, visited KWSC’s head office in Karsaz, where they commended the performance of Karachi’s Mayor/Chairman and CEO/MD.
