On May 28-29, 2023, CRDF Global hosted the Virtual Symposium on Water and Resource Management Using Isotopic Techniques in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) via Zoom. This event, in support of the Sustained Dialogue on Peaceful Uses (SDPU), focused on expanding the discussion around access to nuclear science and technology as a development tool in water and resource management. Participants engaged in discussions on topics including isotopic techniques in water and waste treatment, isotopic tracing and analyzing water, waste, other precious resource, and agronomy and water in agriculture. This event expanded awareness around the SDPU, inspired collaboration among participating organizations in water safety and security and facilitated contribution to networks and upcoming programming in support of the SDPU. Key stakeholders included the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Water Authority of Jordan, and the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) and representatives from academia, development organizations, regulators, government, and private institutions.
These discussions focused on United Nations Sustainable Development Goal SDG6 (Clean Water & Sanitation) with a particular emphasis on Target 6.3 focused on wastewater treatment improvement and water quality, Target 6.4 focused on water use and sustainability, and Target 6.5 focused on resource management collaboration. Other SDGs featured in discussion included SDG9 (Industry Innovation & Infrastructure), SDG11 (Sustainable Cities), and SDG13 (Climate Action).
For any questions on this event, please reach out to the organizer via SDPU@crdfglobal.org.