Dubai , UAE, 19 March 2014: A panel of leading experts will discuss the direct link between food, water and energy security and share experiences between Australia and the Middle East at two special forums hosted by the Council of Arab-Australian Relations (CAAR) next month.
The Food Water Energy Nexus, co-organised by the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Trade Commission, will be held on 14 April at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, and 16 April at the International Energy Forum, Riyadh.
CAAR chairman Talal Yassine said Australia and the Gulf States share a similar climatic and environmental profile and therefore have much knowledge to share.
"Australia has overcome environmental challenges to become a world-leading exporter of food, water and energy policy, research, innovation, products and services. We hope to share our experience through ongoing, senior-level dialogue by bringing the Australia's best experts to the Middle East."
Organised in conjunction with the Australian Trade Commission's Australia Unlimited MENA 2014 event, the by-invitation forums are designed to promote discussion and engagement.
"It is important to understand the interdependence between water, food and energy risks and the societal impacts we collectively face over the next few decades to meet our critical needs. Our hypothesis is that it is not just one issue on its own we have to consider but the multiplier effect of food, water and energy requirements combined" Mr Yassine said.
"This interdependence, or nexus, is a matter on which Australia is a leading authority. We hope to learn from our Middle East counterparts who share similar climatic and environmental challenges."
The speakers include:
§ Alex Wonhas, Director, Energy Flagship CSIRO
§ Professor Archie Johnston, Dean of Engineering, University of Sydney (Riyadh only)
§ Professor Abid Khan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Global Engagement) Monash University (Abu Dhabi only)
§ Professor Richard Harper, Chair of Sustainable Water Management, Murdoch University
§ Richard Price, CEO Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC)
§ Mark Pascoe, CEO International Water Centre
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TOH Public Relations
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© Press Release 2014
