“Workshop on Evaluating the Potential of Membrane Technologies for Desalination and Wastewater Recycling in OIC Countries”

On February 26^th, 2025

Venue:  COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Organized by:   COMSTECH Secretariat,

• Focal Person:                   
• Mr. Abdul Haleem Asghar, Sr. Director, Awards and Programs (Africa), COMSTECH
• Dr.  Hifza Rasheed, Director General, Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, (PCRWR)

• Workshop coordinator:  
• Mr. Umer Ali, Programme Officer

Workshop on Evaluating the Potential of Membrane Technologies for Desalination and Wastewater Recycling in OIC Countries

Background

Water scarcity is a critical challenge facing many Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, particularly those in arid and semi-arid regions. With rapid population growth, urbanization, climate change, and increasing water demand, several OIC countries are struggling to meet their freshwater needs. Conventional freshwater resources, including surface water and groundwater, are under severe stress, leading to reliance on alternative solutions such as seawater desalination.

Seawater desalination has emerged as a viable technology for addressing water shortages, particularly in coastal regions. However, despite its potential, desalination comes with economic, environmental, and technological challenges, including high energy consumption, operational costs, environmental impacts from brine disposal, and limited institutional capacities. Many OIC countries, while possessing abundant seawater resources, have yet to fully leverage desalination due to these constraints.

Recognizing the urgent need for collaboration and knowledge exchange, this workshop aims to bring together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and development partners to assess the current status of desalination technologies in OIC countries, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for sustainable implementation. Therefore, the workshop aims to facilitate a high-level dialogue on seawater desalination as a strategic solution to water scarcity in OIC countries, emphasizing sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly approaches.

Thematic Areas of the Workshop

This one-day workshop will focus on key thematic areas, including:

• Advancements in Membrane Technologies for Water Treatment
• Desalination in OIC Countries: Challenges and Opportunities
• Wastewater Recycling and Reuse Strategies
• Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Membrane-Based Water Treatment
• Policy, Regulation, and Investment in Water Security
• Capacity Building and Regional Collaboration in Water Management

This workshop will serve as a platform for policymakers, researchers, industry experts, and stakeholders to discuss the latest advancements in membrane technologies and their potential role in addressing water security challenges in OIC countries. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, this initiative aims to drive sustainable water management practices and promote the adoption of innovative solutions for desalination and wastewater recycling.

Flyer: Click Here

Concept Note: Click Here

Apply Online: Click Here

Mr. Abdul Haleem Asghar
Senior Director, Awards & Programs (Africa), COMSTECH
COMSTECH Secretariat, 33-Constitution Avenue, G-5/2, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9220681-3
Email: abdulhaleem@comstech.org

Mr. Umer Ali
Programme Officer
Phone No. : 92 51 9220681-3
COMSTECH Secretariat, 33-Constitution Avenue, G-5/2, Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: umerali@comstech.org