New York:Khalifa University of Science and Technology participated in a series of high-level engagements during the 81st United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meetings and Climate Week NYC 2026. The university contributed its academic and technological expertise to global discussions on water security and preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, which the UAE will co-host with Senegal in Abu Dhabi from December 8th to 10th, 2026.
According to Wam, Khalifa University emphasized the importance of translating scientific knowledge, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies into practical solutions for water resilience. Professor Shadi W. Hasan, Director of the university's Centre for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), contributed to discussions on AI-enabled water intelligence, technology deployment, sustainable water treatment, and urban water resilience. Professor Hasan also chairs the UNESCO-IHP Youth4Water Initiative Advisory Board and the Khalifa University-UNESCO Global Water Hackathon 2026.
Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, highlighted the significance of the UAE's preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference. He emphasized the university's role in connecting knowledge with policy, technology, and implementation to advance water security and resilience.
Artificial intelligence and water intelligence were central themes in Professor Hasan's engagements in New York. At the UAE Permanent Mission to the United Nations, he participated in a high-level consultation on 'Advancing AI-Powered Hydrology for Water Resilience,' exploring how AI, Earth observation, and advanced hydrological modeling can assist governments in understanding water systems and strengthening infrastructure.
Professor Hasan also contributed to the Water Cycle Intelligence Coalition Workshop, organized by the World Resources Institute, focusing on connecting AI and hydrological intelligence with engineering solutions. Additionally, he participated in the 'AI-Water-Energy Nexus: Innovation, Resource, and Responsibility' discussion at Goals House, addressing AI's role in water management and resource efficiency.
Throughout these discussions, a common message was the importance of translating water intelligence into actionable engineering and policy measures to improve water resilience. At the UAE Water Academic Carnival, Professor Hasan presented research on sustainable membrane technologies for water reuse, showcasing the university's advancements from basic research to market deployment.
Finally, Professor Hasan co-chaired the inaugural Water Cities Dialogue at Columbia University, examining urban water security and resilience. The dialogue connected cities and experts to exchange knowledge and solutions, with plans for a follow-up meeting in Abu Dhabi alongside the 2026 UN Water Conference.