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Benguerir – UM6P’s Benguerir campus is at the center of Africa’s water discourse this week as it hosts the 6th African Congress of the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR).
Running from December 9 to 12 under the theme “Water Security in Africa in the Context of Climate Change,” this pioneering event unites leading voices from academia, engineering, public policy, and the private sector to tackle pressing water management challenges.
Aiming to drive actionable solutions, the congress fosters collaboration across sectors to secure a sustainable water future for Africa.
In an interview with Morocco World News, Chehbouni Abdelghani, Chair of the Congress at UM6P, emphasized the university’s commitment to producing impactful, globally recognized research.
“Our aim is not just high-level research but research that makes a difference,” he explained. “This impact can manifest in various ways — developing solutions to improve people’s living conditions, guiding public policy with data-driven insights for informed decision-making, or creating opportunities for young graduates to establish their own businesses. After all, not every student aspires to become a university professor.”
Tackling Africa’s water challenges
The congress features a distinguished lineup of experts, including engineers, climate scientists, policymakers, and young researchers, all contributing their insights on the intersection of water security and climate change.
Discussions will focus on key issues like watershed management, hydraulic infrastructure security, nature-based solutions, and the role of digital technologies in improving water resource management.
A special highlight of the event is the inclusion of 50 young African researchers who have been awarded scholarships to present their work and engage with experts. This initiative highlights the importance of youth involvement in tackling global challenges, empowering the next generation of water security leaders.
Collaborative solutions for a sustainable future
As climate change exacerbates water scarcity across the continent, the congress aims to find tangible, scalable solutions. Panel discussions and workshops will delve into innovative approaches, such as utilizing nature-based solutions to enhance water security and integrating new technologies to monitor and manage water resources effectively.
Philippe Gourbesville, President of IAHR, told Morocco World News that he was thrilled to see Africa’s active participation in the Congress.
“I’m very happy to see the African community so mobilized,” he said. “The Moroccan community, in particular, has been extremely active and competitive in hosting this Congress, which is a very positive sign. It highlights the potential for collaboration among African nations to create a global network of stakeholders in the water sector. That said, the community of water professionals in Africa is still too small, making initiatives like this all the more important for fostering growth and cooperation.”
UM6P’s role in the future of water security
Throughout the event, UM6P will be looking to emphasize its role in promoting scientific research and innovation in Africa. The university’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration is reflected in the diverse array of topics covered during the congress, with speakers and participants offering unique perspectives on the evolving landscape of water management in Africa.
The 6th IAHR African Congress is set to position Morocco and UM6P as key players in the global conversation on water security.
By uniting experts from across disciplines and regions, the congress aims to pave the way for long-term partnerships and innovative solutions that will address Africa’s water challenges for generations to come.
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