By Oke Peter
Reykjavík, Iceland – Over 500 leaders from more than 40 countries — including ministers, CEOs, policymakers, scientists, developers, financiers, venture capitalists, and sustainability experts — will converge in Reykjavík from October 12–14, 2025, for the IDRA Reykjavík Summit on Water and Climate Change: Adaptation and Mitigation, hosted by the International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA).
Taking place at a time when climate-driven droughts, extreme weather, and rising water demand are straining global water systems, the Summit will bring together decision-makers shaping the future of water, energy, and climate resilience worldwide.
Held under the patronage of the Minister for the Environment, Energy and Climate of Iceland, and aligned with the Arctic Circle Assembly, the Summit provides a unique cross-sector platform to connect global water expertise with Arctic policy, renewable energy strategies, and climate adaptation efforts.
“The Reykjavík Summit comes at a moment when the world can no longer afford incremental change,” said Shannon McCarthy, Secretary General of IDRA. “Communities are facing historic water stress. Industries are rethinking their operations. Governments are under pressure to deliver lasting, scalable solutions. This gathering is designed to catalyze real action — uniting the leadership, innovation, and finance needed to secure a sustainable water future.”
High-Level participation
confirmed speakers include:
Hon. Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson, Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Climate, Iceland; H.E. Dr. Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, Minister, Senegal; H.E. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim; President, Saudi Water Authority.
They will be joined by senior leaders and delegations from the UAE, Taiwan, Singapore, USA, Morocco, Algeria, Brazil, Jordan, China, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, UK, Japan, South Korea, Chile, Mexico, and South Africa.
Summit highlights
Pre-Summit events – October 12
*ENOWA NEOM Brine Valorization Workshop
*Exploring how desalination byproducts can be transformed into valuable materials, advancing a circular, low-carbon water economy.
*IDRA NextWave Start-Up Competition
Featuring innovative early-stage companies pioneering breakthroughs in desalination, water reuse, energy, and integrated resource management.
A welcome reception will officially kick off the three-day event, setting the stage for high-level networking and collaboration.
Plenary & Technical Tracks – October 13–14
The Summit features a dual-track program:
Thematic program
focus areas include:
Global and regional strategies for water resilience (USA, MENA, Europe, and beyond)
*Scaling water reuse from 8% to 80% and embedding circular principles into industry.
*Integrating renewable energy (solar, hydrogen, wind, wave) into water systems, with a spotlight on Iceland’s leadership.
*Reducing the water and energy footprint of data centers and AI infrastructure.
*Governance, finance, and policy frameworks for accelerating climate adaptation.
Technical program
sessions will explore:
*Cutting-edge desalination and reuse technologies with real-world applications
*Innovations in R&D and emerging solutions for water security.
*Policy and financial mechanisms to unlock scalable projects
*Sustainable water use in agriculture, industry, and municipalities
*The role of decarbonization and stewardship in climate-aligned water strategies
Unmatched networking & experience
With participation from high-level decision-makers across sectors, the Summit will offer exceptional networking opportunities. Attendees can engage through daily networking lunches, coffee breaks, and signature events such as:
IDRA Awards Ceremony
Glacial Dinner — a spectacular evening experience set against the dramatic Icelandic landscape
Registration Now Open
Spaces are limited, and early registration is highly recommended.
To learn more and secure your place, visit: www.waterandclimatechange.org
