Sultan Qaboos University represented by the Water Research Center in conjunction with the Department of Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering of the College of Agriculture and Marine Sciences and the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources (MRMWR) celebrated the World Water Day on the 25 March 2019. The major event was a scientific workshop entitled “Leaving No One Behind (Human Rights & Refugees)” held at the Al Fahm Hall of SQU Cultural Centre. In addition, students’ activities took place on the 15th until 26th of March 2019.

Dr. Osman Abdalla, Director of the Water Research Centre at SQU said that the workshop brought together scientists and engineers working in water science and applications to discuss about focusing attention on the importance of water and to explore nature-based solutions to the water challenges we face on the 21st century. The workshop included discussions and assessment of issues during emergencies and to prospect potential recommendations and solutions by stakeholders, experts and decision-makers.

World Water 2019 falls on March 22. This year’s theme is “Leaving no one behind.” According to UN Water, the theme adapts the promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that as sustainable development progresses, everyone must benefit. The Sustainable Development Goal 6 is “water for all by 2030”. However, today, billions of people are still living without safe water. Marginalized are often overlooked, and sometimes face discrimination, as they try to access and manage the safe water they need.

Dr. Abdulaziz Al Mushaikhi, Director General of Water Resources Management at the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources said that the Oman government has adopted a plan to increase water wealth to meet the aspirations of the country in this regard without having to abandon the policies of rationalization.  Based on the concept of "water is a national wealth" and in line with the future vision of the Omani economy (Oman 2020), he underscored the need for efforts to develop water resources and preserve it through optimal exploitation as a vital element necessary for the sustainability of the economic development.

In connection with World Water Day 2019 celebrations at SQU, the Solid, Water and Agricultural Engineering Group at the College of Marine and Agricultural Sciences organized at the SQU Cultural Centre premises. The exhibition was aimed at creating awareness and educating the society about the importance of water conservation and disseminating the culture of recycling and the use of grey water. Through various stations, the students showed how water conservation and recycling benefit the community, especially the poor people who live in urban areas. The exhibition highlighted projects on water filtration, wastewater recycling and purification, use of aflaj water for power generation, reuse of water produced by air conditioners, and so on.