Kick-Off Training Programme in Rabat, Marocco

On 3 and 4 December 2024, the Ministry of Water & Equipment in Rabat hosted the opening sessions of a tailor-made training program on digitalisation and water management. Organised by World Water Academy (WWA) in collaboration with Hydrologic and Resing, the program aims to enhance participants’ knowledge about smart solutions across the water cycle, from extraction to reuse. The first two days were a success, with participants actively engaging in discussions and activities.

Day one: exploring the water cycle with particular view on the wastewater reuse

The program began at the Dutch Embassy’s residence in Rabat with a warm welcome and an introduction by Dirk Jan Nieuwenhuis, the Dutch Ambassador to Morocco. In the morning participants presented their perspectives on ambitions, challenges, and opportunities within their local contexts. These presentations sparked lively discussions and laid the foundation for collaborative problem-solving throughout the training.

Paul Versteeg, Strategic Policy Advisor for the Urban Water Cycle and trainer at World Water Academy, provided an afternoon session offering an overview of the water cycle. Topics such as water extraction, treatment, infrastructure, distribution, wastewater collection, treatment, and reuse were thoroughly covered. Participants gained valuable insights into the objectives and techniques used in each stage, and the importance of effective management and regulation.

Day two: data and digitalisation

The second day focused on the role of data and digital tools in water management. Dr Mohamed Aboufirass, General Manager of Resing and a recognised expert in water management, shared practical examples of monitoring systems in action and demonstrated how digitalisation can optimise water management processes.

Participants then reflected on using data and monitoring systems in their regions. They explored challenges and opportunities related to digitalisation, identifying key areas for development. The afternoon session emphasised the importance of collective efforts to address water management challenges.

MENA Scholarship Programme

This training is part of the MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP), which focuses on enhancing the skills and knowledge of professionals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The programme, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and managed by Nuffic, seeks to contribute to sustainable and inclusive development in these countries by building professional capacities and fostering international collaboration.

By providing specialised training in areas such as integrated water management, the MSP equips participants with the tools and expertise needed to tackle pressing challenges in water resources, infrastructure, and governance. The programme also emphasises the importance of sharing knowledge between countries, creating opportunities for long-term partnerships and mutual learning.

Through initiatives like this, the MSP directly supports local efforts to develop innovative and effective solutions for water management, while aligning with global sustainability goals.

Looking ahead

With the first sessions successfully concluded, the training programme will continue early next year, diving deeper into specialised topics and practical solutions. Participants will reconvene to apply their learning through hands-on exercises and collaborative assignments, culminating in actionable strategies tailored to their local contexts.

The positive feedback from the initial sessions underscores the programme’s relevance and the participants’ enthusiasm. World Water Academy and its partners are eager to continue building on this strong start in the upcoming sessions.