LIGHT DISCUSSION: Thor exchanging views with Awang Tengah (right) while Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Water Supply) Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran looks on before the recording of the video.
KUCHING: Sarawak will host the International Hydropower Association (IHA) 4th World Congress on Advancing Sustainable Hydropower from May 21 to 24 next year.
The first of its kind in an Asean country, the congress organised by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) will be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is expected to launch the congress.
According to SEB manager Azahari Aliwan, about 500 to 800 participants from 80 countries will take part in the congress, although more participants are expected to join.
“First time organised outside the European countries, SEB is all geared for this event which is first of its kind to be held in Asean.
“The first congress was held in Iceland and Turkey and last year it was held in Brazil whereby it was attended by about 36 participants from government agencies and engineers from SEB led by Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, the Minister of Public Utilities,” said Azahari.
Azahari also said about 16 ministers from other regions, especially from countries with abundant potential for the development of hydropower like Vietnam and Laos, are expected to come.
The congress, according to him, would be interesting, and will discuss not only energy renewal but also ways on how to sustain it.
Azahari was met at Awang Tengah’s office at Wisma Sumber Alam here yesterday during a shooting for a promotional video with the minister by the IHA.
Awang Tengah was interviewed by IHA public relations executive Thor Windham Wright.
During the congress, decision-makers and senior representatives from industries, civil society, international organisations and the finance sector will exchange views on energy, water and climate change challenges and the solutions that hydropower can provide for sustainable development.
It is open to all stakeholders and interested parties, and is part of a week of cutting-edge international events including the biennial meeting of the IHA Consultative Council, the Global Workshop on Regional Cooperation, and other forums directly addressing the challenges of sustainable hydropower development worldwide.
The congress will also provide participants an opportunity to interact directly with key thought-leaders and influencers in the climate, energy and water policy arenas.
More information about the congress and associated events are available at www.ihacongress.org.