Arba Minch University successfully hosted the 24th International Symposium on Sustainable Water Resources Development at the Arba Minch University Water Technology Institute main campus from May 22–23, 2026. The symposium brought together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, development partners, and students to discuss pressing issues related to sustainable water resources development in Ethiopia, Africa, and beyond. Click here to see more photos.
A total of 18 research papers were presented and discussed during the two-day event, while presenters and sponsors received certificates of recognition.
Dr. Michael Mahari, Senior Advisor for the Minister at the Ministry of Water and Energy described the symposium as a platform with the potential to evolve into one of Africa’s leading gatherings on water, climate, and sustainability. He explained that such a forum could bridge academia, government, development partners, communities, and the private sector by transforming research findings into scalable solutions, climate-resilient technologies, business opportunities, and evidence-based policies. Dr. Michael further emphasized that the future of sustainable water resources development depends not only on infrastructure investment, but also on the integration of science, policy, technology, financing, and cooperation.
Dr. Ing. Abdella Kemal, President of Arba Minch University, said that the symposium comes at a critical moment as water-related challenges such as climate change, population growth; urbanization, food insecurity, environmental degradation, and energy demand continue to place increasing pressure on water systems worldwide.
Dr. Abdella further noted that AMU is strongly committed to strengthening African solidarity through education, research, technology, and digital transformation. He underscored that the symposium represents more than an academic gathering, describing it as a continental platform for scientific diplomacy, innovation exchange, policy dialogue, professional networking, and African solidarity.
Welcoming participants, Dr. Teklu Wegayehu, Vice President for Research and Cooperation at AMU, stated that the symposium was organized in the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment to advancing sustainable solutions for one of the world’s most urgent priorities: water resource management. He explained that water remains the lifeblood of communities, ecosystems, and economies, while challenges such as climate change, rapid urbanization, pollution, and growing demand are intensifying pressure on water resources. Dr. Teklu also highlighted the importance of policy briefs as critical tools for informing policymakers on urgent and emerging issues.
Dr. Tamiru Tesseme, Scientific Director at AWTI, noted that the symposium proudly marked the 24th uninterrupted annual gathering, making it one of the oldest and most respected water resource development symposiums in Ethiopia and across Africa. For more than two decades, he said, the symposium has served as an important platform for knowledge exchange, scientific innovation, policy dialogue, and regional collaboration toward sustainable water resources development. He added that this year’s event was organized under the spirit of African cooperation, innovation, and shared prosperity, highlighting the central role of water in achieving sustainable development, climate resilience, food security, and energy production across the continent.
Arba Minch University: The first keynote speaker, Ms. Pamela William Levira, Policy Officer for Climate Change at the African Union Commission (AUC), highlighted that water is not merely a sector but a critical economic input supporting agriculture, energy, industry, cities, ecosystems, and public health. She noted that the symposium served as an important platform for researchers and practitioners to share scientific findings and innovative solutions on key water-related themes while strengthening collaboration among universities, research institutions, governments, and development partners. She also encouraged young researchers and students to actively engage in water research and innovation. Referring to the African Union declaration of 2026 as the year of “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” she underscored the crucial role of scientists and universities in delivering sustainable solutions.
The second keynote speaker, Prof. Yilma Seleshi, Professor at Addis Ababa University and Board Member of AMU, delivered a presentation titled “Ethiopia’s Water Availability and Its Development.” Sharing his extensive experience with participants, he stressed the importance of accelerating water development efforts to expand access to safe drinking water, climate-resilient infrastructure, and sustainable sanitation systems. He also emphasized the urgency of advancing innovative approaches to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
The symposium brought together participants from universities across Ethiopia and abroad, as well as representatives from international and national institutions. In addition to the research presentations and panel discussions, the event featured an exhibition showcasing small-scale innovative technologies and community-focused sustainable development projects.
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