[07.02.2013] Egypt is struggling not only with the new form of government. There are also existential problems in the water sector. More than 20 million cubic meters of water are missing in the Nile country. The Nile remains the most important source of water. Under the direction of the Center for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU) at the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) an international consortium invites to take part in a three-day workshop in Cairo. From 18th till 20th February 2013 German, Egyptian, Tunisian and Jordanian scientists discuss “Sustainable Water Technologies”.

Project leader Prof. Mathias Ulbricht: "In short time already over 140 participants signed up. This proves how urgent these issues are for the region." High-level political representatives from various countries signalized to participate as well, including the Minister for Water and Sanitation Facilities in Egypt.

The workshop will inform about the current status of research in the field of sustainable water management, water purification and quality as well as reuse of treated wastewater. During a poster exhibition young local researchers will have the opportunity to present their own projects and results. The aim of the event is to advance the transformation process into a sustainable water management and let the future top talents in science, business and politics take part in it.

The Cairo workshop benefits from collaboration between the UDE, the Technical University of Munich and the Technical University of Braunschweig, which already carry out their own water projects in Egypt. Under the leadership of the ZWU the Consortium could attract the necessary funding for the workshop on site. It is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and funded by the Federal Foreign Office (AA).

Further information:
• www.suswatec.de
• Prof. Dr. Mathias Ulbricht, mathias.ulbricht@uni-due.de, Tel. 0201/183-3151,
• Simon Kustos, simon.kustos@uni-due.de, Tel. 0201/183-3201

Editorial: Beate H. Kostka, Tel. 0203/379-2430