American University of Sharjah (AUS), in cooperation with United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), began the 2015 International Conference on Water, Energy and Environment (ICWEE), today, March 24, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of AUS. The three-day conference promotes a global collaboration among faculty, students, engineers and managers on ecological economics and water, energy and environment resources management.

The conference provides a forum for distinguished guest speakers and practitioners from over 16 countries to address recent research results and to present and discuss issues related to water regulation and policies, water resources and sustainable development of the region, progress in water protection and remediation, desalination, wastewater treatment, energy, environmental impact, economic management and development of water resources, environment and other water-related topics.

During his welcoming remarks, AUS Interim Provost Kevin Mitchell spoke of Sheikh Dr. Sultan's vision that AUS become a "center of research for educational development and the solution of social problems." Mitchell stated "In light of the challenges facing societies in arid regions that are subject to greater strains resulting from rapid urbanization and population growth, it is fitting that AUS hosts the Third International Conference on Water, Energy and Environment."

"While questions related to water, energy and environment have broad implications at local, regional and global scales, the issues addressed by the conference demonstrate the potential technical advances will be fundamental for resolving social problems in the 21st century," he added.

Dr. Leland Blank, Dean of the College of Engineering, also welcomed the attendees and provided insight into the engineering college and future plans of expansion.

ICWEE 2015 includes peer reviewed presentations of over 200 technical papers, posters, industrial workshops and an exhibition for local and regional industries. After the review process, 114 papers and posters were chosen to be presented and selected research papers will be published in a number of international journals such as Desalination and Water Treatment.

The conference is co-chaired by Dr. Taleb Ibrahim and Dr. Yousef Alhayek, professors of engineering at AUS and UAE University, respectively, and sponsored by Bee'ah, Al Hamad Building Contracting Company, and the Gulf Ecosystem Research Center (GERC). It will continue until Thursday, March 26.