IDRA Reykjavik 2025 Summit: Water and Climate Change

IDRA 2025 Reykjavik Summit on Water and Climate Change
October 12–14, 2025 | Reykjavik, Iceland
Held under the patronage of Hon. Jóhann Páll, Minister of the Environment, Energy, and Climate, Government of Iceland

The IDRA 2025 Reykjavik Summit on Water and Climate Change will convene global leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to address the escalating impacts of climate change on water scarcity. The Summit will focus on expanding water reuse, advancing desalination technologies, strengthening the water-energy-food nexus, and driving cross-sector solutions for a more resilient future.

The three-day program begins on October 12 with a pre-summit Brine Valorization Workshop, hosted by the ENOWA NEOM Water Innovation Center. This workshop will bring together global experts, innovators, and industry leaders to explore breakthrough approaches to brine valorization—turning desalination byproducts into valuable resources.

As the world accelerates its transition toward sustainable and circular water solutions, NEOM is pioneering next-generation technologies to minimize environmental impact while creating new economic opportunities from desalination residuals. The workshop will spotlight current R&D initiatives, pilot projects, and commercialization strategies for extracting minerals, rare earth elements, and other materials from brine.

Key topics will include:

• Presentation of results from long-term operations of the NEOM Duba brine valorization plant in Saudi Arabia
• The role of brine valorization in zero-liquid discharge systems
• Innovations in mineral extraction and resource recovery
• Environmental and economic implications of brine utilization
• Collaboration opportunities with academia, startups, and technology providers

Join us for this forward-looking session to engage in dynamic discussions and help shape the future of brine management and water circularity.

Following the workshop is the IDRA Young Leaders Program (YLP) NextWave Startup Competition, spotlighting emerging talent and breakthrough water technologies. 🌊 Whether you're a visionary start-up, a curious attendee, or a potential investor, this is your opportunity to engage with the next wave of breakthroughs in water.

“Innovation starts with action. Take the leap — and make waves with us!”

That evening, participants are invited to a Welcome Reception to network and connect in advance of the full program.

Summit Day One features the official opening of the Summit, where cutting-edge technologies and global solutions will be on display. Attendees will enjoy networking breaks and curated lunch sessions, a robust Thematic Program, and two parallel Technical Programs showcasing innovative solutions in reuse, desalination, digital transformation, and circular systems. The day will conclude with a signature Nordic Dinner surrounded by Icelandic art, offering a unique cultural experience.

Summit Day Two will continue the dual-track format with thematic and technical sessions, focused on implementation strategies, policy frameworks, and scalable project development. The Summit will close with a high-level Closing Ceremony and Awards Presentation, recognizing outstanding contributions and innovations in water sustainability.

The Summit brings together private sector leaders, public utilities, financiers, multilateral institutions, policymakers, and researchers to foster collaboration, unlock investment, and accelerate real-world impact. Themes will include climate-responsive infrastructure, integration of renewable energy, water stewardship, and institutional capacity building. By advancing practical, scalable strategies, the Summit aims to catalyze collective action to secure water resilience and sustainability for future generations.