Speakers

Dr. Corrado Sommariva is a consultant of international reputation in the field of desalination, power generation waste water and sustainability. He has over 30 years of experience and has covered several executive positions in Consultancy firms for the last 20 years. Corrado Sommariva has served the President of International Desalination Association (2011-2013), President of the European Desalination Society (2004-2006), Chairman of WHO committee for safe water use from desalination. Dr Sommariva has published more than 100 leading edge papers and four books on desalination and sustainability.  Dr Sommariva has a honorary doctorate from Heriot Watt University for his contribution to the development of desalination. In 2015 he was honored by the President of Italy with the title of Master of work.

Hebah Abbas is a visionary leader in technology and construction, boasting over two decades of diverse expertise spanning from international telecom to strategic public educational initiatives. Beginning her journey in the telecom sector, she successfully negotiated crucial regional deals and then transitioned to the public education sector, where she strives to enhance the quality of education in public schools in the State of Kuwait. Currently serving as the chief specialist Electrical Engineer at the Ministry of Education in Kuwait and the Chairwoman of Sustainability Committee at the Kuwait Water Association. As a Syracuse University alumna, Eng. Hebah Abbas seamlessly integrates her profound knowledge in telecom, education, construction, utilities, and sustainability. Having enriched the private sector for 14 years, her current endeavours in the government sector are complemented by her voluntary contributions to NGOs in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Recognized for her vast contributions, she's a member of the American Business Council (American Chamber AM-Cham) Kuwait, board member of the Engineering Industrial Advisory Board at Australian University and Committee Member of the World Utilities Congress 2024. Frequently gracing international conferences and seminars as a keynote speaker and a panellist.

As the Executive Director of ESG at ACWA Power, Mr. Abdulrahman leads the development and implementation of the company's sustainability framework and corporate strategy, aligning them with the principles of stakeholder capitalism, circular economy, and socioeconomic impact. With years of experience in the fields of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management he has worked with major global players in the oil and gas, aerospace, and mining industries, as well as governmental agencies and giga projects, providing advisory services and best practices on ESG issues and opportunities.