The world first knew Arnold Schwarzenegger as a famous bodybuilder and a Hollywood action hero, and now as California’s 38th Governor, an environmental crusader, a successful businessman, and a generous philanthropist.
In 2008 California’s water crisis intensified as then Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, declared the first statewide drought in 17 years – setting the stage for drastic cutbacks and for diverting supplies from the relatively water-rich to the water-poor.
Schwarzenegger called for a 20 percent reduction in water use statewide and urged local agencies to bolster conservation programs and to work with federal and other authorities to help farmers who are suffering huge financial losses and abandoning crops in droves.
“There is no more time to waste because nothing is more vital to protect our economy, our environment and our quality of life,” Schwarzenegger said.
At W12 in Cape Town May 2019, Arnold Schwarzenegger will share his insights and experience in dealing with the California Water Crisis with delegates from the 12 cities that will face or are currently facing similar challenges with drought and water resource mismanagement.
Sam Katiela was born in Germany, where he studied Economics, Psychology & Media Sciences. He is considered a pioneer in international strategic communication & live marketing industry.
His unique & creative approach to developing strategic content effectively translates messaging through interactive technologies, smart experiences, branded content, different shows and community experiences that have been featured across the Middle East, Europe and in the entertainment capitals of Los Angeles, New York & Las Vegas.
Sam was commissioned to launch a number of sustainability-related projects, including Masdar Initiative, Masdar City, Zayed Future Energy Prize & World Future Energy Summit. He also worked closely with the UAE Federal National Council to produce the Global Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament, where the Abu Dhabi Declaration in response to global megatrends was drafted.
His personal mission is to edutain the public through specially-curated pavilions that raise awareness about humanity’s impact on the Planet, from MIYAH-World of Water, ALZAD- World of Food, NOOR Energy Pavilion, 97% Our Ocean is Alive Pavilion & Samiera Earth Expo, among others. He is also the brains behind the upcoming European Summit of Megatrends (ESOM).
Sam is also a board member of the International Water Bank, the world’s first institution targeting to invest in key water projects while addressing global water stress issues and promoting better practices.
Carlos Cosín is the CEO of Almar Water Solutions and leads the strategic management and development to implement its vision and drive its success in the sector. He is also recently been elected, President of the International Desalination Association (IDA). Through 20 years of experience in the industry, he has developed desalination, wastewater and reuse projects around the globe for both municipal and industrial sectors. During this time he has closed agreements under both EPC (Engineering-Procurement-Construction) and BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) models across five continents. Some of his most significant achievements include the development of the first BOT model water project in West Africa and winning the Water Company of The Year award in 2015. Born in Madrid, Spain, Carlos Cosín graduated in Agricultural Engineering from the Madrid Polytechnic University). He was previously a member of the European Innovation Partnership on Water (EIP Water) Steering Group, between 2013 and 2016.