Announcement of new GWP TEC Chair

Dr. Roberto Lenton stood down as GWP's Technical Committee Chair at the end of July, having completed two three-year terms. The GWP Steering Committee has found his successor, Dr. Mohamed Ait Kadi, whose appointment begins October 1, 2009. Mohamed is no stranger to GWP, having been a member of the GWP Technical Committee in the past.

Currently Mohamed is President of the General Council of Agricultural Development in Morocco. He is also Professor in the Department of Equipment and Hydraulics at the Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine Hassan II in Rabat, Morocco. Mohamed's associations with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the Food and Agricultural Organisation, World Water Council, World Bank, the UN and other organizations have given him a range of experiences and perspectives that will greatly benefit the GWP network. Mohamed comes to us from one of the most water stressed regions of the world and knows firsthand the importance of sustainable water management for development. He shares our vision for a water secure world.

Mohamed has made illustrious contributions in the fields of irrigation and water resources development and management both in Morocco and at the international level.

He helped shape the IWRM international agenda as one of the first members of GWP's then-named Technical Advisory Committee. He was nominated by King Mohammed VI of Morocco as a resident member of the King Hassan II Academy of Sciences and Technology, the most prestigious scientific institution in the country. Mohamed speaks Arabic, French and English.

As a member of GWPO's management team, Mohamed will work closely with the Global Secretariat, Regions and Steering Committee, helping GWP to align its technical function effectively and efficiently with the implementation of the 2009-2013 Strategy. In addition to providing overall leadership to the GWP Technical Committee, Mohamed will advise on matters relating to the programmatic content of GWP's work and will represent the network in international and donor meetings.