Speaking at the Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference, Barak Graber, Acting CEO of Mekorot Development & Enterprises, explained that the company’s problem-solving approach has driven its success in Israel and worldwide.
Graber said Mekorot’s and Israeli water sector success rests on three factors: innovation – long term planning, innovative legislation, and technology. “Innovation means not just dealing with current problems, but building a foundation for problems along the way,” he said. He praised Israel’s innovative water laws and said that the company is helping to develop similar legislation for other countries where it operates. The third element, technology, becomes significant once the first two are in place.
Israel today enjoys a water surplus, and Graber noted Israel’s success in desalination, which supplies potable ocean water to the country’s citizens. Beyond Israel, Mekorot operates in numerous regions worldwide, and Graber explained that most of its international clients and partners are receiving support in technology, desalination, and AI.
Israel’s water model is unique: Mekorot manages water across the country and provides solutions and services for all types of water, desalination, sewage treatment, surface water, and underground sources. “We are a really one-stop-shop for the water market.”
“Water has no geopolitical border,” said Graber. “150 of 195 countries depend on water sources from neighboring countries. Most countries will have to deal with transborder water issues and make do with their neighbors. Israel had to deal with this situation and crisis many years ago, so we developed very innovative and smart mechanism and agreements with neighboring countries, enabling us to support and strengthen the region in this field. Thia is what specials in – offering a tailor-made solutions for each and every demand”
This article was written in cooperation with Mekorot.