On 11 April, 2014, GIWEH co-sponsored the 2nd Caspian International Aqua Technologies Conference, CATEC 2014, which was held at the JW Marriott Absheron Baku, Azerbaijan. The first session of the conference focused on the issue of integrated water resource usage: environmental and economical assessments, in which Dr. Nidal SALIM gave his presentation on water in the post-2015 development agenda.

CATEC is the only specialized event in the Caspian region that demonstrates the progress in the field of aqua technologies.  The conference brought together 400 participants, including more than 90 influential industry scientists, as well as representatives of some 80 companies from 24 countries. This major international forum aims to demonstrate the progress achieved in the country in the field of water supply, and to discuss global technological innovations, issues in the water treatment industry and the development prospects for the industry. During the panel discussions, issues such as the integrated use of water resources and the application of innovative technologies in the processing of drinking water were covered.