Innovating for a water-secure future

With water scarcity posing a growing global challenge, the Saudi Water Authority (SWA) is committed to finding smarter, more sustainable solutions. Through its prestigious Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination (GPID), SWA is driving forward the development of game-changing desalination technologies and championing sustainable water management on a global scale.

For the 2024 GPID Award Ceremony in Jeddah, the organisers set out to create more than just an event — they wanted a dynamic, impactful experience. The challenge: how to inspire government leaders, startups, academics and water companies to tackle this critical issue with fresh ideas and renewed commitment?

Solution

Partnering with Wazoku — the innovation platform behind the challenge — we designed and delivered a six-metre Knowledge Wall, illustrated live throughout the one-day event.

From the scale of global water scarcity to breakthroughs in desalination, the wall mapped out key insights, facts and innovations in real time. It celebrated last year’s winners, spotlighted this year’s pioneers and turned complex challenges into a clear, compelling visual story.

Our team worked on-site, building on a pre-agreed design and evolving it throughout the day to capture the energy of the discussions. A carefully chosen palette of blues, greens and earth tones reinforced themes of water and sustainability, while bold icons and key stats ensured attendees — whether experts or newcomers — could easily grasp the significance of the work being celebrated.

See our team in action:

“The design wasn’t just a backdrop — it was a conversation starter. It celebrated human ingenuity, communicated urgent messages and empowered attendees to see the possibilities for a sustainable future.”

Scriberia Team

Results

The impact of the Knowledge Wall was immediate. It became a focal point of the conference, drawing attendees in, sparking discussions and making the event’s themes more tangible. The combination of storytelling, live illustration and real-time engagement made complex topics accessible while reinforcing GPID’s role in driving meaningful change in water desalination.

“For a day centred on global innovation, the Knowledge Wall was the perfect way to capture the room’s energy and celebrate the ambition behind the GPID challenge. The client was genuinely thrilled, seeing it as a standout feature that elevated the entire experience.”

Schønning Eysturoy, Senior Director, Innovation Ecosystems, Wazoku

SWA and GPID were thrilled with the final artwork, seeing it as not just a record of the event, but a versatile tool to communicate their mission far beyond the conference.

Slide arrows below to view the whole wall:

See how scribing can make your event more engaging, impactful and memorable. Talk to our team.