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• WiSER Cares program completes a five-day course in Indonesia on advancing knowledge on energy transformation, community resilience and innovation

• Course explored geothermal innovation, floating solar, and community-led solutions for sustainable growth.

• Fourteen WiSER Pioneers and Indonesian professionals, engaged in immersive site visits and policy dialogues

Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy (WiSER) – the global platform founded by Masdar and the Zayed Sustainability Prize – has successfully concluded its 2025 WiSER Cares program in Indonesia.

Entitled “Advancing the Energy Transformation through Policy, Innovation and Community Action,” the five-day field-based course was held across Jakarta and Garut, immersing participants in Indonesia’s sustainability landscape. The program combined high-level policy discussions with hands-on community engagement to explore how inclusive and locally driven solutions are shaping a just energy future.

Over the course of the week, nine WiSER Pioneers and five Indonesian professionals gained firsthand insights into the nation’s clean energy journey. Sessions included Indonesia’s national energy roadmap, financing mechanisms for the energy transformation, and the role of state-owned enterprises in driving transformation. Participants also visited landmark renewable energy projects such as the Kamojang Geothermal Power Plant and the Cirata Floating Solar Project – Southeast Asia’s largest floating solar facility.

Community engagement formed a core pillar of the program, with participants collaborating with Geothermal Coffee Producer. Through structured group activities, GCP (Geothermal Coffee Producer) co-created practical solutions to support sustainable farming, business model innovation, and community branding, empowering local women with new tools for growth and resilience.

Dr Lamya Nawaf Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand and Strategic Initiatives at Masdar and WiSER Program Director, said:

The course was delivered in collaboration with key partners across Indonesia’s energy and sustainability landscape, including Energy Academy Indonesia (ECADIN), Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk, Indonesia Business Council for Sustainable Development (IBCSD), PLN (Perusahaan Listrik Negara), PT Pembangkitan Jawa Bali Masdar Solar Energi (PMSE), Kopi Canaya Geothermal Cooperative, and technical experts from the Kamojang Geothermal Power Plant and Cirata Floating Solar Project. These organizations played a central role in offering both policy-level perspectives and on-the-ground demonstrations of clean energy innovation.

Candra Sri Sutama, Chief Operating Officer, Energy Academy Indonesia (ECADIN), said:

WiSER Cares builds on the program’s three core pillars of education, engagement and empowerment, by offering courses that strengthen leadership cultural exchange, and hands-on sustainability experience. Each year, the program connects Pioneers with communities at the frontlines of climate and energy challenges, creating transformative learning opportunities aimed at accelerating the clean energy transformation.

Salamah Alhajeri, a senior engineer and 2025 WiSER Pioneer, said:

WiSER is a global platform that champions women as leaders of sustainable change through year-long initiatives in thought leadership, personal and professional development and community engagement. WiSER is born of the UAE leadership’s longstanding and continuing commitment to the role of women; a commitment traced directly back to the vision of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Aligned to the UAE’s broader vision of driving inclusive action and promoting gender equity, the platform champions women’s leadership in critical sectors such as renewable energy, the environment and sustainable development.

First launched in 2018, WiSER Pioneers is a year-long program hosted annually that offers women from across the world, aged 25 to 35, access to bespoke educational workshops and global networking opportunities to inspire sustainability leadership.

Registrations for the WiSER Pioneers Program 2026 are open now. To apply, visit: https://masdar.my.site.com/WISER

• WiSER Pioneers Program aims to empower the next generation of women sustainability leaders

• Competitive, year-long program for young women aged 25 to 35 from around the world

• 150+ young women from 30+ nationalities have participated since 2018, driving real-world impact

Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy (WiSER) – a global platform co-founded in 2015 by Masdar and the Zayed Sustainability Prize – has officially opened applications for its 2026 WiSER Pioneers Program, dedicated to empowering the next generation of female sustainability leaders.

Now entering its ninth cohort, the year-long, competitive program is dedicated to empowering emerging female leaders in sustainability. Since its launch in 2018, the Pioneers Program has provided 535+ hours of workshops, 515+ hours of one-to-one mentoring and welcomed more than 150 Pioneers from over 30 nationalities, equipping them with the knowledge, networks, and leadership skills to shape the global energy transformation and deliver meaningful impact in their communities.

Open to women aged 25 to 35 who are entrepreneurs or possess at least two years of professional experience in sustainability, environment, energy, or STEM-related fields, the program offers tailored workshops, global networking opportunities, and one-to-one mentorship from senior industry leaders. Pioneers also participate in the annual WiSER Cares initiative, engaging directly with local communities to explore sustainable solutions on the ground.

Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director for Brand & Strategic Initiatives, Masdar, and Program Director of WiSER, said:

Through WiSER, women have gone on to launch businesses, lead projects and influence policy in their countries, underscoring the platform’s role as one of the world’s most impactful initiatives for developing female leaders in sustainability. Alumni of the program are now making their mark across clean energy, technology, policy, and community development.

The WiSER Pioneers Program combines career development with real-world experience. Participants take part in bespoke training workshops covering clean energy, sustainability policy, leadership and innovation. They also engage in the annual WiSER Cares initiative, a cultural exchange and active learning program that immerses Pioneers in practical sustainability solutions.

The 2025 WiSER Cares trip brought Pioneers to Indonesia, where they gained on-the-ground insight into Indonesia’s energy transformation through site visits to geothermal plants, floating solar projects and policy workshops on climate finance.

WiSER Pioneers also gain international exposure at global events such as Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) and United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), where they actively contribute to discussions shaping the future of the energy transformation.

Reflecting on the program, Fatima Afghan, a 2025 Pioneer from the UAE said:

Praise for the program also came from Eduarda Zoghbi, a 2025 Pioneer from Brazil:

WiSER is a global platform dedicated to empowering women to be drivers of sustainable change and innovation. WiSER is born of the UAE leadership’s longstanding and continuing commitment to the role of women; a vision championed by the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Aligned to global net-zero goals, WiSER is also rooted in a recognition that more needs to be done to support women in the global mission to tackle climate change.

For further information on WiSER, visit: https://masdar.ae/en/strategic-global-initiatives/wiser To apply for the 2026 WiSER Pioneers Program, visit: https://masdar.my.site.com/WISER

• WiSER’s new White Paper highlights importance of investing in female entrepreneurs driving the global sustainable economy, emphasizing gender-focused financing and inclusive policies

• AI and mentorship programs must be expanded to empower female entrepreneurs in climate sector

• Policy changes and targeted investments are critical for equitable sustainable solutions for women in the Global South

Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy (WiSER) - a global platform founded by Masdar and the Zayed Sustainability Prize to champion women as leaders of sustainable change - today launched its latest White Paper, Igniting a Global Sustainable Economy.

Its release coincides with International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on 8 March, which this year is themed ‘Accelerate Action’ to emphasize the importance of taking swift action to achieve gender equity.

WiSER’s White Paper underscores the vital role of female entrepreneurs in advancing climate solutions and offers key recommendations to close gender gaps in finance, scalability, AI, integration, mentorship and accessibility – especially for women in the Global South.

It builds on insights gathered during the 2025 WiSER Annual Forum at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), which brought together over 100 global leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to explore the transformative role of women in advancing the global sustainability agenda. With the theme, ‘Igniting a Global Sustainable Economy,’ the Forum emphasized the need to empower female entrepreneurs as catalysts for climate innovation and sustainable development.

The report outlines five key recommendations to empower female entrepreneurs in climate action by enhancing access to finance, scalability, AI enablement, networks, and accessibility, ensuring they have the resources, opportunities, and support needed to succeed and scale their impact:

• Increase Gender-Focused Investment: Expand funding and financial literacy programs to support female-led climate ventures, with a focus on gender-lens financing and microloans for adaptations projects.

• Scale Women-Led Climate Ventures: Streamline policies, enhance infrastructure, and foster partnerships to help female entrepreneurs expand their solutions.

• Harness AI and Digital Tools: Improve AI literacy and access to AI-driven technologies to support business growth and market entry.

• Strengthen Mentorship and Networking: Establish mentorship programs and cross-sector collaborations to provide women with the resources to succeed.

• Empower Women in the Global South: Address legal and financial barriers, invest in STEM education and improve access to markets and resources.

Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand & Strategic Initiatives at Masdar and Program Director of WiSER, said:

WiSER remains committed to empowering women as sustainability leaders through its pioneering initiatives, including the WiSER Pioneers program and WiSER Cares. The findings of this report will help shape future initiatives, ensuring that female entrepreneurs receive the recognition, resources and opportunities needed to lead global climate action.

To download the white paper, click here.

• WiSER Pioneers Program aims to empower the next generation of women sustainability leaders

• Young women professionals aged 25 to 35 are invited to apply for the year-long program

• 130+ young women from 30+ nationalities have participated in the prestigious Pioneers Program since its launch in 2018

Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy (WiSER) – a global initiative established by the UAE’s two leading sustainability champions, Masdar and the Zayed Sustainability Prize – has opened applications for its 2025 WiSER Pioneers Program.

First launched in 2018, the year-long WiSER Pioneers Program offers women from across the world access to bespoke educational workshops and global networking opportunities with industry experts, supporting them to reach their full potential.

Empowering young women to take a leading role in the global transition to a net-zero future, the Program provides participants with a platform to make their voices heard and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead meaningful change.

The WiSER Pioneers Program is open to women aged 25 to 35 who are currently employed or self-employed with a degree in a field related to the environment, energy, sustainability, or science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, with a minimum of two years of work experience.

Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director for Brand & Strategic Initiatives, Masdar, and Program Director of WiSER, said:

The multi-disciplinary WiSER Pioneer Program encompasses a number of key activities that focus on skill acquisition and enhancement, career advancement and networking opportunities. These include tailor-made workshops and training sessions aimed at enhancing skills in sustainability, clean energy, and leadership.

Pioneers have the opportunity to participate in the annual WiSER Cares initiative, an active learning experience focused on promoting community development through cultural exchange. The 2024 WiSER Cares trip saw 18 women complete a five-day course on adaptive agriculture in Marrakesh, Morocco.

WiSER’s mentorship scheme also plays a pivotal role in helping Pioneers advance their careers, through one-to-one mentoring sessions with senior figures from various industries.

In addition, WiSER actively participates in global events and conferences such as Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) and COP, providing a platform for Pioneers to learn, contribute to global discussions, and connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability professionals.

Reflecting on the program, Hind Alhosani, a 2023 Pioneer from the UAE said: “The program’s focus on empowering women in the energy sector aligned perfectly with my passion for promoting gender equality and contributing to the global transition to a net-zero future. As a WiSER Pioneer, I had the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals, participate in high-impact projects, and contribute to meaningful change in the global energy landscape. Additionally, the mentorship and knowledge exchange within the program have been invaluable. ”

Praise for the program also came from Sandra Leyva, a 2024 Pioneer from Mexico: “The WiSER Pioneers program is a community of women leaders who understand that the challenges we face demand more than incremental change. Through WiSER, I’ve gained tools, expanded my network, and been given a platform to drive this transformation. I am learning from disruptive leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and I am collaborating with fellow pioneers who are with me on the journey of finding our voice as an advocate for the policies and practices that will carry us forward. ”

The 2025 WiSER Pioneers will be the eighth cohort of the initiative. To date, more than 130 professional women representing more than 30 nationalities have graduated from the WiSER Pioneers Program.

WiSER is a global initiative dedicated to empowering women to be drivers of sustainable change and innovation. WiSER is born of the UAE leadership’s longstanding and continuing commitment to the role of women; a commitment traced directly back to the vision of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Aligned to global net-zero goals, WiSER is also rooted in a recognition that more needs to be done to support women in the global mission to tackle climate change.

For further information on WiSER visit: https://masdar.ae/en/strategic-global-initiatives/wiser

To apply for the 2025 WiSER Pioneers Program visit: https://masdar.my.site.com/WISER 

• WiSER Cares program completes a five-day course on adaptive agriculture in Marrakesh, Morocco.

• Course focused on addressing three core climate challenges facing the agriculture sector: water scarcity, soil degradation and erosion, and invasive pests and diseases.

• Eighteen WiSER Pioneers and local participants discovered invaluable insights into climate-resilient adaptive agriculture.

Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy (WiSER) - a global initiative established by the UAE’s two leading sustainability champions, Masdar and the Zayed Sustainability Prize - has successfully completed the latest instalment of its WiSER Cares program.

Taking place in Marrakesh, and entitled, “Adaptive Agriculture: Innovations in Technology and Practice for Water-Scarce Communities," the course formed part of WiSER's multidisciplinary program to engage members in sustainable community development.

Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Masdar’s Executive Director of Brand & Strategic Initiatives and WiSER Program Director emphasized the direct impact of the course on the participants’ understanding of water access issues: “We are proud to offer the WiSER Cares course in Morocco as part of Masdar’s long-running effort to empower and equip young women with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead their communities and the world in building a more sustainable future.

“Through our core pillars of education, engagement and empowerment, WiSER Cares aims to provide courses that enhance the practical, theoretical and leadership skills of women through cultural exchange and building connections through a sustainability lens that works to accelerate the clean energy transition in rural off-grid communities,” added Dr. Fawwaz.

The course, led by global and local experts, focused on addressing three core climate challenges facing the agriculture sector: water scarcity, soil degradation and erosion, and the threat posed by invasive pests and diseases. It brought together 18 women – 13 WiSER Pioneers and 5 Moroccan professionals – to discover invaluable insights into the power of climate-resilient adaptive agriculture.

Organizations engaged included the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), Fondation Mohammed VI Pour La Protection De L’Environnement, National Institute of Research in Agronomy (INRA) CRRA, Museum Mohammed VI for the Water Civilization, CIPA-Pierre Rabhi Farm, and Gardens of Jnane Tamsna.

Participants were guided through a program of lectures and practical exercises, including site visits to farms, research centres, and agribusinesses. The immersive hands-on experience offered participants a firsthand look at the climate challenges faced by water-scarce communities. This facilitated discussions on a wide range of agriculture adaptation strategies aimed at tackling food insecurity and increase economic independence.

"This course provided an invaluable opportunity to learn about the innovative approaches used by various communities, institutions and pioneering civil organizations in adaptive agriculture and apply those lessons to real-world challenges," said Tosin George, Solar Operations Consultant at Garfana Energy and 2024 WiSER Pioneer. "I will take many important learnings and insights back to my community, and this will help prepare us better for the climate challenges that we are facing."

The program concluded with workshops on planting and harvesting, a demonstration of how solar energy can be harnessed for water pumping and conservation, as well as a visit to the Museum of the Water Civilization in Marrakesh, which focused on traditional water management and community engagement.

“We were thrilled to offer this immersive learning experience as part of the WiSER Cares initiative,” said Dr. Redouane Choukrallah, Senior Professor, Agricultural Innovation and Technology Transfer Center (AIITC) and University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P). “Equipping the next generation of female leaders with the knowledge and tools to tackle climate challenges is crucial for building resilient, food secure communities.”

WiSER is a global initiative dedicated to empowering women to be drivers of sustainable change and innovation. WiSER is born of the UAE leadership’s longstanding and continuing commitment to the role of women; a commitment traced directly back to the vision of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Aligned to global net-zero goals, WiSER is also rooted in a recognition that more needs to be done to support women in the global mission to tackle climate change.

First launched in 2018, WiSER Pioneers is a year-long program hosted annually that offers women from across the world, aged 25 to 35, access to bespoke educational workshops and global networking opportunities to inspire sustainability leadership.

• Female entrepreneurs, academics, thought leaders and business executives to convene for WiSER panel sessions on 18 April

• Panels to focus on empowering female entrepreneurs and the importance of mentorship in promoting gender equality in climate action

• Program reinforces WiSER’s commitment to core pillars of education, engagement, and empowerment

Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) - Masdar’s global initiative that champions women as drivers of sustainable change and innovation – will be placing female entrepreneurs and mentors center stage at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES).

In an afternoon of dedicated programming at the Masdar Pavilion on April 18, three panels will explore innovative solutions and opportunities in climate finance for female entrepreneurs, highlight the transformative role of female mentorship in fostering leadership and promoting diversity and inclusion, and examine the nexus between SDG5 and environmental action to ensure women's perspectives from the Global South are integrated into policy and practice.

Bringing together female entrepreneurs, thought leaders, business executives and academics, WiSER’s program at WFES aims to enlighten, challenge and inform audiences as part of WiSER’s commitment to addressing the under-representation of women in the renewable energy sector and highlighting the barriers they face in accessing climate finance and education.

Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director for Brand & Strategic Initiatives, Masdar, and Program Director of WiSER, said:

WiSER, a Masdar initiative, was established as a result of the UAE leadership’s longstanding commitment to the role of women; a commitment traced back to the vision of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Aligned with the UAE’s net-zero goals, WiSER is rooted in a recognition that more needs to be done to support women in the global mission to tackle climate change. 

Hosted by Masdar, WFES is the leading business event for future energy, clean technology and sustainability and takes place from April 16-18 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

The Masdar Pavilion will be situated in Hall 5 at ADNEC. Full details of WiSER’s program at WFES can be found here.

• Global Summit hosted in partnership with COP28 UAE Presidency to convene high-level speakers from public sector, private sector, NGOs, and leading academic institutions.

• WiSER champions women as leaders of sustainability, with a focus on education, engagement, and empowerment, supporting the COP28 Presidency’s commitment to advance Sustainable Development Goals.

• Supports future and current female leaders, WiSER seeks to integrate gender equality into climate change agendas, for a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient future for all.

Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) - Masdar’s global initiative that champions women as leaders of sustainable change - will co-host The Arab Women Leaders’ Summit in the Green Zone at COP28 on December 4.

Held under the theme, “Gender Inclusion and Climate Change: Advancing Equality for a Resilient Future”, the Summit will explore the critical relationship between gender equality and climate action.

Bringing together a diverse program of participants including researchers, activists, policymakers and civil society representatives, the Summit will convene high-level speakers including H.R.H. Princess. Lamia Bint Majed Saud AlSaud, Secretary-General, AlWaleed Philanthropies, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Barbara Rambousek, Director, Gender and Economic Inclusion, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Participants at the half-day event will work together to identify challenges, share best practices, and develop strategies to promote gender equality in climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience efforts.

Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand and Strategic Initiatives, Masdar, said

Masdar’s WiSER initiative supports current and future generations of female leaders and seeks to integrate gender equality into climate change agendas, fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient future for all.

WiSER’s engagement at COP28 supports the Presidency’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, by advocating for gender equality as a tool to improve working conditions, advance technology and ultimately, address climate change.

• Global Summit hosted in partnership with COP28 UAE Presidency to convene high-level speakers from public sector, private sector, NGOs, and leading academic institutions.

• WiSER champions women as leaders of sustainability, with a focus on education, engagement, and empowerment, supporting the COP28 Presidency’s commitment to advance Sustainable Development Goals.

• Supports future and current female leaders, WiSER seeks to integrate gender equality into climate change agendas, for a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient future for all.

Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) - Masdar’s global initiative that champions women as leaders of sustainable change - will co-host The Arab Women Leaders’ Summit in the Green Zone at COP28 on December 4.

Held under the theme, “Gender Inclusion and Climate Change: Advancing Equality for a Resilient Future”, the Summit will explore the critical relationship between gender equality and climate action.

Bringing together a diverse program of participants including researchers, activists, policymakers and civil society representatives, the Summit will convene high-level speakers including H.R.H. Princess. Lamia Bint Majed Saud AlSaud, Secretary-General, AlWaleed Philanthropies, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Barbara Rambousek, Director, Gender and Economic Inclusion, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Participants at the half-day event will work together to identify challenges, share best practices, and develop strategies to promote gender equality in climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience efforts.

Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand and Strategic Initiatives, Masdar, said:

Masdar’s WiSER initiative supports current and future generations of female leaders and seeks to integrate gender equality into climate change agendas, fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient future for all.

WiSER’s engagement at COP28 supports the Presidency’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, by advocating for gender equality as a tool to improve working conditions, advance technology and ultimately, address climate change.

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar is honoring the outstanding achievements and invaluable contributions of remarkable Emirati women who are working to build a sustainable future for all.

A new campaign, launched by Masdar in celebration of Emirati Women’s Day, features prominent Emirati sustainability pioneers who are at the forefront of the UAE’s global sustainability mission, alongside several young Emirati women who are set to be amongst the next generation of sustainability leaders.

watch video

The campaign also spotlights the work of WiSER (Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy), Masdar’s global platform that champions women as leaders of sustainable change. 

Borne from a recognition that more needs to be done to support women in the global mission to tackle climate change, WiSER is dedicated to empowering current and future generations of women sustainability leaders.

The high-profile Emirati sustainability leaders showcased in the campaign are all members of the WiSER Advisory Council.

• Masdar’s Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) Annual Forum at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2023 focused on empowering women to lead climate adaptation
• Forum brought together experts and leaders from business, technology, government, academia, and not-for-profit sectors ahead of COP28 climate conference, which will focus on inclusion and action
• Guests took the #IAmWiSER pledge to champion women as leaders and agents of sustainable change 

Over 120 influential figures came together to explore ways to boost women’s leadership in climate adaptation at an annual forum held by Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER), a global platform run by the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse Masdar. 

As the world strives to adjust to a changing climate, women are increasingly finding themselves at the forefront of climate adaptation efforts. In recognition of this, the flagship WiSER Annual Forum was held on Tuesday 17 January, as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2023, the global platform for accelerating sustainable development that is taking place this week in the UAE capital.

Roundtable topics discussed at the forum included equal access to climate finance, increasing food security and access to agritech, women’s participation and leadership in the clean energy transition, and protecting biodiversity and eco-systems. Findings from the forum will be published in a report on March 8 – International Women’s Day. 

HE Khadeeja Naseem, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology for the Maldives, was one of the participants. “As one of the lowest-lying countries in the world, the Maldives is incredibly vulnerable to climate change,” she said. “We’ve been taking a holistic approach to these challenges, including building the resilience and health of our coral reefs - which are the first line of defense for our shores.  To ensure maximum success for climate adaptation projects, women’s leadership is vital. Women bring unique insights and talents to this collective mission and we must remove all barriers to their participation.”

Guests at the forum also pledged their support for the #IAmWiSER campaign, which champions women as leaders and agents of sustainable change. The global campaign aims to provide a clear call to action for women and those who support them.  To take the pledge visit https://masdar.ae/IAmWiSER/take-the-pledge

Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN-Energy, was a keynote speaker at the forum and a high-profile supporter of the #IAmWiSER campaign. “The transition to a cleaner, greener future must be an inclusive one,” she said. “If measures are not adopted to increase women’s participation in emerging green occupations, current gender stereotypes are likely to persist, and women will only have access to a fraction of the jobs created. Ensuring women’s full and unfettered participation is a must.”

In recent months, the human cost of climate change has been in sharp focus with a ‘loss and damage’ deal to provide funding for climate-vulnerable countries being struck at COP27 in Egypt. Globally, women and girls make up 80 percent of those displaced by climate change, according to the UN. The UAE will host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), in November and December.

Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand and Strategic Initiatives at Masdar, said: “Whether it’s improving women farmers’ access to finance or encouraging women in the renewable energy sector, empowering women to lead climate adaptation will benefit all of society. The WiSER Annual Forum provides a space where people from diverse backgrounds can come together and work towards much-needed solutions. This is of upmost importance to the UAE, especially as we look forward to hosting COP28 and putting inclusive action at its heart.”

Since WiSER was launched in 2015 it has convened high-level forums attended by over 2,000 participants to promote sustainability and gender equality.