WiSER calls for accelerated action to invest in female entrepreneurs driving the global sustainable economy
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
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 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: 'This White Paper demonstrates the transformative power of female entrepreneurs in driving the global sustainable economy. By fostering an inclusive ecosystem that supports female-led innovation, we can unlock new economic opportunities, accelerate sustainable development, and ensure female entrepreneurs have the tools and investment they need to lead in shaping a more resilience and prosperous future.'
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.
-Ends-
About Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WISER)
Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) is a global platform that champions women as leaders of sustainable change.
Since 2015, WiSER has focused on the core pillars of education, engagement and empowerment, and 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 Net Zero goals, WiSER was also rooted in a recognition that more needs to be done to support women in the global mission to tackle climate change
About the Zayed Sustainability Prize
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, a portfolio entity of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, is the UAE's pioneering award for innovative solutions to global challenges.
A tribute to the legacy and vision of the UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Prize aims to drive sustainable development worldwide.
Each year, across the Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools categories, the Prize rewards organisations and high schools for their groundbreaking solutions to our planet's most pressing needs.
Through its 128 winners, in 17 years, the Prize has positively impacted over 400 million lives across the globe, inspiring innovators to amplify their impact, and chart a sustainable future for all.
About Masdar
Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) is one of the world's fastest-growing renewable energy companies. As a global clean energy leader, Masdar is advancing the development and deployment of solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage and green hydrogen technologies to accelerate the energy transformation and help the world meet its net-zero ambitions. Established in 2006, Masdar has developed and invested in projects in over 40 countries with a combined capacity of 51 gigawatts (GW), providing affordable clean energy access to those who need it most and helping to power a more sustainable future.
Masdar is jointly owned by TAQA, ADNOC, and Mubadala, and is targeting a renewable energy portfolio capacity of 100GW by 2030 while aiming to be a leading producer of green hydrogen by the same year.
Contacts:
For Masdar media inquiries, please contact: press@masdar.ae
For more information please visit: http://www.masdar.ae and connect: facebook.com/masdar.ae and twitter.com/masdar
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
4 days ago
- Zawya
Iraq in advanced talks with Saudi's ACWA Power and UAE's Masdar for solar plants
Iraq's Ministry of Electricity announced on Thursday that it is close to finalising agreements with Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power and the UAE's Masdar to build solar power stations across the country. Speaking to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), ministry spokesperson Ahmed Musa said discussions are advancing with ACWA Power for a 1,000-megawatt (MW) solar power plant in Najafm and with Masdar to develop four solar power plants with a combined capacity of 1,000 MW. In March, Iraq started construction of its largest solar power project - the 1,000 MW Basra Sun. Musa said the talks are part of Iraq's broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependency on imported gas, adding that the the OPEC member's power sector is currently facing a 4,000 MW deficit due to reduced gas imports from Iran, which resulted in the shutdown of several power generation units. Musa disclosed that 93 percent of the electricity interconnection project with GCCIA has been completed, and connections with Jordan and Turkey are already contributing to Iraq's grid. At the start of May, Iraq's Wasit province issued a tender for 3,000 MW of renewable energy projects. Prior to that, in April, the Iraqi government signed an agreement with US-based UGT Renewables for the development of a 3,000 MW solar power project coupled with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) providing 500 megawatt-hours (MWh). (Writing by Majda Muhsen; Editing by Anoop Menon)
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Baraka Real Estate Development participates in Manzal Al Sadr diving, beach cleanup campaign
Baraka Real Estate Development has announced its active participation in the Manzal Al Sadr Diving and Beach Cleanup Campaign, a key initiative under the nationwide Clean UAE movement. Organised by the campaign gathered certified divers and volunteers across the UAE to clean both the shoreline and seabed, emphasizing the critical need for marine conservation. The event marks another important milestone in Baraka Real Estate Development's ongoing commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Employees from across the organisation volunteered their time to contribute directly to the clean-up efforts, demonstrating the company's deep-rooted values of environmental stewardship and community engagement. 'Sustainability is not just a goal for us—it's an everyday responsibility. Our participation in the Manzal Al Sadr Cleanup Campaign is a reflection of our ongoing efforts to protect our environment and actively contribute to the UAE's broader sustainability vision,' said a spokesperson for Baraka Real Estate Development. As a leading real estate developer in the UAE, Baraka Real Estate Development has consistently integrated sustainability into its projects and operations. The company emphasises eco-friendly design, responsible construction practices, and community-centered developments that align with the nation's long-term environmental goals. By prioritising green spaces, renewable energy considerations, and sustainable materials, Baraka seeks to reduce its environmental footprint across all its ventures. Beyond construction, Baraka Real Estate Development is committed to fostering social responsibility and environmental awareness among its employees and partners. Participating in initiatives like the Manzal Al Sadr campaign forms a key pillar of Baraka's broader mission: to not only build world-class projects but also build a better, cleaner future for the UAE. This latest initiative reinforces Baraka Real Estate Development's vision of being a catalyst for positive change, making tangible contributions to the UAE's Year of Sustainability and the national Net Zero by 2050 strategy.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Zawya
UAE, France explore cooperation in hydrogen, nuclear energy
PARIS - A UAE delegation wrapped up a three-day visit to France, where they discussed opportunities for cooperation and exchanged best practices with key French stakeholders to leverage innovative ways to approach upcoming challenges of the energy transition. The visit was part of the UAE's efforts to build synergies with other countries in driving sustainable development and enhancing energy security. Focus areas included advancements in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) regulations and infrastructure, hydrogen, nuclear innovation, and decarbonisation strategies. Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, headed the delegation, which comprised Mohammed Al Hawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment, as well as representatives of AMMROC, Emirates, General Civil Aviation Authority, Bee'ah, Masdar, Emirates Nuclear Energy Company, Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, and Lootah BioFuel. Eng Al Olama said, 'The UAE and France share a firm commitment to continuous progress, a passion for innovation, and an eagerness to embrace future trends. The tour aimed to support the UAE's clean energy transition by identifying best practices, fostering bilateral cooperation, and equipping delegates with actionable knowledge to advance national sustainability goals. As a global technology leader, France is at the forefront of coming up with innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges the world faces today and is a valued partner in the UAE's efforts to shape a better future.' He added, 'I would like to thank all the French officials and private sector representatives whom I met for the warm welcome and hospitality we have received during our trip. I look forward to translating the outcomes of our productive conversations into tangible projects that will help us build sustainable energy systems and accelerate the transition to clean energy, with the ultimate goal of leaving behind a better world for the next generations.' On day one of the visit to Paris, the delegation participated in a closed meeting at MEDEF International, the leading network of companies in France, with French companies' representatives, led by Ludovic Pouille, Director of Economic Diplomacy at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The participants explored on-going cooperation projects and ways to expand them. Furthermore, representatives from both sides provided an overview of the national hydrogen strategy of their respective countries. This was followed by presentations of hydrogen development projects and solutions by leading French energy providers: HY24, EDF Renouvelables, Axens, Engie, Technip Energies, Fives Group, and Dassault Systèmes. Nuclear energy technologies were also the focus of the meeting, as the delegation received a briefing on the French nuclear value chain, nuclear fuel management and challenges, and latest developments of small modular reactors by leading French nuclear industry and SMR experts from CSFN, ORANO, CEA, Nuward, Newcleo, and Naarea. At the meeting, Al Olama emphasised that cooperation is essential, reaffirming the UAE's commitment to activating strategic partnerships across the energy sector with France in key areas to strengthen economic partnership and work together towards achieving their decarbonisation targets. Day two, also spent in Paris, featured a packed agenda of site visits and meetings. The delegation toured the Innovation Hub of Schneider Electric, a leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation. They learned about the company's cutting-edge AI-driven solutions for energy optimisation. They also visited the R&D labs of Air Liquide, a world leader in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare, where they had a firsthand insight into the company's state-of-the-art technologies. Furthermore, a representative of the French Civil Aviation Authority outlined the country's regulations and policies regarding the use and promotion of SAF, whereas a member of the UAE delegation presented the national approach to increasing reliance on SAF as a means to decarbonise the aviation sector. Al Olama enjoyed a lively discussion on the UAE's and France's shared commitment to sustainability with representatives of Airbus, Total Energies, Safran, Bureau Veritas, and Haffner Energy. On the third and final day of the tour, the delegation moved to the city of Toulouse, where they visited the Airbus mock-up centre and the A350 Final Assembly Line, one of the most modern production sites in the aviation industry. Moreover, they met with UAE graduates having their internship in Airbus. The UAE and France enjoy long-standing strong ties that were taken to new heights in the past few years.
