Latest news with #WiSER
Zawya
09-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
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@ For more information please visit: and connect: and
Zawya
12-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Beyond clean energy: Masdar's WiSER and Y4S bridge education and impact
As one of the fastest-growing clean energy companies in the world, Masdar plays a key role in advancing clean energy initiatives both in the UAE and globally. The state-owned company currently operates in more than 40 countries across six continents with a project portfolio exceeding 51 gigawatts (GW). But a lesser known aspect of Masdar is its commitment to fostering knowledge platforms that contribute to the global climate agenda under the umbrella of Strategic Global Initiatives. Among these are Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy (WiSER) and Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S)—programmes designed to equip women and young people with the skills, knowledge, and leadership capabilities to champion sustainability worldwide. Y4S, established in 2016, is on a mission to reach one million young people by 2030 through blended learning experiences. It focuses on equipping youth with the skills needed for future jobs in sustainability, supported by its Future Sustainability Leaders and Sustainability Ambassadors programmes. Likewise, WiSER, launched in 2015, champions women as leaders in sustainable change, ensuring that their voices are integral to shaping the global sustainability agenda. Real world experience Beyond theoretical insights, these programmes provide technical training, leadership development, and real-world applications. For Y4S future sustainability leader Reem Al Mansoori, the programme has been instrumental in strengthening her political economy background with technical sustainability expertise. 'To achieve efficient results and develop impactful strategies, I first need to deconstruct problems, understand their technical and theoretical aspects, and then polish and shape solutions. Y4S played a crucial role in equipping me with these capabilities,' she explained on the sidelines of a sustanability event in Abu Dhabi. Thanks to the programme, Reem was able to develop and present a technical proposal on desalination addressing water scarcity challenges at COP28 in Baku last year. 'This would not have been possible without the strategic partners and continuous support provided by Y4S,' she said. Similarly, Fatima Ashgan, a WiSER Pioneer, highlighted the programme's hands-on learning experiences through initiatives like WiSER Cares. 'Each year, we visit a developing country where a sustainability project is underway, learning firsthand from female entrepreneurs who are leading groundbreaking initiatives,' she said. Hamid Al Bastaki emphaised the support from Y4S to advance his renewable energy project, which aims to drive clean energy adoption in the region. 'It provided me with the technical support to develop the project and a platform to present and showcase the work,' he said. Networking and mentoring The participants interviewed noted that Y4S and WiSER provide global exposure, enabling participants to engage with world leaders, industry experts, and policymakers. These interactions help them develop a global perspective while simultaneously expanding their professional networks. For Hamid, one of the most defining moments was moderating a session at COP29, where he shared the stage with the Minister of Youth of Azerbaijan. 'Y4S provides young people with a platform to enhance their soft skills, and empowers them to engage with leaders worldwide on critical climate issues,' he said. Eduarda Zoghbi, a WiSER Pioneer, emphasised her programe's networking and mentorship opportunities and the doors they open. 'What WiSER offers to its participants is the networking, the ability to connect not just with likeminded people from different countries and different backgrounds, but also with senior leaders who we would never have the opportunity to connect with otherwise,' she explained. Her compatriot Fatima added: 'I will be sitting very soon in a room with people that I've seen as my leaders and learn firsthand of those experiences is going to accelerate my career as well.' According to Zoghbi, the one-on-one mentorship opportunities at WiSER serve as a stepping stone for pioneers, guiding them toward the next stage of their careers. Fatima concurred: 'Many of these mentors are women driving impactful systems and initiatives worldwide. The insights I gain through this programme and the mentorship opportunities offered here will play a crucial role in shaping my path, helping me decide the best way to invest my expertise, whether through entrepreneurship or as an engineer.' Cultivating leadership Reem said the diverse perspectives provided by Y4S is invaluable in terms of both professional and personal growth. 'From a personal growth level, it is designed to shape future leaders, equipping them with the skills to engage in high-level discussions, navigate diplomacy, and contribute meaningfully to the international community,' she said, adding that without technical knowledge, it will be harder to align policies with real-world challenges and solutions. Both WiSER and Y4S aims to cultivate leaders who will drive sustainability and policy innovation. Zoghbi advocated for inclusiveness in energy and sustainability, emphasising the need for diverse voices in decision-making. She said: 'When I attend sustainability conferences, I constantly ask: Who is missing from this conversation? Whose perspectives are not being heard? This isn't just about women; it applies to all marginalized and vulnerable communities, many of whom are disproportionately affected by climate change.' Hamid pointed out that sustainability deeply embedded in the Emirati identity. He said: 'Sustainability is not just about energy or the environment—it is a way of life. As an Emirati, being sustainable is not just a choice; it is a lifelong commitment. Through initiatives like WiSER and Y4S, Masdar is not only advancing clean energy solutions but also shaping a generation of leaders committed to sustainability. By equipping young professionals and women with technical expertise, leadership skills, and global exposure, these programmes ensure that participants are not just observers but active drivers of change. (Writing by Anoop Menon; Editing by SA Kader) (
