Since its inception in 2015, Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy (WiSER) has established itself as a pioneering global platform dedicated to championing women as leaders in sustainability. Rooted in the UAE’s longstanding commitment to gender parity and climate action, WiSER continues to drive progress by focusing on its core pillars: education, engagement, and empowerment.
Why WiSER is Needed
Women and girls play a transformative role in creating a sustainable world. However, they often face disproportionate challenges from climate change, including barriers to accessing resources, education, and leadership opportunities. WiSER was formed to address these challenges, ensuring women are equipped with the tools, skills, and opportunities to lead the global mission against climate change.
• Underrepresentation in Renewable Energy: Women make up a fraction of the workforce in renewable energy and face barriers in accessing climate finance.
• Empowering Change: Providing women with opportunities to lead ensures that sustainability initiatives address the needs of vulnerable communities while driving economic growth.
WiSER’s Impact at a Glance
WiSER has made a significant difference in empowering women in sustainability:
• 100+ professional young women from over 30 nationalities have graduated from the WiSER Pioneers Program.
• 3,000+ influential figures convened to advance gender parity in sustainability.
• Over 240 hours of mentoring provided to young women aspiring to become sustainability leaders.
• More than 100 hours of workshops conducted for WiSER Pioneers.
WiSER Governance: Shaping the Future with Visionary Leaders
WiSER’s Advisory Council features global policymakers, business leaders, and influential figures who provide strategic direction to initiatives that enhance women’s participation in sustainability.
WiSER Advisory Council Members:
• H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber: UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President, and Chairman of Masdar.
• H.E. Mariam Bint Mohammed Almheiri: Chair of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court.
• Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella: CEO of Energy Nexus Network and former U.N. Under-Secretary-General.
• H.E. Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh: Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs.
• H.E. Razan Al Mubarak: UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 and President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
• H.E. Dr. Nawal Al Hosany: Permanent Representative of the UAE to IRENA.
• H.E. Adnan Z. Amin: CEO of the COP28 Office and Senior Research Fellow at Harvard’s Belfer Center.
• Damilola Ogunbiyi: CEO of Sustainable Energy for All and UN Special Representative for Renewable Energy.
• Linda Fitz-Alan: Registrar and Chief Executive at ADGM Courts.
• Dymphna van der Lans: CEO of the Clean Cooking Alliance.
• Michael Liebreich: Chairman and CEO of Liebreich Associates and a leader in sustainable finance.
These esteemed leaders ensure WiSER remains at the forefront of fostering gender parity and empowering women within the sustainability industry.
The WiSER Annual Forum: A Platform for Change
A flagship event during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the WiSER Annual Forum is a dynamic platform for promoting innovative ideas and actionable solutions. It brings together global leaders to discuss empowering present and future generations of women sustainability leaders.
Key outcomes of the forum include:
• Insightful Reports: Summarizing findings and providing in-depth commentary on topics discussed.
• Networking Opportunities: Connecting policymakers, businesses, and thought leaders.
• Inspiration for Action: Encouraging actionable steps toward gender parity and climate resilience.
Looking Ahead
As the UAE progresses toward its net-zero goals, WiSER remains steadfast in its mission to prepare women to lead the fight against climate change. By fostering a collaborative global network, WiSER continues to advance its vision of creating a sustainable and equitable world for future generations.
For more information about WiSER and its programs, visit https://masdar.ae/en/strategic-global-initiatives/wiser
