Panel held on the side lines of the Bloomberg Future of Energy Summit

Abu Dhabi, UAE, April 16, 2015

The role of women and the importance of gender diversity as a catalyst for innovation was discussed in New York, April 15, during a panel convened by Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER).

A side-line event during the Bloomberg Future of Energy Summit, the panel also examined the tremendous progress being made by women in the fields of energy and sustainability, as well as the barriers preventing further advancement.

"The challenges of energy security and sustainable development are a shared responsibility, and women have a critical role to play," said Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, director of sustainability at Masdar and director of the Zayed Future Energy Prize. "Breaking down the barriers that prevent gender equality enables more women-led innovation and drives the solutions needed to usher in a sustainable future."

Moderated by Michael Liebreich, founder of Bloomberg New Energy Finance, the panel was entitled "Opportunities for Innovation in the New Energy Market" and assembled leading women working in sectors, including energy, finance, policy and non-profit.

Participants included Her Excellency Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, permanent representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations; Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, director of sustainability at Masdar and director of the Zayed Future Energy Prize; Angelina Galiteva, founder of the Renewables 100 Policy Institute; Åsa Skogström Feldt, president and CEO of The Hunger Project; Katherine Lucey, CEO of Solar Sister; and Yanire Braña, founder and CEO of MET Community.

Founded by Masdar, Abu Dhabi's renewable energy company, and the Zayed Future Energy Prize, WiSER is a platform aimed at inspiring women to be active leaders in advancing innovations that address climate and the secure access of food, energy and water. The platform convenes regularly and unites women leaders from around the world to generate new thinking, to advocate solutions and to empower more women to be active in the fields of energy and sustainability.

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For further information, please contact:
Nicholas Lamptey
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About Masdar
Masdar is Abu Dhabi's renewable energy company, which works to advance the development, commercialization and deployment of clean energy technologies and solutions. The company serves as a link between today's fossil fuel economy and the energy economy of the future. Wholly owned by the Mubadala Development Company PJSC, the strategic investment company of the Government of Abu Dhabi, Masdar is dedicated to the Emirates' long-term vision for the future of energy and water.

For more information please visit: www.masdar.ae and connect: facebook.com/masdar.ae et twitter.com/Masdar

About the Zayed Future Energy Prize
The Zayed Future Energy Prize honours the environmental legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the US$4 million Zayed Future Energy Prize acknowledges outstanding achievements and innovative solutions in the fields of renewable energy and sustainability. Awards recognising organisations, individuals and schools across five categories are presented at an annual ceremony in Abu Dhabi. Collectively, Zayed Future Energy Prize winners are positively impacting the world through their vision and commitment in addressing the challenges of climate change, energy security and the environment. Submissions and nominations for the 2016 Zayed Future Energy Prize close on 22 June 2015. Visit www.ZayedFutureEnergyPrize.com

© Press Release 2015