WiSER panel held at the United Nations Second Annual Sustainable Energy for All Forum

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 19 May, 2015 - The role of women in mobilising bold ideas for achieving progress with high impact results took centre stage in New York, yesterday, during a panel convened by Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER).

Held at the Second Annual United Nations Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) Forum, the panel, entitled "Mobilising Bold Ideas for Impact," brought together female, international thought leaders working in energy, engineering, hi-tech, policy and civil society, who focused on the role of innovative ideas, practical solutions and initiatives in accelerating sustainable development to bridge the gap between availability of sustainable resources and grassroots know-how.

In recognising the pivotal role women must play to usher in a sustainable future, the United Arab Emirates, through Masdar, established this bold initiative, WiSER, to drive global innovations. The WiSER meeting in New York examined the remarkable advancements being made by women across the world in the fields of energy and sustainability, as well as the challenges they face in making further progress within this sector.

The panel, moderated by Susan Kish, director and treasurer of InsideClimate News, mirrored the diversity of global initiatives for sustainability led by women: Dr Nawal Al-Hosany, director of sustainability at Masdar and director of the Zayed Future Energy Prize; Elizabeth Press, deputy director, IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre; Katherine Lucey, founder and CEO of Solar Sister; and Ami Valdemoro, executive director, 'Friends of Hope' Inc. and COO of Liter of Light.

Dr Al-Hosany said: "Climate change is gender neutral. Its impact is not. Women are disproportionally affected by natural disasters and climate change. Women are central gatekeepers for agricultural production and food supply in many countries - in particular in the developing world. But as much as women are impacted by negative effects of climate change, they are therefore well-positioned to bring ideas for change to life. Through the Zayed Energy Future Prize for global high schools we also inspire the next generation to engineer innovative renewable energy projects and to get engaged with the industry."

Ami Valdemoro, COO of 'Liter of Light,' a social enterprise launched in the Philippines, discussed how creating a sustainable future lies by driving grass-roots initiatives that bring practical, innovative solutions to millions of people. "Liter of Light's success is a testament to the power of grassroots solutions. Through the initiative, we have electrified 350,000 off-grid homes and villages in 15 countries. Our two-step solar lighting system is not sophisticated, and our approach is hands-on. We address ways to bring millions of people out of darkness, by empowering communities to build and install locally sourced solar solutions with high impact results," Valdemoro explained.

Elizabeth Press, deputy director of IRENA's Innovation and Technology Centre, highlighted IRENA's efforts to develop more renewable energy in small island developing states (SIDS), through the 'Lighthouse Initiative.' Press said: "Islands are leading early adopters of renewable energy solutions because of their unique circumstances and the ingenuity that this demands. Yet, renewable energy deployment can help offer long-term and sustainable power solutions on islands across the globe, SIDS offers lessons for the world and can lead in the international effort to mitigate climate change."

Katherine Lucey, founder and CEO of Solar Sister explained how through empowering women in rural areas, entire communities reap benefits. "More than 70 per cent of the population of sub-Saharan lives without electricity, and this lack of access to power is both a cause and an effect of incessant poverty. Solar Sister is proud to be part of the solution. By investing in women in remote areas, and seeding their solar businesses, we're providing the economic opportunities they need and desire to build healthier, more prosperous and resilient communities," explained Lucey.

Susan Kish closed the session of female thought leaders for sustainability, the environment and renewable energy, with a call to think across the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability and to foster women led initiatives that accelerate change and impact women's role in bringing about a more sustainable future.                                          

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; 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

About WiSER
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.

For further information, please contact:  
Nicholas Lamptey
nlamptey@apcoworldwide.com
+971 56 174 6577

© Press Release 2015