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 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 Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Permanent Preventative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations; 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; Asa Skogstrom Feldt, president and CEO of The Hunger Project; Katherine Lucey, CEO of Solar Sister; and Yanire Brana, 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.
Source: WAM