AIWF x Space Intelligence jointly host virtual workshop on NextGen Climate Action: Green Skills for Sustainability Leaders
AIWF and Space Intelligence were proud to collaborate on 30 July 2024 on a joint virtual workshop exploring the skills gap in climate, sustainability and STEM innovation, discussing viable strategies to address those gaps in formal education, through public climate education and in workplace learning and development. Together, AIWF and Space Intelligence presented a stellar panel of senior business leaders, researchers, policymakers and educators to examine current strategies to embed climate skills, values and competencies in the next generation of sustainability leaders.
The initiative was co-chaired by AIWF President & Founder Haifa Al Kaylani OBE, who was a Commissioner on the ILO Commission for the Future of Work in 2017-2019 contributing to the ILO’s landmark report on the future for education and skills; and Professor Ed Mitchard, Co-Founder & Chief Scientist, who has spent years developing cutting-edge technologies to use satellite remote sensing data to quantify forest biomass. Closing remarks were delivered by Nadereh Chamlou, AIWF Board Member, Former Senior Advisor to the Chief Economist MENA at The World Bank & Nonresident Senior Fellow at the at the Atlantic Council’s empowerME initiative.
As a leading development organisation committed to the economic inclusion of women and young leaders in business, sustainability and STEM, AIWF has, in the last five years especially, devoted considerable resources and a key advocacy track to the importance of skills development and capacity building for women and young leaders working in the climate and sustainability space, with an emphasis on bridging the digital and ‘human’ / soft skills gaps that are present not only in the UK and the MENA but globally. Space Intelligence, a valued partner of AIWF, is a world leader in providing data and mapping information used by groups who share a common goal: to achieve zero deforestation and mass restoration and tackle the climate emergency. Space Intelligence supports this goal through the provision of accurate data on forest coverage and carbon storage that is required to ensure transparency into the impact of nature-based solutions.
THE SESSION
In this virtual workshop (which was held on 30 July from 12:00 – 14:30 BST), AIWF and Space Intelligence welcomed senior leaders working in climate and sustainability from across the business, science and engineering sectors to share their personal journeys and their career pathways, before going on to explore in depth the key skills required to enter into and succeed in each sector. Additionally, they discussed the soft / ‘human’ skills that are so essential to successful leadership and to ensuring a more diverse, engaged and sustainability-driven workforce in the future.
Within the virtual workshop schedule, there were three panel discussions with each allowing ample time for audience Q&A. The first panel discussion (12:15-13:00), structured around key skills for the green sector and focusing on how AI and engineering can be used to support green technology and sustainable innovation, was moderated by Dr Stephanie Earp, AI Research and Development Lead at Space Intelligence. Speakers included Elena Sinel, Founder and CEO of Teens in AI; Hassan Halawy, General Manager, Elite Agro Projects; and Ruba Al-Zu’bi, Climate, Energy and Environment Lead for the Levant, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
The second panel discussion (13:00-13:40), on the value and importance of entrepreneurship and gender equality in creating viable and transformative climate solutions, was moderated by Space Intelligence’s Head of Business Development, Dr Alexis Moyer. Invited speakers included Sunita Pitamber, Associate Director, Infrastructure, Climate Change and Gender Mainstreaming, Gender and Economic Inclusion Department, EBRD; Anna Dorangricchia, Programme Manager Gender Equality, Union for the Mediterranean; and Gladys H. Morales Guevara, Global Head of Innovation, IFAD.
The third session (13:40-14:20), focused on green skills in education and employment, was moderated by Dr Sophie Flack-Prain. Invited speakers included Gemma Carr, Workforce Services Industry Lead for Energy, Utilities & Resources, PwC; Tala Alem, Sustainability Lead, PepsiC; and Francesca Borgonovi, Head of Skills Analysis, OECD Centre for Skills & Lead, ‘OECD Skills Outlook 2023: Skills for a Resilient Green and Digital Transition’.
Each of the sessions welcomed as speakers established and emerging leaders who will be invited to talk about their experiences and share their insights on challenges and opportunities for young people in STEM innovation. To ensure that the sessions reflected the variety of possible routes and champion diversity and inclusion which is much needed in STEM and sustainability, speakers represented the UK, Europe, and the MENA. The audience was comprised of established and emerging / early career leaders in STEM and sustainability, working specifically in the climate, food, water and sustainable agriculture spaces, invited from across the UK, Europe, the MENA and Africa.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Role of Women and Youth in Driving Climate Action and Sustainability
In a world grappling with climate change and transitioning towards more sustainable practices, the role of women and youth is crucial. Recently, a virtual seminar organized by the Arab International Women’s Forum in partnership with Space Intelligence highlighted this significance. The event delved into the need for core green skills in future sustainability leaders, emphasizing the roles of education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Addressing the Green Skills Gap
Defining Green Skills
Green skills have been defined by the OECD as those necessary for a low-carbon economy, which will be required across various sectors and levels within the workforce. These skills are not confined to emerging green sectors like renewable energy and energy efficiency but are also relevant to traditional sectors that are integrating more sustainable practices.
Green Jobs and Their Growth
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has highlighted that an estimated 24 million new green jobs could be created worldwide by 2030, provided that appropriate policies to promote a greener economy are implemented. According to LinkedIn’s global green jobs report, roles in ecosystem management, environmental policy, and pollution prevention are among the fastest growing. These shifts in the job market underscore the urgent need for upskilling and reskilling the current workforce to ensure no one is left behind in the green transition.
Regional Focus: The MENA Region
The seminar placed a particular emphasis on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which faces significant climate-related challenges like water scarcity, desertification, and dependence on oil. However, the region also has substantial renewable energy potential, particularly in solar and wind energy. High youth unemployment rates and the need for workforce modernization highlight the importance of creating new job opportunities in green sectors to drive economic stability and growth.
Empowerment Through Education and Training
Programs and Policies
The Union for the Mediterranean has been working on policies and projects aimed at integrating a gender perspective into climate and environmental policies. This includes awarding projects focused on green skills for young women-led businesses, launching a community of practice on gender, environment, and climate, and mobilizing funds to support women entrepreneurs in the green sector.
Mentorship and Networking
Mentorship programs were identified as a critical enabler for aspiring women entrepreneurs. Programs like She Grows in Jordan, focusing on women in agriculture and sustainability, showcase how mentorship can inspire and guide young women. These initiatives emphasize the value of local solutions and personalized mentorship in driving the global green transition.
The Role of Technical and Soft Skills
As more traditional sectors adopt sustainable practices, there’s a growing demand for technical skills in areas like ecosystem management, environmental policy, and renewable energy technologies. These skills are essential for adapting to new and evolving job roles within a green economy.
Soft Skills and Values
Besides technical expertise, soft skills are equally vital. Skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, and the ability to communicate complex sustainability concepts effectively can significantly impact one’s contribution to sustainability efforts. The importance of storytelling and crafting compelling narratives was also highlighted as a way to drive internal change and advocacy within organizations.
Integrating Sustainability into the Education System through Curriculum Development
Education systems worldwide need to adapt to incorporate climate and sustainability topics into their curricula. This can be achieved through interdisciplinary approaches that integrate elements of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). For instance, vocational education and training programs can be tailored to include new skills necessary for the green transition, such as those required to maintain hybrid and electric vehicles.
Career Guidance
Career guidance and orientation programs should prioritize emerging green jobs and educational Pathways that align with the demands of a greener economy. This involves not only informing students about these opportunities but also ensuring they are willing and eager to pursue them.
Encouraging Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Organizations like the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are crucial in supporting green entrepreneurship. These organizations offer a combination of financing and technical assistance to help entrepreneurs develop and scale their green businesses.
Overcoming Barriers
Despite these support systems, women entrepreneurs often face significant barriers, including social norms and structural challenges. Efforts to dismantle these barriers through targeted education, mentorship, and financial support are vital for empowering women in the green economy.
The Central Role of Youth
Unlocking Potential
Engaging youth in climate action and sustainability is essential for driving innovation and long-term success. Young people bring fresh perspectives and are often more open to adopting new technologies and practices. Programs that combine education with hands-on experience, such as internships and apprenticeships, can help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Advocacy and Leadership
Youth advocacy is another powerful tool for driving change. Young people are often at the forefront of climate activism, pushing for more ambitious policies and practices. Supporting these efforts through mentorship and providing platforms for youth voices can amplify their impact.
Final Thoughts
The global transition towards a greener, more sustainable future is a complex and multidimensional challenge. It requires the concerted efforts of various stakeholders, including governments, private companies, educational institutions, and civil society. Women and youth, in particular, have crucial roles to play in this transition. By equipping them with the necessary skills, providing mentorship and support, and fostering an environment that values their contributions, we can ensure a more inclusive and effective green transition.
This virtual seminar by the Arab International Women’s Forum and Space Intelligence has underscored the importance of these efforts. As we move forward, we aim to prioritise education, empowerment, and innovation to drive the kind of transformative change needed to address the pressing challenges of climate change and sustainability.