The Arab International Women’s Forum (AIWF) and Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER), one of Masdar’s outreach platforms, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aims to inspire women of all ages to play a more active role in addressing global sustainability challenges and to give them better opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
At a virtual signing ceremony, executives from the two organizations elaborated on the scope and goals of their co-operation as well as their shared interest in championing sustainability empowerment for women and young people in the MENA Region, including in green economy, renewable energy, technology entrepreneurship, the digital economy and women-led research and innovation.
This strategic partnership will see the AIWF and WiSER collaborate on virtual events, research, mentorship, training and networking initiatives with industry experts, policymakers, rising stars, researchers and aspiring women leaders, focusing on sustainability and female empowerment in the MENA region.
Dr Afnan Al Shuaiby, Chairman of the Arab International Women’s Forum, said: “AIWF is thrilled to be partnering with WiSER on this important strategic partnership in 2021, our 20th anniversary year in which we are driving a strong, progressive and forward-focused agenda for women in STEM and sustainability. Through partnerships with organisations like WiSER, AIWF hopes to contribute to the creation of a dynamic, progressive environment in the Arab world in which women are empowered as champions of change, to action positive, gender-neutral developments in their industries, challenge stereotypes of the Arab world abroad, and encourage greater participation by women in sustainability innovation.”
Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand and Strategic Initiatives, Masdar and WiSER Program Director, said: “By working with the Arab International Women’s Forum, we can give young women greater access to professional development opportunities across the sustainability industry, promote female entrepreneurship, and empower them to address global sustainability challenges head on.”
During the signing ceremony, AIWF and WiSER announced that their first collaborative virtual event will take place next week, on Wednesday, March 31, with a panel discussion on women’s entrepreneurship in the green economy, focusing on new opportunities for talented, driven and tech-savvy young Arabs in MENA green growth. The panel will welcome guest speakers from the World Bank, PwC Middle East, and two award-winning green enterprises, H2GO Power in the UK and Green Watech in Morocco.
