London-based non-profit organization Arab International Women’s Forum (AIWF) and Masdar’s outreach platform Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to encourage women to take major roles in addressing global sustainability issues.
During the signing ceremony, executives from the two organizations highlighted the scope and goals of their partnership as well as their shared interest in promoting sustainability empowerment for women and young people in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
With the MoU, the two organizations aim to give women better opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines as well as to boost their interest in areas such as 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 by joining hands with industry experts, policymakers, rising influencers, researchers and aspiring women leaders, focusing on sustainability and female empowerment in the MENA region.
Dr. Afnan Al Shuaiby Chairman – AIWF
“Through partnerships with organizations 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.”
“By working with the AIWF 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,” says the Executive Director of Brand and Strategic Initiatives at Masdar and Program Director of WiSER, Dr. Lamya Fawwaz.
Further, AIWF and WiSER will conduct their first collaborative virtual event on March 31, with a panel discussion on women’s entrepreneurship in the green economy, focusing on new opportunities for talented and tech-savvy young Arabs in MENA green growth. The panel will have renowned personalities from World Bank, PwC Middle East, and two award-winning green enterprises, H2GO Power in the UK and Green Watech in Morocco.
Arab International Women’s Forum
Founded in 2001, the Arab International Women’s Forum (AIWR) aims to support women’s economic empowerment and leadership, and advance youth engagement in the MENA region and globally. AIWF works to raise awareness and amplify emerging voices, shape an impactful agenda for women and youth, and drive collaborative action on development challenges.
Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy
Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) platform was officially launched on the sidelines of the 70th United Nations General Assembly in September 2015. One of Masdar’s outreach platforms, WiSER is dedicated to inspiring women to play an active role in addressing global sustainability challenges.
