WiSER signs cooperation agreement with EBRD to empower women in climate action

WiSER and EBRD

The Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) platform and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have joined forces to empower women in the critical areas of climate action and sustainable development.

The agreement was signed during the COP28 conference currently being held at Expo 2020 Dubai. The parties commit to exploring joint programmes focusing on issues such as gender-balanced investment, and capacity building for women and women entrepreneurs in the sustainability sector.

This strategic partnership aims to provide women with the tools and resources necessary to actively contribute to addressing climate change challenges and accelerating progress towards a more sustainable future.

The agreement paves the way for women, female entrepreneurs, and women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to gain access to a range of EBRD financing options. These include loans, guarantees, and equity investments, enabling them to scale their businesses and projects in the sustainability sector.

The partnership goes beyond financial support and extends to capacity building and knowledge sharing. Women will have access to specialised technical assistance and educational programs designed to enhance their skills and expertise in sustainability and climate action. This will empower them to become effective leaders and innovators in these crucial fields.

WiSER and EBRD will collaborate on developing and implementing joint programs that promote gender-balanced investment, enhance capacity building for women and women entrepreneurs in the sustainability sector, and advocate for gender equality within climate governance standards across the Middle East and North Africa region.

The partnership also emphasises knowledge sharing and expertise exchange. Women will benefit from participating in conferences, seminars, and educational workshops facilitated by both organisations. These events will provide valuable insights, foster collaboration, and empower women to actively engage in the global climate action agenda.

This strategic collaboration aligns with the UAE's unwavering commitment to empowering women and tackling climate change. The partnership supports the UAE's national goals for achieving climate neutrality and reflects the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's vision of activating women's roles in society.

Dr. Lamya Nawaf Fawwaz, the Executive Director of Brand and Strategic Initiatives at Masdar, said that this partnership is a powerful step towards empowering women to unite their efforts and make significant contributions to overcoming sustainability challenges. "By strengthening their leadership role in climate action, we can ensure a more sustainable future for all," she stated.

Ines Rocha, Managing Director, Impact and Partnerships, at EBRD, stated that they are happy to partner with WiSER to support women's capacity development and provide innovative financing solutions for women-led businesses. This collaboration will promote gender balance in climate action efforts and strengthen gender equality within the climate governance standards across the region.

Through this impactful partnership, WiSER and EBRD are paving the way for a future where women play a central role in driving progress towards a more sustainable and equitable world. By empowering women with the necessary resources and expertise, the partnership has the potential to create lasting positive change on a global scale.