• Year-long program targets women aged 25–35 in sustainability, STEM, and energy sectors.
• Since 2018, more than 150 participants from 30+ countries have received over 1,000 hours of mentoring and training.
• Alumni now influence clean energy projects, policy frameworks, and community-led sustainability initiatives worldwide.

A Global Platform Backed by Masdar and the Zayed Sustainability Prize

Masdar’s Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) initiative has opened applications for its 2026 WiSER Pioneers Program, designed to accelerate the careers of young women shaping the global energy transition.

Co-founded in 2015 by Masdar and the Zayed Sustainability Prize, WiSER has become one of the most visible international platforms cultivating female leadership in sustainability. The Pioneers Program, launched in 2018, selects a competitive cohort each year for intensive training, mentoring, and international exposure.

Building a Global Network of Female Leaders

Over its eight cohorts to date, WiSER has welcomed more than 150 women from over 30 nationalities. Participants have benefited from 535 hours of workshops and 515 hours of one-to-one mentoring, tailored to strengthen technical expertise, leadership skills, and policy engagement.

Candidates must be between 25 and 35 years old, with either entrepreneurial experience or at least two years of professional work in sustainability, environment, energy, or STEM-related fields. The program offers structured career development and international networking, with alumni now leading businesses, shaping policy, and driving innovation across clean energy and sustainable development.

Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director for Brand and Strategic Initiatives at Masdar and Program Director of WiSER, said the initiative was founded on a clear principle: “When women lead, societies thrive. Our Pioneers are driving innovation, influencing policy, and launching solutions. As we open applications for the 2026 cohort, we continue building a worldwide movement of women whose leadership is essential to shaping the global sustainability agenda.”

From Indonesia to COP: Training Meets Real-World Engagement

WiSER combines structured learning with practical engagement. The annual WiSER Cares initiative immerses participants in cultural exchange and applied sustainability projects. In 2025, the program took Pioneers to Indonesia for site visits at geothermal facilities and floating solar projects, alongside policy discussions on climate finance.

Beyond fieldwork, participants gain visibility on the international stage. Each cohort engages with global policy processes at events such as Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) and the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), providing first-hand exposure to decision-making arenas that define the global climate agenda.

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Alumni Driving Systemic Change

Graduates of the Pioneers Program now hold roles across clean energy companies, technology startups, and policymaking institutions. Many are advancing national energy strategies, developing community-based renewable projects, and advising governments on climate resilience.

Fatima Afghan, a 2025 Pioneer from the UAE, reflected on the program’s role in shifting dynamics for early-career professionals: “Too often women at the start of their careers lack a seat at the table where industry leaders are shaping the future. WiSER is changing that reality.”

Why It Matters for Business and Policy Leaders

For executives and investors, the program offers a glimpse into how talent pipelines in sustainability are evolving. By cultivating leadership among young women from diverse geographies, WiSER contributes to a broader push for inclusive governance in climate and energy. This matters for firms navigating ESG disclosure demands, investors assessing long-term human capital strategies, and governments balancing climate commitments with social equity.

Positioning Women at the Center of the Energy Transition

The opening of applications for the 2026 cohort signals WiSER’s ongoing commitment to addressing a global leadership gap. While women remain underrepresented in senior roles across energy and climate sectors, platforms like WiSER are creating pathways that connect technical expertise, policy literacy, and international exposure.

For policymakers and C-suite executives, the program highlights the growing expectation that gender inclusion is not an auxiliary issue but a central component of effective sustainability governance. The next generation of leaders entering the field through WiSER will shape corporate strategies, public policy, and financing models that define the pace of the global energy transition.

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