ENGIE & C3 join to explore ‘Women fighting climate change’ at Expo 2020

ENGIE, a global energy business, and Companies Creating Change (C3), a social enterprise located in the UAE that helps entrepreneurs maximize their growth and positive impact, will collaborate to present an event focused on the role of female professionals in driving the sustainable energy transition.

The half-day event, which will take place on 27 January 2021 at the France Pavilion at Expo 2020, will include a panel discussion titled “Women fighting climate change in the UAE: Turning Knowledge into Action.”

H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, will open the session with a video message, and H.E. Excellency Habiba Al Marashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson, Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), will deliver the keynote presentation. The event is part of Accenture’s C3 I.D.E.AAccelerator, which aims to increase diversity and inclusion in the UAE workforce.

The event’s attendees will examine the significant problems and hurdles that women face in driving sustainability projects, as well as how organisations can better recognise women’s contribution in the race to net zero.

According to the author of “The Missing Perspectives of Women in News,” commissioned by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, AKAS’ examination of global web news between 2017 and today shows that women held only 28% of the voice in climate change news pieces. The programme will discuss, among other things, why women are regarded less seriously and, if this is the case, how can women obtain greater recognition in areas such as sustainable leadership, entrepreneurship, and STEM.

Commenting on the upcoming event, Florence Fontani, Vice President of Sustainability and Communications, Asia, Middle East and Asia, ENGIE, said, “We are delighted to host this event in partnership with C3 and our esteemed guests. This event is another step in our resolve to support the transition to net-zero carbon goals across the Middle East and beyond. It is also part of our commitment to gender equality across the energy sector to meet societal challenges in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.”

She added, “Research has demonstrated that female leaders are the most likely changemakers for climate action from corporate leadership to favoring green investment decisions. For example, studies show that countries with a higher representation of women in parliament are more likely to set aside protected lands area and ratify multilateral environmental agreements. As we work toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for gender equality and affordable clean energy, and the UAE’s plans to reduce carbon emissions by 2050, we must drive inclusion and harness the contribution women can bring towards advancing climate action.”

“As part of our commitment to the UN SDGs as well as the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access agenda, we are very glad to be partnering with ENGIE to bring the conversation forward about the involvement of women in the sphere of energy and sustainability. Just like in any other sector, women have a crucial role in contributing to climate action and working towards a more sustainbable world for future generations”, said C3 Founder, Medea Nocentini.

In the run-up to the event, ENGIE and C3 are encouraging people to write to them via social media or email at communications.amea@engie.com to express their ideas and opinions on why women’s share of voice on sustainability problems is much lower than men’s.