Women in Sustainability

A day to honor the incredible contribution of women in the UAE Sustainability Sector!

At #SharjahSustainableCity, we are proud to join the global moment to celebrate International Women’s Day and recognize the incredible power of women in our society.

From leading inspiring initiatives to developing innovative solutions — women have been a vital part of making sustainability a reality in the UAE.

One of the notable examples of a woman making a significant impact in the sustainability sector is H.E. Razan Al Mubarak, who was elected President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in September 2021. She is the second woman to lead the organization in its 75-year history and its first president from West Asia. She also serves as UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for the leadership team of COP28 UAE, which will take place in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023. For more than 20 years, Razan has played a vital role in guiding the United Arab Emirates toward a more sustainable future while spearheading progressive environmental protection, species conservation, and climate action across West Asia and globally.

Another inspiring example is H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment. In this capacity, she leads the Ministry’s mission of spearheading the UAE’s drive to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, protect the country’s ecosystems, and enhance its food and water security through developing and implementing effective measures, policies, and initiatives.

One more example of someone who has made a remarkable impact in the renewable energy sector in the UAE is Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, the Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany is recognized as one of the most influential people in renewable energy and played a crucial role in the development of renewable energy projects in the UAE and has been a vocal advocate for sustainability and clean energy solutions.

These examples demonstrate how women in the UAE are making significant contributions to the sustainability and renewable energy sector. Their leadership and expertise are critical in driving the transition to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. As the UAE continues to set examples toward sustainability and lead the region in renewable energy adoption and implementation, it is encouraging to see women at the forefront of this movement, breaking stereotypes and inspiring the next generation of female leaders.