International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum – Gender Track

October 26, 2023

From October 31 till November 2, UNIDO will host the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum (IVECF) and the Youth Solutions Days. Leaders from all over the world will gather in a solutions platform to accelerate low-emission, climate-resilient development around the world. It highlights the action-oriented steps required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, helping to forge an inclusive pathway that leaves no one behind as we work to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The event includes high level plenary sessions as well as a wide variety of side events.

At the IVECF the Gender and Energy Compact, together with a number of other organizations will co-organize a series of gender related side events, where we will be discussing challenges and opportunities for women in the energy sector.

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE FOLLOWING EVENTS

Not able to join in person? Participate virtually and tune in on UNIDO’s YouTube channel.

Youth Solutions Days
October 30 – November 1, 2023

 

Women changemakers leading climate action and the sustainable energy transition in LDCs and beyond

October 30, 2023, 14:30 – 16:30
Seminar Room D1.1.074, WU Vienna
Co-organizers: GWNET, UNIDO, LDC Group on Climate Change, YOUNGO

This interactive workshop will:

  • Present to young women the range of possible career paths in the climate and energy sector, providing role models and success stories from a variety of contexts, including academia, the private sector, government and international organizations.
  • Facilitate discussions between these role models and young attendees on the barriers to gender equality in the climate and energy sector, any concerns young people may have about joining the sector and how these can be alleviated.
  • Facilitate discussions between practitioners and young attendees on strategies to attract more young women to the sector and how these could be improved.
  • Facilitate networking between young attendees and role models and potential employers.

 

Panelists

  • Ms. Stella Funsani Gama, Director of Forestry Ministry of Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Malawi and Gender Coordinator, LDC Group on CC
  • Natalia Weber,  Project Manager Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition, GWNET
  • Davina Ngei, Communications Manager Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition
    GWNET
  • Ms. Sandiswa Qayi, Managing Director, AET Africa
  • Ms. Cathy Yitong Li, Youth Advisor, UNIDO
  • Ms. Paola Flores Carvajal, Global Support Team member, SDG 7 Youth Constituency
  • Katharina Pröstler, Gender and Youth Advisor UNIDO, UNIDO

Gender and Energy Workshop

October 31, 2023, 09:00 – 10:30
C0739, Vienna International Center
Co-organizers: SEforALL, UNIDO

Objectives of the workshop

  • Creating awareness on the gender-energy-climate nexus and why mainstreaming gender dimensions is crucial to reach sustainable energy for all, as well as the current challenges and solutions that exist.
    Underlining the evidence gaps existing that slow down the progression of Gender mainstreaming.
  • The role of youth in moving the needle on gender and energy and opportunities to collaborate with the energy sector players for meaningful engagement of diverse genders in work around clean energy and climate.
  • Identifying the role of youth and penning youth-specific solution(s) to the problem to be taken forward to the IVECF

 

Panelists

Staying sane while saving the planet: Navigating  emotional challenges and preventing activist burn-out for sustainable and resilient climate action through participatory learning spaces and embodied practices

October 31, 2023, 11:00 – 12:30 CET
C0713, Vienna International Center
Co-organizers: LDC Group on Climate Change, UNIDO, YOUNGO

 

This workshop aims to empower young climate activists, professionals and leaders to navigate the complex global climate space effectively. It recognizes the unique challenges faced by young people and especially youth from LDCs, who are most vulnerable and often at the forefront of climate movements. During the workshop we look at challenges including eco-anxiety, overworking as volunteers, as well as dealing with frustration and disappointment. Through theory, somatic practices, case studies and group discussions, a participatory learning environment will be established to acquire essential tools for inner resilience and self-care.

Workshop Objectives:

  • Identifying and verifying the different challenges of youth from LDCs and beyond, in particular those related to emotional challenges
  • Providing young climate activists, professionals and leaders with tools for enhancing their inner resilience to overcome the identified challenges

 

Panelists

IVECF – International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum
November 2 – 3,  2023

Catalyzing sustainable development goals through clean cooking solutions Parts II – Catalyzing women and youth empowerment through clean cooking

November 2, 2023; 14:00-15:30
Forum, Hofburg
Co-organizers: UNIDO/Council on Ethanol Clean Cooking CECC, GIZ, Clean Cooking Alliance, SEforALL, OPEC FUND

Lack of access to clean cooking disproportionately affects women and girls, limiting their ability to access to education and benefit equally in the economy and society. Women’s and girls often dedicate extensive hours to collecting fuelwood for cooking, resulting in adverse health issues. Achieving universal access to clean cooking also requires the participation and leadership of young people, who have a critical role in driving innovation, raising awareness, and advocating for change. This session will explore how clean cooking solutions and technologies can empower women and youth.  Leading organizations will share their experiences in clean cooking projects that place a strong emphasis on women and youth empowerment.

 

Moderator

Key note speaker

  • Ms. Semida Silveira, Professor at Cornell University, CEET UN Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition

 

Panelists

Harnessing womens’ power and skills to transform the sustainable energy workforce of the future – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

November 3, 2023; 11:30-13:00
Trabantenstube, Hofburg
Co-organizers: LDC Group on Climate Change, Gender and Energy Compact (UNIDO, ENERGIA, GWNET), SEforALL, OSCE, Lean in Equity

The event ‘Energizing Equality: Harnessing women’s power and skills for climate action and sustainable energy’ on November 3rd, 2023, from 11:30 – 13:00 at Trabantenstube, Hofburg Vienna, delves into the pivotal role of women in the climate and sustainable energy workforce. Addressing gender disparities in these sectors, particularly in STEM and leadership, the event presents climate action and the sustainable energy transition as catalysts to advance diversity, inclusion, and gender equality. In this landscape of possibilities, challenges persist, and efforts are needed to attract, retain and promote diverse talent, bridge skills gaps, and advance SDG7 and SDG13. Distinguished speakers will discuss strategies for enhancing women’s participation in the climate and energy sector, the relevance of gender-disaggregated data, recognizing the unique needs of women in Least Developed Countries, and sharing best practices for creating inclusive workplaces. The aim is to foster collaboration amongst diverse stakeholders and chart a path towards a more equitable and inclusive future.

 

Moderator

 

Key notes

  • Ms. Stella Funsani Gama, Director of Forestry Ministry of Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Malawi and Gender Coordinator, LDC Group on CC
  • Ms. Christine Lins, Executive Director, Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition (GWNET)

 

Panelists
  • Ms. Maria Flouda, Co-Chair, Lean In Equity and Sustainability
  • Ms. Giulia Manconi, Senior Programme Officer Energy Security, OSCE
  • Ms. Ute Collier, Deputy Director of Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Fireside Chats: Catalyzing action for gender equality and women’s empowerment

November 3, 2023; 15:00-16:00
Wintergarden, Hofburg
Co-organizers: Gender Energy Compact (UNIDO, ENERGIA, GWNET)

The Gender and Energy Compact is a global, multi-stakeholder coalition led by ENERGIA, GWNET and UNIDO, that joins forces to catalyze action towards gender equality and women’s empowerment to accelerate a just, inclusive and sustainable energy transition, under the following goals:

  1. Women have equal opportunity to lead, participate in and benefit from a just, sustainable and inclusive energy transition.
  2. Women have equal access to and control over sustainable energy products and services.

The Gender and Energy compact grew out of proceedings of the VEF2021. After two years of successful growth, the compact wishes to bring together its signatories to foster renewed ambition, while inviting new members into the group.

Join us for an engaging discussion on how to catalyze action towards gender equality and women’s empowerment to accelerate a just, inclusive and sustainable energy transition.

After the fireside chats, the floor will be given to the audience to directly exchange with the interviewees.

 

Moderator