The participation of the Chair of Urban Energy Transition in SDEWES 2024: Women’s leadership in the energy transition
The SDEWES (Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water, and Environment Systems) 2024 congress has been the epicentre of debates that are fundamental for the construction of a more sustainable future. This international event, which brings together experts from all over the world, has served as a platform for discussing innovative solutions in sustainable energy, water resource management and smart cities. This year, a highlight of the programme was the Gender Panel, chaired by Carla Montagut, director of our Chair of Urban Energy Transition.
The panel, which brought together female leaders from various fields of the energy sector, addressed how inclusion and diversity can catalyse innovation in the transition to sustainable models. Montagut emphasised the crucial role that women play in redefining the energy landscape and in promoting a green and resilient economy. Her speech not only underlined the need for gender equality, but also the importance of creating spaces that promote female leadership at all levels.
Among the topics discussed, the panel explored:
- Structural and cultural barriers faced by women in the energy sector.
- Strategies to encourage female participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers.
- The impact of diversity on decision-making and the development of sustainable policies.
- Personal experiences of the panelists regarding their professional careers and how they overcame challenges.
The discussion also emphasised the urgency of including a gender perspective in public policies related to the energy transition. Such an approach makes it possible to address inequalities and ensure that solutions are equitable and accessible to all social groups.
This Gender Panel reaffirms the commitment of the Chair of Urban Energy Transition of the UPV to equity, sustainability and the promotion of diverse talent. The participation of Carla Montagut as chair of the panel reflects the importance of fostering spaces for dialogue that integrate multiple perspectives and build an inclusive future.
We will continue to work on initiatives that promote female leadership and sustainability in the energy transition. Thank you to all the participants of SDEWES 2024 for making this event a meeting point for positive change!
