UNIDO - AN ADVOCATE FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT GLOBALLY
UNIDO’S interventions to introduce energy management systems come in handy at a time when efforts are being made to reduce industrial energy waste across Sri Lanka. Speaking to the Daily Mirror Rana Ghoneim, Chief of Energy Systems and Industrial De-carbonization Unit at UNIDO shared insights to challenges faced by industries when integrating renewable energy systems and how women have become change-makers in the sustainability landscape.
EXCERPTS:
Q
What are some of the challenges industries in Sri Lanka face when integrating renewable energy systems and infrastructure?
There’s appetite for the installation of renewable energy technologies in Sri Lanka especially solar, which is growing exponentially in view of the energy crisis and energy shortages. The challenge remains that there are gaps in skills for the design, installation and maintenance of renewable energy technologies, limitations in electrical infrastructure and a need for policy and financing schemes to support further adoption by industries. This in combination with the absence of a quality assurance schemes and certification may risk the consumer confidence in technologies and affect the future uptake.
Q
What results or changes have you observed when women lead energy efficiency efforts in industries ?
It has been proven that women leadership in industry has many advantages. Companies with women leaders perform better and are more likely to implement capital intensive investments that create a return in the long term. One can say that women’s commitment to sustainability echoes well with the continual improvement concept promoted through energy management systems as they commit to the energy efficiency journey and optimal results beyond the immediate cost cuts.
Q
In what ways are you planning to enable and encourage more women to get involved in the global energy sector?
Through the current project in Sri Lanka we explicitly target women and track participation of women in trainings. In addition, UNIDO has a strong convening power and is an advocate for women empowerment globally. We intend to utilize our global network to connect women experts in Sri Lanka with other global experts, thus creating opportunities for them to share knowledge and provide mentorship to further develop their skills and build a support ecosystem.
“One can say that women’s commitment to sustainability echoes well with the continual improvement concept promoted through energy management systems as they commit to the energy efficiency journey and optimal results beyond the immediate cost cuts”