WiSER's new White Paper highlights importance of investing in female entrepreneurs driving the global sustainable economy, emphasizing gender-focused financing and inclusive policies

·       AI and mentorship programs must be expanded to empower female entrepreneurs in climate sector

·       Policy changes and targeted investments are critical for equitable sustainable solutions for women in the Global South

Abu Dhabi, UAE – March 8, 2025:  Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy (WiSER) - a global platform founded by Masdar and the Zayed Sustainability Prize to champion women as leaders of sustainable change - today launched its latest White Paper, Igniting a Global Sustainable Economy.

Its release coincides with International Women's Day, celebrated annually on 8 March, which this year is themed 'Accelerate Action' to emphasize the importance of taking swift action to achieve gender equity.

WiSER's White Paper underscores the vital role of female entrepreneurs in advancing climate solutions and offers key recommendations to close gender gaps in finance, scalability, AI, integration, mentorship and accessibility – especially for women in the Global South.

It builds on insights gathered during the 2025 WiSER Annual Forum at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), which brought together over 100 global leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to explore the transformative role of women in advancing the global sustainability agenda. With the theme, 'Igniting a Global Sustainable Economy,' the Forum emphasized the need to empower female entrepreneurs as catalysts for climate innovation and sustainable development.

The report outlines five key recommendations to empower female entrepreneurs in climate action by enhancing access to finance, scalability, AI enablement, networks, and accessibility, ensuring they have the resources, opportunities, and support needed to succeed and scale their impact:

• Increase Gender-Focused Investment: Expand funding and financial literacy programs to support female-led climate ventures, with a focus on gender-lens financing and microloans for adaptations projects.
• Scale Women-Led Climate Ventures: Streamline policies, enhance infrastructure, and foster partnerships to help female entrepreneurs expand their solutions.
• Harness AI and Digital Tools: Improve AI literacy and access to AI-driven technologies to support business growth and market entry.
• Strengthen Mentorship and Networking: Establish mentorship programs and cross-sector collaborations to provide women with the resources to succeed.
• Empower Women in the Global South: Address legal and financial barriers, invest in STEM education and improve access to markets and resources.

Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand & Strategic Initiatives at Masdar and Program Director of WiSER, said: 'This White Paper demonstrates the transformative power of female entrepreneurs in driving the global sustainable economy. By fostering an inclusive ecosystem that supports female-led innovation, we can unlock new economic opportunities, accelerate sustainable development, and ensure female entrepreneurs have the tools and investment they need to lead in shaping a more resilience and prosperous future.'

WiSER remains committed to empowering women as sustainability leaders through its pioneering initiatives, including the WiSER Pioneers program and WiSER Cares. The findings of this report will help shape future initiatives, ensuring that female entrepreneurs receive the recognition, resources and opportunities needed to lead global climate action.