WiSER Pioneers Program 2026

If you’re a woman in your mid-20s to mid-30s passionate about sustainability, environment, renewable energy or related STEM fields, the Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy (WiSER) Pioneers Program 2026 could be the launchpad you’ve been seeking. Applications are now open — apply to join a global cohort of female sustainability leaders. Here's everything you need to know.

📌 Program Summary

• Name: Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy (WiSER) Pioneers Program

• Organizer: WiSER (a global platform co-founded by Masdar and the Zayed Sustainability Prize)

• Duration: 12 months, full program cycle

• Target Group: Women aged 25 to 35

• Professional Background Requirement: Must have at least ~2 years of professional experience (or be an entrepreneur) in sustainability, environment, energy, or related STEM / sustainability fields

• Location / Format: Global / hybrid engagement (includes digital workshops and in-person field visits)

• Key Benefits / Features: Workshops, one-to-one mentorship, global networking, field immersion via “WiSER Cares,” exposure at major sustainability events (e.g. ADSW, COP)

  
  

🧭 Program Overview

The WiSER Pioneers Program is intended to:

• Empower women to assume leadership roles in sustainability, clean energy, policy, and technology.

• Equip participants with technical knowledge (e.g. clean energy, climate science, sustainability policy), innovation & leadership skills, and the confidence to drive change in their home communities.

• Foster a global network of women changemakers who can collaborate, support one another, and amplify impact.

🧩 Components & Activities

1. Tailored Workshops

   Participants attend thematic modules and customized workshops covering topics such as clean energy technologies, sustainability policy, leadership in innovation, climate finance, and more.

2. One-to-One Mentorship

   Each Pioneer is paired with a senior industry mentor, who provides guidance, feedback, and professional support over the course of the program.

3. “WiSER Cares” Immersive Field Initiative

   As part of the program, participants engage in a “WiSER Cares” trip (or equivalent local immersion) to experience sustainability work on the ground. In past editions, Pioneers visited projects in Indonesia (geothermal, floating solar) and engaged in policy workshops and site visits.

4. Exposure at Global Forums

   Pioneers have opportunities to attend or engage in international events like Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) or COP (United Nations climate conference), contributing their perspectives and growing their global network.

5. Networking & Community Building

   Throughout the year, participants connect with peers, mentors, and alumni, share insights, collaborate, and build relationships that often continue beyond the program.

6. Program Participation & Commitment

   Participants are typically expected to attend a high percentage (e.g. ~70%) of scheduled workshops and events, engage in peer/community assignments, and contribute to the program’s broader visibility via outreach or promotion.

🎁 What is offered?

• Skill & Leadership Development via structured workshops and mentor guidance

• Professional Mentorship from senior leaders in sustainability, energy, and policy

• Hands-on Experiential Learning through field immersion and site visits

• Global Visibility & Networking via attendance at major sustainability events

• Peer & Alumni Community offering ongoing collaboration, support, and shared learning

• Platform for Impact: Many alumni go on to start ventures, lead sustainability projects, influence policy, or hold leadership roles in public, private or non-profit sectors

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the WiSER Pioneers Program, you typically must satisfy:

• Gender & Age: Be a woman between 25 and 35 years old

• Educational / Professional Background: Hold a degree (in sustainability, STEM, environment, energy, or related field) and have at least ~2 years of professional experience (or entrepreneurial experience) in sustainability / environment / energy / STEM disciplines

• English Proficiency: Excellent spoken English is required (Arabic optional)

• Commitment: Ability to commit time and attention to attend workshops, participate in events, complete assignments, and engage in program activities (including field immersion)

📝 Application Procedure

Apply online through the online application form

1. Online Application Form

   You’ll fill in personal details, educational background, professional experience, motivations, and possibly video responses.

2. Video Submission

   Applicants are asked to submit a short video (e.g. ~90 seconds) in English — addressing why you want to join WiSER, which sustainability goal you are passionate about, and key skills or insights you bring.

3. Motivational Statement (Optiona)

   Essays or short responses on your interest in sustainability, leadership, your vision, and how you will engage with the program.

🚀 Why It Matters & Impact

• The program has already welcomed 150+ women from 30+ nationalities and delivered 535+ hours of mentoring and 515+ hours of workshops since its start in 2018.

• Alumni have gone on to lead sustainability initiatives, launch ventures, influence policy, and hold leadership roles in energy, technology, community development, and environmental sectors.

• In a sector where women remain underrepresented, WiSER helps bridge structural gender gaps by equipping women with training, networks, exposure, and leadership confidence.

• The field immersions (e.g. in Indonesia) and access to forums like ADSW / COP help participants gain practical insight, stronger credibility, and global visibility.

🔗 Apply Now

🔗 Official Website

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