Call for Keynote Speaker Proposals - Interview with GWNET for EuroSun 2020

EuroSun 2020 - Call  for Keynote Speaker Proposals

On occasion of the first ever call for keynote speaker proposals issued by the organisers of EuroSun 2020, Co-Conference Chair Prof. Alexandros Charalambides spoke to GWNET - the Global Women's Network for the Energy Transition about the importance of gender-equality in the energy and solar sector and especially at high-level events such as the upcoming EuroSun 2020. 

Thank you to the team at GWNET for this great interview - the call for keynote speaker proposals is open until 1 May - apply here!

About GWNET: GWNET - the Global Women's Network for the Energy Transition aims to advance the global energy transition by empowering women in energy through interdisciplinary networking, advocacy, training, coaching and mentoring. GWNET seeks to address the current gender imbalances in the energy sector and to promote gender-sensitive action around the energy transition in all parts of the world.

About EuroSun 2020: EuroSun 2020 - the 13th International Conference on Solar Energy for Buildings and Industry will offer a platform to discuss the latest developments with leading solar energy experts as well as policy makers and industry representatives. The programme will include distinguished keynote speakers in plenary sessions, specialists meetings in breakout sessions and poster exhibitions as well as social events where you will have the opportunity to network, meet old friends and to make new ones.

1. What role do women play today in the energy/solar sector?

AC: The role of women is as important as ever in the energy/solar sector as in any other sector. We have seen women entrepreneurs all around the world starting their own companies in the solar sector, all the way to women providing solar energy solutions to rural areas in Africa and Asia. And one should not forget the role of female pioneers in the solar sector, such as our own ISES past president Monica Oliphant! Another key factor to keep in mind is the role of women in rural/developing areas of the world where they are the main household manager and, via the transition to energy supplies coming from micro-grids, play a vital role in the transition to a 100% renewable world.

2. What progress (if any) have you witnessed over the last decade in terms of engaging and including more women in the energy/solar sector?

AC: Over the last years, the awareness of gender equality globally, but also especially in the energy/solar sector, has grown a lot. The importance of women in leading roles for a successful renewable energy transformation is being recognized more and more. Academically, female researchers, entrepreneurs, politicians, architects etc. are key in their area of expertise and are starting to receive more visibility and recognition. Culturally, women in their capacity for change, i.e. as strong voices and leaders within their communities are globally recognized as the deciding factor for the structural, educational and behavioral changes that will lead the renewable energy transformation. Even with this huge leap forward in gender equality in the energy sector, worldwide more still needs to be done to ensure women are receiving the leading roles in industry that they deserve and the respect that they are entitled to.

3. How can we work to promote a more gender-equal energy transition?

AC: There are various programs and initiatives that can be undertaken, especially in the field of energy. In the field of research and education, institutions and universities should encourage women to apply for academic posts, actively promote the participation of women in decision-making processes, asking for and listening to their perspectives. Programs can be put in place to provide parental and maternity leave for mothers and parents as well as providing child-care opportunities for employees and students so that they can continue their work or studies. In addition, companies in the energy sector could create guidelines and/or workshops for career and skill development for women to continue to climb the career ladder. Quotas can be implemented to ensure women hold high level and key positions. It is also important to offer flexible working hours, or the possibility of working from home, to allow for a better work family-life balance. As a global network and especially as an organizer of events in the energy and solar sector, it is our responsibility to ensure gender-equal participation in our events, especially when thinking about designing programs, setting up groups for panel discussions and providing equal keynote speaker opportunities.

4. What impact do women keynote speakers have on younger professionals in the sector?

AC: The impact is huge, as currently there are very few female role models being shown on TV and in the media or even in our daily work life at universities, companies or research institutes. This is not a problem only in the energy sector, but in all aspects of life. However, over the past few weeks, due to the Coronavirus, more
scientists – of both sexes – take to the front stage to present their work. It is not an easy task and may still take years or even decades, but over time, youngsters can now relate to more than just singers, actors and athletes. This is also the case with women keynote speakers. A young female undergraduate student who is inspired by a female keynote speaker will have that boost in confidence that she can also feel empowered and respected in a male dominated field of “Professors”.

5. How can we encourage more women energy experts to come forward and take part as keynote speakers at high-level events?

AC: I do not think that women energy experts lack confidence in coming forward or that they lag behind their male counterparts. It is up to us, the conference organizer, to make sure that we will achieve gender parity at the conference, by inviting women energy experts and providing them with the stage to present their work. This is why the organizers of EuroSun 2020 decided to proactively approach this situation by putting out our “call for keynote speaker” proposals. The call is structured in a way that women can both nominate themselves to become a keynote speaker but it also offers the opportunity to propose a female colleague. This way the organizers hope to encourage as many women as possible to submit applications or proposals, to support their female colleagues and to really feel encouraged to join the event in a leading position.

6. How can one submit a keynote speaker proposal or application for EuroSun 2020?

AC: Submitting a keynote speaker proposal for EuroSun 2020 is a very easy and straight forward process. You should provide full contact details and a brief bio including institution/company of the proposed speaker, outlining areas of expertise and potential topics for the EuroSun 2020 keynote speaker program. Suggestions for
topics you would like to see addressed during the EuroSun 2020 program are also welcome. Nominations should be no more than 500 words and submitted as a Word file (only .docx files will be accepted) and sent to eurosun [at] ises.org.

For more information, please visit the EuroSun 2020 homepage here.