© Clean Energy Ministerial

As the world transitions toward a more sustainable future, it is crucial that women, youth, and underrepresented groups have a seat at the table—not only as participants voicing their perspectives but as active contributors, decision makers, and leaders shaping this transition. Inclusivity is not merely an ethical imperative; it is a key driver of resilience, innovation, and sustainable development across industries, research, and policymaking.

By Azadeh Badieijaryani

Lessons on Gender Equality and Inclusivity form the “Implementing Inclusivity Framework”

At the 15th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM15) and 9th Mission Innovation Meeting (MI-9) in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil in October 2024 this vision was reinforced through the launch of the “Implementing Inclusivity Framework”. Developed as an emblematic deliverable by the CEM Equality in Energy Transitions Initiative and endorsed by the MI Inclusivity Catalyst, this framework provides practical recommendations for integrating gender and diversity considerations into design and planning of program and events. While this deliverable offers valuable insights to the CEM and MI communities, this collaborative work represents a broader effort to ensure inclusivity in the global clean energy transition. The recommendations outlined in the framework extend beyond these specific communities and can be applied by all stakeholders across the clean energy sector.

Four Key Steps Toward Inclusivity

The “Implementing Inclusivity Framework” highlights four concrete steps that members of Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation —as well as national and international organizations— can take to foster inclusivity:

• Reflect – Consider how policies and programs can advance just and equitable clean energy transitions. Encourage teams, projects, and leadership to assess gender and diversity impacts.
• Represent – Ensure diverse participation at all levels, from delegations and leadership roles to expert panels and youth inclusion. Representation should extend beyond gender to include regional diversity, interdisciplinary perspectives, and marginalized voices.
• Reinforce – Strengthen commitments to gender and inclusivity by integrating these aspects into governance structures, project designs, event planning, and communication strategies. This includes embedding GEDI principles into work plans, recognizing best practices, facilitating networks, and increasing visibility for diverse leadership.
• Refine – Establish processes for tracking progress, sharing best practices, and continuously improving inclusivity strategies. Organizations are encouraged to collect data, review lessons learned, exchange experiences and knowledge, and celebrate successes in advancing inclusivity.

The Broader Relevance of Inclusivity

Though the framework’s primary focus is on Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation members, its principles are universally applicable across other international fora, academic institutions, funding organizations, national policymaking bodies, private sector companies, NGOs, community-based organizations, and beyond. An inclusive approach is not just beneficial, it is necessary to drive research, development, and innovation worldwide.

At ÖGUT, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity across our national and international work. With our expertise in interdisciplinary collaboration, we integrate these principles into our partnerships, research, stakeholder engagements, training, and communication efforts.

As we celebrate and honor women worldwide, we recognize the progress made in clean energy transitions and recognize the work still ahead. As part of our role in running the Secretariat for the CEM Equality Initiative, we are honored and grateful to have contributed to the development of the Implementing Inclusivity Framework. We invite our partners and peers to join us in reflecting on the recommendations of the Implementing Inclusivity Framework. By working together, we can build a future where sustainable innovation is driven by the diversity of those who create it.

Further reading

• If you are interested in learning more about the Implementing Inclusivity Framework, you can download it here.
• If you’re involved in research and innovation, you can benefit from our expertise in creating inclusive, gender-sensitive environments, especially within collaborative, multidisciplinary teams.  Learn more from this insightful blog post: Advancing Gender Equality and Diversity in Research and Innovation

Get in touch!

At ÖGUT we actively champion these values through our ongoing projects, particularly in the energy sector. Discover some of our current projects here.

Do you want to dive deeper and are looking for a project partner or trainings on Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion? Please get in touch via E-Mail to Beatrix.Hausner@oegut.at, Head of Gender & Diversity at ÖGUT.