Project Update
Turning knowledge into action: OSCE champions Central Asian women energy professionals in the energy transition during study tour in Vienna
- Issued on:
- Issued by:
- Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities
The Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) organized a one-week study tour for Central Asian women professionals from 7 to 10 April 2026 in Vienna.
Throughout the week, participants took part in a dedicated female leadership workshop, and contributed to international platforms such as the Gender and Energy Compact Dialogue 2026, and the 2026 International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum. In addition, they visited Andritz Hydropower, one of the global leaders for hydraulic power generation, and the Simmering power station, gaining practical insights into Vienna’s heating system, as well as decarbonization initiatives of the City of Vienna and a site visit to Roots Energy Living Lab, a leading company focused on sustainable building modernization for heating and cooling residential buildings.
The study tour also included a working breakfast hosted by the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, Ambassador Bakyt Dzhusupov. During the study tour, the mentees engaged in an exchange with Permanent Representatives, and shared their professional experiences, reflecting on the challenges they face as women in the energy sector. Discussions also addressed broader energy transition challenges across Central Asia, including skills gaps, access to opportunities, and the need for more inclusive energy systems.
“The mentoring programme is one of our key initiatives to advance women’s participation and leadership in the energy sector. As a security organization, we see women’s empowerment not only as a matter of inclusion, but as a strategic enabler of a just and sustainable energy transition”, highlighted Ambassador Dzhusupov. He further emphasized the programme’s growing impact, noting that since its launch in 2022, it has supported nearly 100 women across Central Asia, enabling them to advance their careers and contribute meaningfully to the region’s energy transition.
“From designing energy-efficient solutions to building renewable energy businesses and advancing clean energy access in rural areas -thanks to this OSCE initiative - our mentees are making a concrete and broad impact on energy security and sustainability in Central Asia ,” highlighted Giulia Manconi, Project Manager of the initiative.
The activity was implemented in partnership with the Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition, and is part of the OSCE project on Promoting women’s economic empowerment in the energy sector in Central Asia, financed by Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland and the United Kingdom.