OSCE champions future women energy leaders with graduation of second clean energy scholarship cohort

On 29 June 2026, the OSCE participated in the graduation ceremony of the second cohort of the OSCE scholarship programme for women from Central Asia and Afghanistan at the Kazakh-German University (DKU) in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Through the programme, 15 women successfully completed a two-year Master's in Strategic Management of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to contribute to the region's clean energy transition.

The scholarship programme aims to increase women's participation and leadership in the energy sector by expanding their access to education, technical expertise and professional opportunities.

Over the past two years, the graduates have developed specialized knowledge in renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable energy management, preparing them to kick-start their careers in the sector. Beyond academic achievement, this initiative has fostered a growing network of women professionals from Central Asia and Afghanistan, strengthening regional co-operation and helping shape a more inclusive and sustainable energy future.

"Women remain underrepresented in the energy sector, particularly in technical, decision-making and leadership roles. At the same time, the energy transition cannot succeed without the full participation, talent and leadership of women. More inclusive energy systems are not only fairer; they are also stronger, more innovative and better equipped to respond to today’s complex challenges," highlighted Raquel Moya Martínez, Assistant Project Officer. 

The scholarship programme is part of the OSCE’s broader efforts to promote women’s economic empowerment in the energy sector by expanding access to education, skills development and career opportunities. By supporting the next generation of women energy professionals, the initiative contributes to a more skilled, diverse and resilient workforce capable of advancing energy security and the clean energy transition across Central Asia.

This initiative is implemented under the OSCE project Promoting Women's Economic Empowerment in the Energy Sector in Central Asia, financed by Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland and United Kingdom.