Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The first regional Women in Power forum was held in Tashkent at the initiative of ACWA Power, one of the largest partners of Uzbekistan in the field of alternative and renewable energy.

The event, which took place on the eve of International Women’s Day, was dedicated to exploring opportunities for women in the modern world and in the alternative energy sector.

ACWA Power, a major investor in the economy of Uzbekistan, has a portfolio of 14 projects in the field of alternative and renewable energy, the total investment of which exceeds US$8.7 billion. The company is also actively developing social projects and cooperation with the Shirinsky Energy Vocational College.

The forum brought together opinion leaders from various areas of the economy and public life of Uzbekistan, including representatives of energy companies, international banks, financial institutions, the Ministry of Energy, national energy networks and the energy market development and regulation agency.

The highlight of the forum was the plenary session on the topic “Gender balance: a catalyst for economic growth in Uzbekistan.” Participants discussed trends and opportunities to increase women’s participation in the economy and energy sector, as well as best practices for creating inclusive work environments and the economic benefits of supporting equal opportunities for men and women.

Women in Power was the first event initiated by ACWA Power in Uzbekistan to discuss the unique opportunities available to women in the modern world.

ACWA Power, by maintaining an open dialogue with women, creates conditions for transparent career paths and supports the uniqueness of each employee.

The Women in Power Forum will be part of a series of events dedicated to achieving equal opportunities for men and women, and the company plans to hold even larger events in Uzbekistan in the future.

“At its enterprises, the company creates conditions for the formation of transparent career paths and supports the uniqueness of each employee, which is an integral part of the company’s sustainable development policy. ACWA Power regularly organizes events aimed at highlighting the role of women in the modern world, inspiring thousands of employees and partners of the company in various countries. Thus, the company contributes to the formation of a talent pool for alternative energy and strengthening the presence of women in this sector,” said Firuza Mavlanova, Director of Human Resources Management and Culture at ACWA Power.

According to statistics, only about 22% of jobs in the energy sector are currently held by women worldwide. Although this figure is higher in the renewable energy sector (32%), business demand for new talent and the creation of new career paths for women remains relevant - every year the sector creates about 1 million new jobs worldwide.

“Uzbekistan ranks second in terms of the company’s investment volume after Saudi Arabia, and we are honored to organize the first Women in Power Forum in Tashkent. This is our way of confirming ACWA Power’s ongoing commitment to supporting women in the energy sector of Uzbekistan and beyond. At our enterprises, we strictly follow all international standards and treat each employee with respect, striving to maintain her uniqueness and develop her talents. By launching this transformational platform for open dialogue, we strive to stimulate positive changes in society, promote innovation and sustainable growth of the economy of Uzbekistan through the active involvement of women in all spheres of public life. Women in Power is the first event in a series of initiatives dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities for men and women. This fall we are planning to hold even larger events in Uzbekistan,” said John Zaidi, Head of ACWA Power in Uzbekistan.