1st Northern Cyprus Energy Forum with the Theme of Women Power in Sustainable Energy
DATE: October 20, 2023
On October 20, 2023, at the Acapulco Hotel in Kyrenia, the first energy forum in Northern Cyprus with the theme “Women Power in Sustainable Energy” was organized for the first time, in collaboration with the Green-Collar Women’s Association (YEYKAD) and the Turkish Cypriot Women Entrepreneurs Association (GİKAD).
Within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we aim to empower women working in the energy sector, support them, and create platforms to amplify their voices. In this context, we implement projects in collaboration with stakeholders from different disciplines and fields. We aim to increase the number and impact of women in the sector while promoting the widespread adoption of green technologies. We guide the business world in the industry’s green transformation journey and play a facilitating role in implementing the necessary actions.
The opening speeches of the forum were delivered by GİKAD President Dr. İçim Kavuklu, YEYKAD Founding President Sedef Budak, the TRNC Minister of Energy and Economy Olgun Amcaoğlu, and Prof. Dr. Volkan Ş. Ediger. The speeches highlighted energy independence, the role of women in the process, and renewable energy policies.
Within the Program:
- Solar energy and storage technologies, costs, and next-generation solutions were discussed.
- Energy policies in the TRNC and KIBTEK’s infrastructure projects were evaluated.
- The emphasis on community-based sustainability was highlighted through the example of the “Afşar Balam Women’s Cooperative.”
- A feasibility study for a solar power plant at BEYARMUDU Agriculture and Tourism School was presented by Smart Solar Technologies.
- According to IRENA data, 12.7 million people worked in the renewable energy sector in 2021; this number is expected to reach 38.2 million by 2030.
- ChatGPT: It was emphasized that the TRNC, receiving over 300 days of sunlight annually, should be an attractive hub for green energy investments and that a 40% female employment target should be set for these investments.
- The event concluded with high-level interest and contributions, attended by numerous experts, public representatives, academics, and private sector leaders from Turkey and the TRNC.