First cohort of future energy leaders graduates from Margalla School on Energy and Climate

ISLAMABAD: Renewables First, a think tank dedicated to just energy transition in Pakistan, announced the successful conclusion of its inaugural Margalla School on Energy and Climate (MSEC) fellowship programme, said a press release.

The programme, aimed at addressing the pressing challenges of energy and climate change in Pakistan, culminated in a graduation-cum-networking ceremony held on Friday, April 27, 2024, in Islamabad.

MSEC, an initiative by Renewables First, embarked on a mission to bridge the knowledge gap in the energy sector by preparing a cohort of 22 young professionals.

Selected from a pool of over 500 applicants nationwide, these fellows underwent a rigorous two-week residential fellowship in Islamabad, exploring the diverse aspects of energy transition, leadership, climate, and environmental stewardship.

Chief Executive Officer of Renewables First, Zeeshan Ashfaq, highlighted the significance of the program amidst the global energy transition.

“The world is undergoing a profound shift towards renewable energy sources to combat climate change. The Margalla school’s inaugural cohort symbolises our commitment to cultivating future energy leaders capable of driving this green energy transition forward.”

Mustafa Muhammad Amjad, Programme Director at Renewables First, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to equip and empower young professionals in the energy sector especially women, “We believe in the empowerment of women in the energy sector. Women bring to the table nuances much needed in the energy sector. Their distinct approach to matters establishes them as agents of change. I am proud to state that 42% women applied for MSEC fellowship and out of the total selected 64% are women,” he said.

Mustafa also emphasized the importance of the fellowship in addressing the outdated curriculum and knowledge deficiencies prevalent in Pakistan’s academic institutions.

The ceremony featured speakers such as former Chairman NEPRA, Tauseef H Farooqi, and Management Director, PPIB, Shah Jahan Mirza, who commended the participants for their dedication and eagerness to learn. They underscored the vital role of initiatives like the MSEC fellowship in generating informed and capable professionals crucial for Pakistan’s energy sector development.

Komal Tariq, Manager of Learning and Communications at Renewables First and the Project Manager of MSEC hosted the event and remarked, “Over the past six months, the team has worked rigorously to bring to you the future energy leaders of Pakistan. The two-week fellowship is not the end, but the beginning of their journey in the world of energy transition. We hope that we all can work together to empower these young professionals to drive positive change and innovation in Pakistan’s energy sector.”

Certificates were awarded to the graduating fellows, recognizing their commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions in Pakistan.