Empowering youth for a sustainable energy transition

Zutari Electrical Engineer Omaira Jajbhay had the honour of being selected as the only South African delegate to attend key energy and sustainability events in Abu Dhabi.

Omaira Jajbhay’s highlights at IRENA Assembly and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week

The 15th International Renewable Energy Agency Assembly (IRENA 15A), IRENA Youth Forum, and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week took place from 9 to 18 January 2025. Out of thousands of applications IRENA receives annually, Omaira was one of 35 delegates from across the world – and the only South African – selected to attend this year’s festivities, representing both Zutari and South Africa at the three key events.

The IRENA Youth Forum theme, ‘The New Generation of Decisions Makers,’ was a transformative gathering of young delegates and underscored the vital role of youth in shaping the renewable energy landscape. Over two immersive days, Omaira’s participation spanned multiple roles and contributions representing young professionals and from insightful workshops and opportunities faced in advancing energy transition, especially in energy markets, to sharing strategies for addressing the global skills gap, emphasising the importance of empowering youth to reach 2050 energy goals.

During the IRENA Youth Forum 2025, she had the privilege of judging a debate on the question: “Can we triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 while ensuring energy justice?” This experience deepened her understanding of balancing renewable energy development with equitable access but also allowed her to witness firsthand the passion and innovation of young advocates in our field. Engaging with diverse perspectives during the debate helped me appreciate the myriad of solutions proposed to address the challenges of energy accessibility, affordability, and sustainability.

Advocacy for youth empowerment was the central theme of the IRENA Youth Forum. Omaira’s involvement in the Social Justice Workshop, ‘Building Capacity for Youth at the Core of Just Energy Transition-Pathway to COP30,” saw her step out of her engineering-focused comfort zone to engage deeply in conversation about social justice, equity, and youth empowerment within the energy transition. This multidisciplinary collaboration allowed her to integrate insights from various fields while advocating for a renewable energy leadership roadmap that prioritises inclusivity and actionable strategies.

Reflecting on these moments, Omaira expressed, “These sessions reminded me why I am so deeply committed to renewables, sustainability, and humanity. I am more determined than ever to continue advocating for youth empowerment, innovation, and action in driving a just and sustainable energy transition. The energy transition isn’t just about technology – it’s about people, passion, and purpose.”

At the Pre-IRENA Assembly closing plenary session, Omaira was the sole youth delegate joining esteemed leaders to discuss how innovation and action can advance the renewable energy sector. She shared insights on the crucial role of youth as catalysts for change, tackling pressing issues related to renewable energy implementation and emphasising the need for inclusivity and equity.

The 15th IRENA Assembly in Abu Dhabi in January 2025 brought together 170 member nations to tackle urgent global energy challenges and accelerate the renewable energy transition. The Assembly set ambitious targets to double the share of renewables by 2030, established a unique financing facility for low-income countries, and promoted green jobs and gender inclusivity. These efforts are vital for building resilient energy systems that can sustainably meet global demands while addressing climate change.

Attending the World Future Energy Summit and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week provided Omaira with an invaluable opportunity to immerse herself in the future of renewable energy and sustainability. Engaging with over 30,000 participants from around the globe, she was inspired by the innovative solutions showcased by more than 600 exhibitors. “During my time at these events, I had the opportunity to engage in key discussions and share my perspectives with other delegates, especially around the future of energy transition. I was actively involved in offering advice on leveraging technology for renewable energy integration, contributing to discussions about the necessary steps for achieving a sustainable energy future.” Omaira shares.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize Ceremony was particularly impactful, highlighting life-changing initiatives that not only address pressing global challenges but also reinforce the power of innovation in improving lives. Witnessing the UAE’s ambitious commitment to renewable energy growth and sustainable practices served as a reminder of the pivotal role that forward-thinking countries play in shaping the global energy landscape. “Overall, my experience deepened my understanding of the energy transition and reinforced my commitment to driving meaningful change in this vital sector.”

In addition to the three key events, Omaira had opportunities to explore Abu Dhabi beyond the walls of the forums.

  1. An engagement with three leading women in the energy sector: Ms Kavita Rai, Senior Programme Officer at IRENA, Ms Rana Ghoneim, Chief at UNIDO, and Ms Rachel Kyte, United Nations Climate Envoy. The discussions were focused on leadership, mentorship, and how women are shaping the future of energy and climate action. She was instrumental in advising fellow delegates, sharing personal insights, and contributing to the ongoing conversations about empowerment and leadership in these critical sectors.
  2. She attended the session, ‘Don’t Plan Your Career, Plan Your Impact!’ hosted by Martin Keller, the Director and Alliance President of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), who delivered a powerful message that resonated with Omaira. Keller encouraged participants to shift their focus from traditional career planning to a mindset centred on making a significant impact.
  3. An exclusive meeting with Bruce Douglas, the CEO of the Global Renewables Alliance, she delved into the pressing challenges and opportunities in accelerating the global energy transition. He highlighted the necessity of overcoming obstacles related to permitting and public acceptance while also emphasising the critical role of energy storage and infrastructure in scaling renewable energy capacity.
  4. Visiting Noor Energy 1 – Omaira describes this as, “a pivotal moment that deepened my appreciation for the transformative potential of renewable energy.” The experience at Noor Energy 1 highlighted the tangible impact that innovative renewable energy projects can have on both local communities and the global environment. It underscored the significance of harnessing cutting-edge technology to meet today’s energy demands sustainably.

Omaira Jajbhay’s participation in the IRENA Assembly and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week exemplifies the significant role that youth can play in shaping the future of renewable energy and sustainability. Her experiences and engagements highlight the urgent need for inclusivity and equity within the energy transition, as well as the importance of empowering young voices to lead the charge in innovative solutions.

By advocating for social justice and actively participating in critical discussions, Omaira not only represented South Africa but also inspired a collective commitment towards achieving sustainable energy goals.

At the end of her experiences, Omaira shared that it was “enriching not only in terms of knowledge gained but also in fostering a deeper sense of responsibility toward driving the change we want to see in the world. The connections made and insights shared will be valuable in driving future initiatives, both personally and professionally.”

We congratulate this multi-accoladed young engineer on her tremendous journey thus far and look forward to seeing her impact our world.

At Zutari, we believe in co-creating an engineered impact enable environments, communities and economies to thrive.

Zutari is an infrastructure advisory, design, and engineering consultancy. In the past 90 years, we’ve formed a deep-rooted relationship with Africa, the Middle East, and its people. Staying in business for almost a century is a testament to our agility and resilience.

Our broad collective of in-house, industry-recognised engineering consultants and trusted advisors provide seamless and integrated delivery of infrastructure projects. These solutionists combine their technical mastery, creative intelligence, and digital smarts to reframe traditional engineering for a new world.

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