In a pioneering effort to stimulate Egypt’s burgeoning green economy, the UNDP Accelerator Lab, in collaboration with the British University in Egypt (BUE) and the Future of Work Lab, has launched the Future Fit Accelerator program. This initiative directly addresses the critical need for skilled professionals in sustainability, artificial intelligence, and automation, while specifically focusing on empowering young women to drive Egypt’s transition to a sustainable future.
This initiative, designed to equip young women with the requisite skills for emerging green sectors, marks a significant step towards bridging the gender gap in sustainability-related careers.
The six-week intensive program, launched on February 12, 2025, focused on preparing female students for careers at the intersection of sustainability, artificial intelligence, and automation. By providing hands-on learning experiences and fostering international collaboration, the program aimed to transform perceptions and career aspirations among participants.
Addressing the Gender Disparity in Green Careers
The Future Fit Accelerator specifically targeted six high-impact career areas crucial for the green transition: Zero Carbon Transition, Humane Tech Development, Social Innovation, Future of Education, Future of Health, and the Space Economy. Utilizing coaching-based methodologies, participants developed personalized Future Fit Roadmaps, guiding them towards impactful career choices. The curriculum incorporated seven key learning stations, covering topics from identifying future trends to mastering remote collaboration tools and exploring the Metaverse.
A post-program analysis revealed a substantial shift in participants’ interest in sustainability careers. Notably, 71.7% of students reported feeling inspired and supported to pursue careers in these fields. The program effectively addressed a critical gap: the lack of awareness and tailored guidance that previously deterred women from pursuing green careers.
Scaling Up for National Impact
The success of the pilot program has prompted UNDP and its partners to engage key stakeholders, including government ministries, academic institutions, and civil society organizations, to explore scaling strategies.
By scaling initiatives like the Future Fit Accelerator, Egypt will cultivate a generation of female leaders equipped to drive innovation and resilience in the face of global environmental challenges.
