Empowering Women in Hydrogen: Driving Innovation and Equality
Key Ideas
  • UNDP and Nanhai government collaborate to establish the UNDP-China Greater Bay Area Hydrogen Economy Vocational College to address skills shortage in the hydrogen sector.
  • The project focuses on empowering women, with female student enrollment increasing to nearly one-third of total enrollment by 2023.
  • Yu Dan, a key figure in the project, leads initiatives to bridge vocational colleges, hydrogen companies, and industrial alliances, creating training programs for students.
  • Dan advocates for enhanced scientific talent development systems, incentive structures, and assessment criteria to meet the demand for skilled professionals in the hydrogen industry.
In Foshan, China, the UNDP and the People’s Government of Nanhai have joined forces to establish the UNDP-China Greater Bay Area Hydrogen Economy Vocational College, aiming to tackle the shortage of skilled professionals in the hydrogen sector. This initiative, launched in 2021, incorporates a dual-accreditation program to equip a new generation of professionals with the necessary expertise for the hydrogen transition. An emphasis on empowering women in all aspects of the hydrogen value chain, from education to leadership roles, is a central theme of the project. By 2023, female student participation had grown significantly, reflecting progress towards gender equality in STEM fields. On International Women’s Day, the spotlight is on the women driving sustainable energy initiatives through UNDP's hydrogen projects, ensuring a more inclusive energy transition for all. One such influential woman is Yu Dan, a project manager with extensive experience in hydrogen projects, collaborating with various stakeholders to drive the Foshan Project's success. Through her leadership, Dan has facilitated the creation of training and internship programs, providing students with hands-on experience in China's expanding hydrogen sector. She advocates for the enhancement of talent development systems to meet the industry's growing demands for skilled professionals. Dan's proactive approach, efficient workstyle, and advocacy for stronger talent development pathways are instrumental in shaping the future of the hydrogen industry in China.
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