Cyprus Gender Equality Commissioner Josie Christodoulou called for more accountable and action-centred leadership in the energy sector during EGYPES 2026 in Cairo this week, telling a regional forum that women’s equal participation in decision-making is essential in an industry facing rapid change and growing pressure to deliver sustainable solutions. 

Christodoulou took part in ‘The power of accountability and action centred leadership’, a session under the conference’s Leadership and Development stream, which focused on how leaders in the energy sector can drive growth through accountability, clarity and empowered teams.  

In her intervention, Christodoulou said modern leadership in energy requires accountability, clear vision and action, arguing that these qualities strengthen innovation, resilience and cooperation within organisations.  

At the same time, she said women must have an equal place in decision-making, especially in a sector that is evolving quickly and is being asked to produce solutions that are both sustainable and inclusive. 

She also pointed to the continued underrepresentation of women across the energy industry, both in the workforce and in senior roles, while noting that pay inequalities remain.  

Strengthening women’s presence, she said, is not only a matter of equality, but also a necessary condition for sustainable development, stronger innovation and a more effective response to the energy and climate crisis. 

The session was held in the Spotlight Hall on Wednesday, and also featured Hany Esmat, chief executive officer and country chair of Petronas, and Mavis Anagboso, global head of diversity, equity and inclusion at Harbour Energy.  

According to the brochure, the wider Leadership and Development programme was designed to showcase leaders making decisions with impact while supporting employees’ growth across the energy industry. 

EGYPES 2026, held at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in Cairo from March 30 to April 1, is presented as the energy voice of North Africa and the East Mediterranean.  

The event brought together 2,200-plus delegates, 350-plus global speakers, 94 high-level sessions, two strategic roundtables and two energy conferences, under the broader theme of “transforming energy through collaboration, action and realism.” 

On the sidelines of the event, Christodoulou, accompanied by Cyprus ambassador in Cairo Poly Ioannou, also held meetings with Amal Amar, president of Egypt’s National Council for Women, Marwa Allam El Din, deputy representative of UN Women in Egypt, and a delegation of women from the EmpowerMed Women network of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF).