Cairo, Egypt. Cyprus Gender Equality Commissioner Josie Christodoulou called for more accountable and action-centred leadership in the energy sector at EGYPES 2026 this week. She said women’s equal participation in decision-making is essential as the industry faces rapid change and pressure to deliver sustainable solutions.
Leadership session at EGYPES 2026
Christodoulou participated in “The power of accountability and action centred leadership,” a session under the conference’s Leadership and Development stream focusing on how energy sector leaders can drive growth through accountability, clarity and empowered teams.
Call for accountability, clarity and action
In her intervention, Christodoulou said modern leadership in energy requires accountability, a clear vision and action, arguing that these qualities strengthen innovation, resilience and cooperation within organisations.
Women’s representation and pay inequalities
She said women must have an equal place in decision-making, particularly in a sector evolving quickly and being asked to produce solutions that are both sustainable and inclusive. She also pointed to the continued underrepresentation of women across the energy industry, in both the workforce and senior roles, and noted that pay inequalities remain.
Equality linked to sustainable development and crisis response
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.
Other speakers and programme focus
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.
Event details
EGYPES 2026 was held at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in Cairo from March 30 to April 1 and 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 theme “transforming energy through collaboration, action and realism.”
What steps do you think energy sector leaders should take to improve accountability and women’s representation in decision-making?
