LIFE Academy is proud to launch WISE Ukraine – Women in Sustainable Energy, an 18-month leadership and capacity-building programme supporting Ukraine’s green transition and resilient recovery.

The project runs from late 2025 to May 2027 with funding from the Swedish Institute under the SI Ukraine Cooperation Programme.

At a time when Ukraine is rebuilding its infrastructure, institutions and future under extraordinary pressure, leadership matters more than ever. The energy sector stands at the heart of recovery, not only as a matter of security but as a foundation for sustainable development, economic resilience and alignment with the European Union. WISE Ukraine was created in response to this pivotal moment.

The programme will support 25 women professionals from Ukraine’s energy, public, academic and civil society sectors. These women are mid-career professionals with strong expertise and commitment, yet many operate in environments where women remain underrepresented in technical and leadership roles. Through WISE Ukraine, they will strengthen their leadership capacity, deepen their knowledge of sustainable energy systems and develop the confidence and tools required to drive institutional change.

A central element of the programme is the Sustainable Change Project. Each participant designs and leads a project within her own organisation, developed together with a Home Team of two to three colleagues. This structure ensures that learning is not limited to individuals but becomes embedded in institutions. By engaging colleagues in the learning journey, the programme creates ripple effects that extend far beyond the 25 selected participants.

Over the course of 18 months, participants will take part in online learning cycles, coaching, peer exchange and in-person sessions in both Sweden and Ukraine. The programme begins with a foundation phase that builds knowledge in sustainable energy, gender equality, leadership and project management. This includes an intensive training week in Stockholm where participants engage with Swedish experts, institutions and sustainability practices. The second phase focuses on strengthening self-leadership, communication and strategic planning during in-person training in Ukraine. The final phase supports implementation and visibility, culminating in a conference where participants present their Change Projects and share lessons learned with stakeholders from across sectors.

WISE Ukraine addresses real challenges facing Ukraine today. The war has disrupted labour markets, damaged infrastructure and deepened gender inequalities. At the same time, reconstruction and EU integration create opportunities for sustainable job creation, institutional reform and inclusive leadership. By equipping women with the skills and networks needed to influence decision-making in the energy sector, the programme contributes to long-term resilience, green transition and gender equality.

The initiative is implemented through a close Swedish-Ukrainian partnership between IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute as coordinator, LIFE Academy, Women’s Energy Club of Ukraine and Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. Together, the partners combine expertise in sustainable energy, gender equality, pedagogy and institutional capacity development. LIFE Academy leads the pedagogical design and Change Project methodology, ensuring that learning translates into measurable and lasting impact.

Ukraine’s recovery is not only about rebuilding physical infrastructure. It is about strengthening institutions, developing inclusive leadership cultures and ensuring that women play a central role in shaping the country’s energy future. WISE Ukraine is an investment in exactly that future.

We warmly encourage women professionals in Ukraine working within the energy sector, public administration, academia or civil society to explore this opportunity. We also invite our networks to help share this programme widely.

Read more about WISE Ukraine, access the brochure and submit your application here:
https://www.ivl.se/english/ivl/our-offer/research-projects/energy/wise-ukraine—women-in-sustainable-energy.html

Together, we can contribute to inclusive leadership, sustainable energy systems and Ukraine’s green and resilient recovery.