Women make up just 32% of the global renewable energy workforce and hold only 19% of senior leadership positions. In this episode, IRENA's expert explores the barriers behind these figures and what it takes to move beyond token inclusion towards meaningful participation. The discussion highlights the role of indigenous women in advancing socio-economic benefits of decentralised renewables, and outlines the actions needed from all stakeholders to unlock a truly gender-equitable energy transition.

Global investment in the energy transition reached a record $2.4 trillion in 2024, more than double the 2019 levels, with one-third going to renewable technologies. Yet, the pace of growth is slowing and regional disparities persist. In this episode, Faran Rana, Renewable Energy Finance and Policy expert at IRENA, explores what is driving record investments in solar and batteries, the challenges behind slowing deployment in key sectors, and how emerging manufacturing hubs are reshaping global supply chains. The discussion highlights why tripling renewable capacity by 2030 requires not just more money, but the right kind of impact-driven investments.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are countries' self-determined climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, with 2025 marking crucial NDC 3.0 submissions ahead of COP30. In this episode, Toyo Kawabata, Programme Officer, NDC Implementation at IRENA, explores why renewable energy targets in NDCs are essential in helping countries to transition away from fossil fuels. He also discusses the barriers to stronger commitments and pathways for transforming pledges into actionable plans.