International Day of Clean Energy: Connect • Empower • Change, with Green Hydrogen
On January 28, 2025, more than 350 registered to tune in for the International Day of Clean Energy: Connect • Empower • Change with Green Hydrogen, a webinar hosted by MED-GEM Network in partnership with EU Neighbours South, Women in Green Hydrogen (WiGH), and UNIDO. This event highlighted green hydrogen as a game-changer for the energy transition, emphasising the crucial role of young talents and women leaders in shaping the future of renewable energy.
Opening Session/Panel 1: Understanding Green Hydrogen and Its Role in the Mediterranean
🎤 Moderator: Joumana Brihi, EU Neighbours South
The webinar kicked off with an insightful introduction to the rising significance of green hydrogen and its pivotal role in the Mediterranean energy landscape.
🔹 Frank Wouters, Director of MED-GEM Network and chairman of MENA Hydrogen Alliance, provided an overview of how the European Green Deal and Mediterranean strategies are supporting green hydrogen development. He stressed the need for cross-border cooperation to build a competitive and sustainable market.
🔹 Eunji Park, Assistant Industrial Development Officer at UNIDO, shared details on UNIDO’s global initiatives to accelerate hydrogen adoption, including technical support and financing programs aimed at emerging economies.
🔗 Keynote https://drive.med-gem.eu/drive/s/Pjuh3U48w4DUR0iVeIKS7c6tlnPd84
🔹 Maria Assumpcio Rojo Torrent, Director of Trade and International Relations at Hydrogen Europe, highlighted innovative and inclusive solutions to make green hydrogen more accessible to emerging markets. She also addressed regulatory challenges and the urgent need for standardised policies at both European and global levels.
🌍 Key Takeaway:
This session demystified green hydrogen, showcasing its environmental, industrial, and economic benefits, while also pointing out the challenges to its large-scale deployment.
🔋 Panel 2: Synergies Between Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen
🎤 Moderator: Raya Verniers, MED-GEM Network
This panel explored how solar and wind energy are key enablers of green hydrogen production, featuring insights from three Mediterranean countries.
🔹 Hadi Abou Moussa, Senior Energy Engineer at the Lebanese Centre for Energy Conservation (LCEC), discussed Lebanon’s solar potential and the infrastructural hurdles that need to be overcome for green hydrogen deployment. He emphasized the importance of stable policies to attract investment.
🔹 Leila El Bouaychi, Business Development Director at INNOV’X (Morocco), showcased Morocco’s ambitions to lead Africa’s hydrogen industry, highlighting major projects aimed at exporting green hydrogen to Europe.
🔗 Keynote https://drive.med-gem.eu/drive/s/WIgsP3jOBiemhS48hE3Jg4H2ST6EZi
🔹 Bandaly El Issa, Junior Energy Advisor at GIZ Jordan, presented Jordan’s proactive energy policies, international collaborations, and financing mechanisms supporting hydrogen development.
🌍 Key Takeaway:
Renewable energy is the foundation of green hydrogen, but success relies on strong infrastructure, clear policies, and regional commitment.
🤝 Panel 3: Connecting Actors for an Inclusive Energy Transition
🎤 Moderator: Raya Verniers, MED-GEM Network
This session emphasized the importance of inclusivity and collaboration, with a special focus on women’s leadership and youth-driven innovation.
🔹 Nihal Mansouri and Maya Demnati (WiGH – Women in Green Hydrogen) advocated for greater female representation in the green hydrogen sector. They introduced educational and mentorship programs designed to empower the next generation of women leaders.
🔗 Keynote https://drive.med-gem.eu/drive/s/6SBmhISIHIPeJ6uCBFCpwj13pPMy17
🔹 Bouchra Zoubaa (Morocco) and Rayan Al Sarih (Lebanon), winners of the GH2 Hackathon, shared their transformative experiences at the Hackathon and their study trip to Germany, where they collaborated with top researchers in the field.
🔗 Keynote Rayan Al Sarih https://drive.med-gem.eu/drive/s/ZqiiTnziXkDWBIUp8AjkzfyyblAlKb
🌍 Key Takeaway:
Green hydrogen is not just about technology—it’s also about social and educational impact. Engaging young talents and women is essential for accelerating innovation and making the energy transition truly inclusive.
🚀 Closing Remarks & Upcoming Opportunities
🎤 Speakers: Raya Verniers (MED-GEM Network) & Joumana Brihi (EU Neighbours South)
🔹 Announcement: Green Hydrogen Camp – Tunisia (July 7–11, 2025)
• A regional edition, bringing together participants from across the Mediterranean.
• A hybrid experience combining intensive training, a hackathon, and mentorship.
🎤 Joumana wrapped up the event by emphasising the EU’s ongoing support for these initiatives and encouraging participants to stay engaged and take advantage of upcoming opportunities.
🎥 Replay & Resources
The full webinar recordings will soon be available on the MED-GEM Network and EU Neighbours South platforms. 🔗 Stay connected for future opportunities MED-GEM Network EU Neighbours South | Women in Green Hydrogen
🔗 Folder to all keynotes https://drive.med-gem.eu/drive/s/NxDQYGRrp5Ieu1hvjoSsHg6inwPGr8
💡 Final Thoughts
This webinar proved that green hydrogen is more than just a clean energy solution—it’s a catalyst for change in the Mediterranean region. Success will depend on collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity.
A huge thank you to all our speakers and participants! Together, we’re building a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.