Dubai, UAE, The Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA) has confirmed the jury panel for the MESIA Solar Awards Ceremony 2026, bringing together six internationally recognised leaders whose combined expertise spans solar technology, energy policy, sustainability strategy, academia, and global public affairs. The panel will be evaluating submissions across 20 Solar categories including Regional technology providers, Sustainability, C&I residential project , MENA solar women of the year, and more.
Together, the jury represents decades of hands-on industry leadership and policy influence, covering the full spectrum of the clean energy ecosystem. Their role in the 2026 Awards goes beyond evaluation, reinforcing MESIA’s commitment to credibility, technical rigour, and real impact in recognising solar excellence across the region.
A Jury Reflecting the Full Energy Value Chain
The panel includes senior figures from global solar manufacturing and industry advocacy, international renewable energy institutions, national utilities, sustainability and ESG leadership, and leading academic and policy research centres. This diversity ensures that projects are reviewed through multiple lenses, technical, regulatory, financial, and societal.
Jury Members
Lennart van Walsum brings extensive experience across global solar PV and battery storage markets, with leadership roles spanning distribution, manufacturing, and international industry coordination. His work at the Global Solar Council provides a direct link between regional projects and global solar market dynamics.
Dr. Meryem Hamidi contributes a strong focus on innovation and future-ready sustainability, combining research, AI-enabled energy systems, and partnership development. Her work supports the evaluation of how digitalisation and smart technologies are reshaping decarbonisation strategies in the region.
Tarig Ahmed adds deep institutional and policy expertise, drawing on years of experience at IRENA, multilateral organisations, and national energy authorities. His perspective is critical in assessing alignment with regional energy frameworks, climate finance structures, and long-term policy objectives.
Dr. Jamila Juma Al Maazmi brings a public-sector and utility-level lens, with decades of experience in project governance, standards, compliance, and sustainability within one of the region’s most influential utilities. Her background strengthens the evaluation of operational excellence and institutional maturity.
Dr. Li-Chen Sim offers a unique academic and geopolitical perspective, examining how low-carbon energy transitions intersect with regional economics, security, and international relations. Her insight supports a broader understanding of solar’s role within evolving energy systems.
Robert Wright contributes a global strategic and policy perspective shaped by leadership roles across the solar, technology, and sustainability sectors. His experience advising governments, institutions, and multinational companies brings a critical lens on corporate leadership, public affairs, and long-term climate strategy.
Raising the Bar for Solar Excellence in 2026
With this jury panel, the MESIA Solar Awards Ceremony 2026 reinforces its position as a benchmark for recognising projects and organisations that are not only delivering capacity, but driving meaningful transformation across the solar and clean energy landscape.
The Awards will take place during World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2026 on January 14 at 5:00 PM at the WFES Exhibition Area, convening industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to celebrate excellence and progress in the region’s energy transition.
For more information on the MESIA Solar Awards Ceremony 2026 and attendance details, please visit here