Read about Parimita Mohanty

What brought you to a career in technology at the United Nations?

From childhood, my curiosity about the principle of operation of any system and my passion for doing something innovative and different brought me to the field of technology. I did my M.Tech (Master in Technology) in energy science and technologies in 2002. With the educational background of having this M.Tech. degree, an advanced diploma in computer hardware and local area networking and a PhD related to smart grids, I was always passionate about doing something different but relevant for society and bringing technologies to benefit communities. Before joining UNEP, I gained extensive experience in working with over 15 leading technology firms globally while leading the technology units of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)’s global campaign on “Lighting a Billion Lives”, designed and developed various solar multi-purpose products, led in establishing world-class, accredited lighting and smart micro-grid testing labs, pioneered advanced micro-grids and smart grid initiatives in the region and contributed to its effective design and implementation (which are so critical for the energy transition). For these efforts, I received the Social Innovation Award in 2010, awarded by the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) and the Graphical System Design Achievement Award by National Instrument in 2012. I had the opportunity to sit on various highly recognized technical committees on solar energy and microgrids in India (such as that of the Bureau of Indian Standards) and abroad (International Electro-Technical Committee, IEC) to contribute to proper performance standards. I have authored and edited seven books and more than 25 peer-reviewed publications related to energy technologies, systems and their applications. I was also recognized in Apolitical’s World’s 100 Most Influential People in Gender Policy for 2021.

I started my career in renewable energy technologies (RETs), when it was still considered one of the nascent, frontier technologies and there were very few women candidates working in this area.

With these varied experiences in the tech field, I would like to keep contributing and focus more on how to make technology more relevant and inclusive in the evolving global scenarios, how to bring technologies more effectively and efficiently for the benefit of societies and how to create stronger science/technology, policy and business interfaces for policy and decision making.

What has been your favorite technology project or initiative at the United Nations and why? What was your contribution?

A few of my favorite IT projects at the United Nations have been:

1. The Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability (CODES) initiative which is part of the broader follow-up to the Secretary-General’s Roadmap on Digital Cooperation. I do not have any specific technical contribution except being part of the overall digital champions team and spreading the objectives and action points of CODES through my various networks. However, I would be very keen to contribute more actively with technical inputs in the future.
2. I led the development of the learning modules and course outline of two e-learning courses (a) enterprise development, digital marketing and online sale strategies, with a focus on renewable energy entrepreneurship (b) technical skill development on distributed renewable energy technologies, ICT and women’s energy entrepreneurship. This was for EmPower: Women for Climate Resilient Societies, an initiative implemented by UNEP and UN Women. This has led to the technical skill development of more than 300 women in the Asia-Pacific region and helped expand their businesses.
3. Implementation of a first-of-its-kind hybrid renewable energy-based smart micro-grid project in India when smart grid systems had just launched in the region. This was a perfect example of the integration and application of digital technologies, IT and renewable power systems to make the overall energy system of a typical campus more flexible, efficient and resilient. My contribution was to lead the design, simulation, optimization and actual implementation of the project on the ground.

What advice would you give women interested in pursuing a field in technology?

To be good at something, one must not be afraid to fail. We learn by doing and we achieve our dreams by pursuing. Surround yourself with people you look up in the field and ask them questions. Stay curious and always find time to read, listen to podcasts, join forums and workshops. The technology space is ever-expanding, and there’s room for everyone to be part of this space and grow with it. And most especially, don’t forget to enjoy the process.