Asia Smart City Conference 2025

Towards a
Circular Society

~Promoting the Circular Economy,
Carbon Neutrality,
and GREEN×EXPO 2027~

PACIFICO Yokohama North
and other locations

General
Participant
registration

Asia Smart City
Conference 2025

An international conference and
exhibition that brings together
knowledge, ideas, and solutions
from Japan and abroad
on the theme
of a circular society in Asia

About the Key Visual Concept ▶︎

Highlight

Policy Dialogue

GREEN STAGE ( G2 )

・Presentations from City Leaders on Advancing Circular Cities in Asia

・Keynote Speeches by Representatives of International and Governmental Organizations

・Presentations and Case Studies by the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, and CITYNET

・Recommendations for Action toward Advancing Circular
Cities in Asia by City Leaders and
Representatives of International Organizations

・Presentations of Ideas and Concrete Actions for Realizing a Green Society by Representatives from Cities,
Businesses, and Universities

Urban Solution Showcase

BLUE STAGE ( G3,G4 )

・Presentations by Private Sector Representatives on Initiatives Contributing to the Circular Economy,
Decarbonization, and Urban Challenges

・Pitch Session between Cities and Corporates on Urban Challenges and Innovative Solutions

・Exhibitions: Corporate Technologies for Circular Economy, Decarbonization, and Urban Challenges,
alongside Initiatives by Yokohama City and International Organizations

・Interactive Networking Space: Sessions, Exhibitions,
and Meeting Tables Connecting Participants,
Speakers,
and Exhibitors

Speakers

Takeharu Yamanaka

Mayor of Yokohama,
Shuji Okazaki

Director, Carbon Neutrality Promotion Division
Decarbonized Society Transition Promotion Department
Decarbonization & GREEN×EXPO Promotion Bureau, City of Yokohama
Wataru Yokota

General Manager, Carbon Neutral Business Planning Division
Isuzu Motors Limited
Kentaro Doi

Vice-Minister for Global Environmental Affairs,
Ministry of the Environment, Japan
Motohiko Murai

Yokohama National University
Professor
Takehiko Nagumo

Smart City Institute
JapanRepresentative Director
Kiyohisa Tezuka

Data-Informed Management
Department, Policy Administration
Bureau, the City of
Yokohama.Executive Director for Data-Informed Management,
Policy Administration Bureau
Gunbold Baatar

"Hunnu City Development Corporation" SOE CEO
Joy Blessilda Sinay

ADBI Capacity Building Specialist
Yuko Uchida

INNOVEDIA CEO,Economic Journalist
Ivonne Bojoh

Circle Economy／CEO
Jean-Eric Paquet

Head of the Delegation of the European Union to JapanAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Maimunah Mohd Sharif

Kuala Lumpur City Mayor
Hugh Lim

Centre for Liveable Cities, Ministry of National Development, Singapore Executive Director
Bambang Brodjonegoro

Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)
Dean and CEO
Shinji Fujieda

CEO, GUUN CO.,LTD.
Takashi Oshima

Executive Director of the Business Waste Management Department, Resources and Recycling Bureau, City of Yokohama
Kazuhiko Takemoto

ICLEI JAPAN
Chair
Togo Uchida

ICLEI JAPAN
Executive Director
Bing Chomprasob

Japan, World Economic Forum
Chief Representative Officer
Roi Chiti

UN Habitat - Regional Office For Asia And The Pacific
Chief Technical Advisor
Jae-bok Chang

CityNet Secretariat
Chief Executive Officer
Kazutaka Kurobe

Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan
Director,Offce of Environmental Planning
Diana Torres

UNDP
Regional Governance Advisor

Takeharu Yamanaka

Mayor of Yokohama,
Shuji Okazaki

Director, Carbon Neutrality Promotion Division Decarbonized Society Transition Promotion Department
Decarbonization & GREEN×EXPO Promotion Bureau, City of Yokohama

Decarbonizing the infrastructure that supports urban life

2002 – Joined the City of Yokohama2015–2022 – Section Manager, Project Promotion Division, Global Warming Countermeasures Headquarters (now Decarbonization & GREEN×EXPO Promotion Bureau)2022–2024 – Director, Planning and Coordination Department, Global Warming Countermeasures Headquarters (now Decarbonization & GREEN×EXPO Promotion Bureau)2024–Present – Director, Decarbonized Society Transition Promotion Department, Decarbonization & GREEN×EXPO Promotion Bureau, City of Yokohama
Wataru Yokota

General Manager, Carbon Neutral Business Planning Division
Isuzu Motors Limited

Decarbonizing the infrastructure that supports urban life

Built a career at three major Japanese manufacturers, gaining experience in product planning, business planning, marketing, project management, and new business development. Notably, contributed to creating new businesses in the imaging sector, scaling projects from concept (0) to initial launch (1), growth (10), and full-scale expansion (100). At Isuzu Motors, his fourth company, currently advancing initiatives toward realizing a carbon-neutral society.
Kentaro Doi

Vice-Minister for Global Environmental Affairs, Ministry of the Environment, Japan

Decarbonizing the infrastructure that supports urban life

Appointed as Vice-Minister for Global Environmental Affairs at the Ministry of the Environment in July 2025. He is responsible for international operations related to global environmental conservation and serves as Japan’s representative in international dialogues and negotiations. He has previously held key positions at the Ministry of the Environment, including Director-General of the Global Environment Bureau, Director-General of the Environmental Management Bureau, and Director-General of the Environmental Regeneration and Material Cycles Bureau. He earned a master’s degree in engineering from Hokkaido University in 1990.
Motohiko Murai

Yokohama National University Professor

Realizing a Decarbonized Society from the Ocean Perspective
-Trends in the Expansion of Floating Offshore WindPower Deployment-

Completed a Master's course at The University of Tokyo in 1995. A research associate
at the Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo from 1997-1999, an
associate professor at Yokohama National University since 1999, currently, a professor.
His specialty is ocean engineering particularly dynamic motion of floating systems in
waves, with a PhD in engineering.
Takehiko Nagumo

Smart City Institute JapanRepresentative Director　

Balancing Environmental Sustainability,
Circular Economy, and Citizen Well-being

Representative Director at Smart City Institute Japan. Concurrently, Professor at
Yokohama City University, Keio University Graduate School of Media and Policy
Governance and Graduate School of System Design Management, and Kyoto
University Graduate School of Management, Takehiko advises local governments,
businesses, and academia to implement urban development policies based on
Liveable Well-Being City Indicator.
Kiyohisa Tezuka

Data-Informed Management Department, Policy Administration Bureau, the City of Yokohama
Executive Director for Data-Informed Management, Policy Administration Bureau

Balancing Environmental Sustainability,
Circular Economy, and Citizen Well-being

Mr. Tezuka joined the City of Yokohama in 1997 and has held leadership roles
including Executive Director of the Business Management Support Department and
the Startups and Innovation Office. Since April 2024, he has served in his current role,
promoting data-driven public management through policy indicator development,
data standardization, analytical infrastructure, and talent cultivation to support
evidence-based decision-making and enhance operational efficiency across local
government.
Gunbold Baatar

"Hunnu City Development Corporation" SOE CEO

Asian Development
Bank & ADB Institute Session

Circular Cities for a Sustainable Future

Mr. Gunbold Baatar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Nanjing University (1996–2000) and a Master’s in Project Management from Swinburne University, Australia (2012–2013). With over 20 years of leadership in construction, urban planning, and public administration, he has served in senior roles at the Ministry of Construction and Urban Development and, currently CEO of "Hunnu City Development Corporation" SOE.
Joy Blessilda Sinay

ADBI Capacity Building Specialist

Asian Development
Bank & ADB Institute Session

Circular Cities for a Sustainable Future

Ms Sinay manages various capacity building activities on financial systems, labor migration, and digitalization. Prior to joining ADBI, she was Senior Officer at the ASEAN Secretariat working on monitoring of regional finance and insurance integration and sustainable development issues, particularly circular economy and carbon neutrality.
Yuko Uchida

INNOVEDIA CEO,Economic Journalist

Decarbonizing the infrastructure that supports urban life

Yuko Uchida has made numerous media appearances as an economic commentator and serves as the main anchor for tvk's program Business Up to Date.
In 2020, she founded INNOVEDIA, a web media platform specializing in innovation, based in Bashamichi, Yokohama, where she actively disseminates information.
She also serves as an advisory committee member for the City of Yokohama and as an outside director for publicly listed companies.
Ivonne Bojoh

Circle Economy／CEO

Yokohama City Platform for Resource Circulation Session
Closing Session: Promoting Circular Cities
(Part 2)

Ivonne Bojoh is a circular economy expert with 25+ years in tech and innovation. At Circle Economy, she empowers governments and businesses to implement data-driven strategies for a thriving planet. Her mission: transform 10,000 companies, 1,000 cities, and 100 nations.
Jean-Eric Paquet

Head of the Delegation of the European Union to JapanAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Opening Session: Promoting Circular Cities (Part 1)

Jean-Eric Paquet has served as EU Ambassador to Japan since 2022. With decades of experience in EU policy, he led major initiatives in research, innovation, transport, and enlargement. As Director-General for Research and Innovation, he launched the European Innovation Council and EU Missions. He champions co-creation and citizen engagement in shaping public policy.
Maimunah Mohd Sharif

Kuala Lumpur City Mayor

Opening Session: Promoting Circular Cities
(Part 1)

Mayor Maimunah Mohd Sharif is the first woman Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Advisor on Sustainable Urbanisation to Malaysia, and Special Envoy of ASEAN Cities and Local Governments. She served as UN-Habitat Executive Director (2018–2024) and earlier led Seberang Perai and Penang Island City Council. A global urban leader, she champions climate action, zero waste, gender equality, and inclusive cities and is driving Kuala Lumpur’s path to carbon neutrality by 2040."
Hugh Lim

Centre for Liveable Cities, Ministry of National Development, Singapore Executive Director

Opening Session: Promoting Circular Cities
(Part 1)

Hugh Lim is Executive Director of the Centre for Liveable Cities, Singapore. With a background in engineering and technology management, he has held senior roles in Singapore’s public sector, including CEO of the Building and Construction Authority. Hugh played a key role in shaping the Singapore Green Building Masterplan and continues to champion sustainable urban development.
Bambang Brodjonegoro

Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) Dean and CEO

Circular Cities for a Sustainable Future

Bambang Brodjonegoro, an Indonesian national, is the Dean and CEO of the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI). Before joining ADBI in April 2025 he was Special Advisor to the President of the Republic of Indonesia for Economic Affairs and National Development. He served the Government of Indonesia in several senior leadership roles from 2011. He was Indonesia’s Minister of Finance (2014–2016), Minister of National Development Planning (2016–2019), and Minister of Research and Technology (2019-2021).
Shinji Fujieda

CEO, GUUN CO.,LTD.

Yokohama City Platform for Resource Circulation Session

After a professional career as a baseball player, he joined the predecessor of the current company.
He later established the business by spinning off the recycling division from a demolition company.
He now serves as Chairman of the Japan Federation of Wood Recycle Associations, Chairman of the Kanagawa Industrial Resources Recycling Association, and Director of the Japan Industrial Waste Management Federation.
Takashi Oshima

Executive Director of the Business Waste Management Department, Resources and Recycling Bureau, City of Yokohama

Yokohama City Platform for Resource Circulation Session

Takashi Oshima joined the City of Yokohama in 1995 as an environmental specialist. He has experience in environmental regulation regarding waste and air pollution, public sewerage systems, and decarbonization initiatives. Since 2021, he has been assigned to the Business Waste Management Department, helping establish the Yokohama City Platform for Resource Circulation, which promotes collaboration between manufacturing and recycling sectors, aiming to transition toward a circular economy.
Kazuhiko Takemoto

ICLEI JAPAN Chair

Closing Session: Promoting Circular Cities
(Part 2)

Dr. Takemoto developed policies on sustainable development and the global environment as Director-General of the Environmental Management Bureau and Vice-Minister for Global Environment Affairs of the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ).

He served for CBD/COP10 as its Alternate President (2010), OECD/EPOC as Vice Chair (2004–07), and UNFCCC/COP3 as Special Assistant to its President (1997).

In addition to his current role as the Chair of ICLEI Japan, Dr.Takemoto has been fully committed to international cooperation on environment and development as President of the Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center (OECC) and Chair of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) Council.
Togo Uchida

ICLEI JAPAN Executive Director

Closing Session: Promoting Circular Cities
(Part 2)

Born in the UK and grew up in Melbourne and Tokyo, Togo joined the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) in 2006.

He then held various positions at organizations including the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES).

In his current role, Togo is responsible for running an office representing 27 cities and regions that are driving sustainability in Japan, participating in international negotiations such as the UN COPs, INC on Plastic Pollution, G7, and the Ramsar Convention, and acting as an advisor to local governments on sustainability.
Bing Chomprasob

Japan, World Economic Forum Chief Representative Officer

Closing Session: Promoting Circular Cities
(Part 2)

Leads the World Economic Forum’s engagement in Japan, advancing strategic priorities through collaboration with government, business, academia, and civil society. Experienced in sustainability, education, and public-private partnerships across Asia Pacific and global initiatives. Holds an MSc from the London School of Economics and a BA from the University of California, Irvine.
Roi Chiti

UN Habitat - Regional Office For Asia And The Pacific Chief Technical Advisor

Closing Session: Promoting Circular Cities
(Part 2)

Architect and Urban Planner with extensive experience in coordinating urban development and renewal projects implemented in Europe, Africa and Latin America. After working for local governments, international NGOs and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, joined UN Habitat in 2009 covering different roles including leading country operations in Kenya, Chile, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia among others. Currently Chief Technical Advisor in the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific based in Fukuoka.
Jae-bok Chang

CityNet Secretariat Chief Executive Officer

Closing Session: Promoting Circular Cities
(Part 2)

Mr. Jae-bok Chang has held key positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, making significant contributions to international relations throughout his distinguished career.
Most recently, he served as the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India (2021–2024), fostering stronger Korea–India relations.
Kazutaka Kurobe

Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan Director,Offce of Environmental Planning

Balancing Environmental Sustainability, Circular Economy, and Citizen Well-being

Joined the Ministry of the Environment in 2003. Served as a coordinator between the Government and local municipalities, assisting initiatives of Prime Minister`s Office and as Circular Economy Planning Officer. In 2023, was seconded to Ryukoku University to assist the President. Since returning to the Ministry in July 2024, has been responsible for the advancement of environmental education (ESD) and the Basic Environmental Plan, which states the "new avenues for growth" that contributes to well-being /high quality of life of current and future generations as the ultimate goal of the policy.
Diana Torres

UNDP Regional Governance Advisor

Diana Torres is the UNDP Regional Governance Advisor for Asia-Pacific, where she leads efforts to strengthen urban governance systems and support cities in advancing inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development.
With over two decades of global experience in public sector reform and democratic governance across Latin America, the Asia-Pacific, and the Gulf, she brings deep expertise in institutional innovation, multilevel governance, and local accountability.
Since joining UNDP in 2008, Diana has spearheaded regional and national initiatives to promote open government, reinforce anti-corruption frameworks, and enhance governance capabilities. More recently, her work has focused on helping Asia-Pacific cities navigate complex urban challenges by fostering peer learning, enabling collaboration, and equipping local governments with the tools, data, and partnerships needed to accelerate urban transformation.

Asia Smart City Conference 2025
Participating Cities and
Organizations

SPONSORSHIP

MEDIA PARTNER

EVENT OUTLINE

Title

Asia Smart City Conference 2025

Theme

Towards a Circular Society
~Promoting the Circular Economy, Carbon Neutrality, and
GREEN×EXPO 2027~

Dates

November 25th (Tue)：Opening Session (Keynote Speech)
Plenary Session (ADB, World Bank, CITYNET)
November 26th (Wed)：Urban Session (City-to-City Collaboration, Carbon Neutral/
Circular Policy, Student Proposals)
Business Session
(City x Business Pitch, etc.)
Booth Exhibition (Business Networking)
Closing Session
November 27th (Thu)：Technical Tour for Overseas Invited Cities

Venue