Asia Smart City Conference 2025

SPEAKER

※In alphabetical order

Takeharu Yamanaka

Mayor
Yokohama City

Akiko Yamaga

Acceleration Manager, TECH HUB YOKOHAMA
Yokohama Branch, Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.

Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana

Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Arnold Tukker

Professor of Industrial Ecology
Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University

Ayuko Kobayakawa

Deputy Director
Climate Change Science and Adaptation Office

Bambang Brodjonegoro

Dean and CEO
Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)

Benazir Syahril

Senior Officer
The ASEAN Secretariat

Bing Chomprasob

Chief Representative Officer Japan
World Economic Forum

Christopher Di Gennaro

Senior Program Officer
CityNet Secretariat

Christoph Pusch

Program Manager
Tokyo Development Learning Center - IDUDL - World Bank

Diana Torres

Regional Governance Advisor
UNDP

Donnie Ray Marquez

Chief, Research, Planning, and Special Projects Division
Registered Criminologist

Eri Aoki

Associate Professor Yokohama City University
Department of Urban Studies, School of International Liberal Arts

F. Cleo Kawawaki

Director General
Sectors Department 2: Agriculture, Food, Nature, Rural Development, Water, Urban Development and Digital Sectors
Asian Development Bank

Francois Jenny

Senior Urban Development Specialist - Waste Management
Asian Development Bank

Fumihiro Inoue

Associate Professor Yokohama National University
Vice-Director Semiconductor and Quantum Integrated Electronics Research Center

Gen Takahashi

Deputy General manager, Sales & Marketing Dept., Global Business Div., Environmental Solutions Sector
JFE Engineering Corporation

Gunbold Baatar

CEO
"Hunnu City Development Corporation" SOE

Hiroshi Noguchi

Assistant General Manager
Environmental Engineering Division,KAJIMA CORPORATION

Hirotaka Sato

Deputy Mayor
Yokohama City

Hiroyuki Haseba

President & CEO
J&T Environment Co., Ltd.

Hitoshi Nakamura

Director for Carbon Neutral Port Promotion
City of Yokohama Port and Harbor Bureau

Hsing-Hao Wu

Vice President
National University of Kaohsiung

Hugh Lim

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

Ivonne Bojoh

CEO
CircleEconomy

Jae-bok Chang

Chief Executive Officer
CityNet Secretariat

Jean-Eric Paquet

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Japan

Joy Blessilda Sinay

ADBI Capacity Building Specialist

Kazuhiko Takemoto

Chair
ICLEI JAPAN

Kazutaka Kurobe

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

Kentaro Doi

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

Koji Maeshima

Senior Deputy Director
JICA Global Environment Department
Environmental Management and Climate Change Team1

Kremena Ionkova

Lead Urban Specialist
Resilience and Land Global Practice at the World Bank.

LEE, Dong-gil

Manager
Seoul Metropolitan Government

Lertluck Leelaruangsang

Deputy Permanent Secretary
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration

Le Thanh Tung

Deputy Director, Department of Finance
Da Nang City

Maimunah Mohd Sharif

Mayor
Kuala Lumpur City

Mariko Sato

Board Member
Japan Habitat Association

Masafumi Takahashi

Senior Fellow Research, Strategy Planning Office, Frontier Technology R&D Institute, KIOXIA Corporation

Michael M.Gison

Director of the Physical Planning and Spatial Development Service
METROPOLITAN MANILA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Misa Kenmiya

Executive Director for Sustainability Management
GREEN EXPO Association

Motohiko Murai

Professor
Yokohama National University

Munafri Arifuddin

Mayor
Makassar City

Murod Khusanov

CEO
Conosrt Group LLC

Nik Mohammed Faizal bin Nik Ali

Senior Deputy Director (Architect)
Kuala Lumpur City Hall

Nobuharu Suzuki

Professor Yokohama City University
Department of Urban Studies, School of International Liberal Arts

Nobusato Kobayashi

Corporate Fellow General Manager of ZEB ＆ Smart Community Department
TAISEI CORPORATION Clean Energy & Environment Business Promotion

Noriko Ishizaka

Representative Director
Ishizaka Sangyo Co., Ltd.

Oddy Angelo

Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements
UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP)

Osamu Mizuno

Program Director
The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)

Piia Elo

Vice President
ICLEI Europe
Mayor
Turku City

Prettie Acop-Jalang

Assistant General Manager
SM GUUN Environmental Company, Inc.

Rieko Kubota

Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC), World Bank

Sangmin NAM

Director, Environment and Development Division
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Satoko Deguchi

Director for Data-Informed Management Division,
Policy Administration Bureau, City of Yokohama

Shinji Fujieda

CEO
GUUN CO.,LTD.

Shuji Okazaki

Executive Director of Zero Carbon Society Promotion Department,
Zero Carbon and GREEN×EXPO Promotion Bureau, City of Yokohama

Stephen Baker OBE

Trade and Investment Envoy Scottish Government

Tadashi Matsumoto

Head of Unit, National Urban Policy and Climate Resilience Cities, Urban Policies and Sustainable Development Division, Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities
OECD

Takashi Oshima

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

Takehiko Nagumo

JapanRepresentative Director
Smart City Institute

Teruyuki Ito

Director General
JICA Global Environment Department

Togo Uchida

Executive Director
ICLEI JAPAN

Tomomi Yamashita

Director General,
International Affairs Bureau, City of Yokohama

Tran Ngoc LINH

Principal specialist
Urban Development Agency - Ministry of Construction

Tsuyoshi Kiyohara

Chief Strategy Officer
Carbon Free Consulting Co., Ltd.

Wataru Suzuki

General Manager
NYK Line, Green Business Group

Wataru Yokota

General Manager
Carbon Neutral Business Planning Dept.,
Carbon Neutral Strategy Div., Isuzu Motors Ltd.

Yasuhiko Hotta

President (APRSCP)/ Research Director, SCP Unit (IGES)
Asia Pacific Roundtable for Sustainable Consumption and Production (APRSCP)/ Institute for Global Environmental Strategies

Yasuhiro Yamaguchi

Partner
Carbon Free Consulting Co., Ltd.

Yatsuka Kataoka

Programme Director, City Taskforce
Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)

Yuko Uchida

Economic Journalist & CEO
INNOVEDIA

Yuri Takeda

Coordinator
Yokohama SDGs Design Center

Zita Pels

Deputy Mayor
The city of Amsterdam

Takeharu Yamanaka

Mayor Yokohama City
Akiko Yamaga

Acceleration Manager, TECH HUB YOKOHAMA Yokohama Branch, Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.

Semiconductor Innovations from Yokohama:Powering the Future of AI and Energy

Since 2006, she has worked as an analyst in the electronic components and semiconductor sectors at domestic and international securities firms and think tanks, engaging in corporate strategy and industry trend analysis, report writing, and public lectures.
She has also been involved in consulting projects, primarily in the technology field.
In October 2024, she assumed her current role, managing “TECH HUB YOKOHAMA” and contributing to the development of a startup ecosystem in Yokohama.
Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana

Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Closing Session: Promoting Circular Cities (Part 2)

Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific took office on 1 November 2018. Ms. Alisjahbana was Professor of Economics at Universitas Padjadjaran and was Minister of National Development Planning and the Head of the National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS), Indonesia from 2009 to 2014. In 2016, Ms. Alisjahbana was a member of the High-Level Independent Team of Advisors to support the ECOSOC Dialogue on the longer-term positioning of the United Nations for the 2030 Agenda. Ms. Alisjahbana obtained her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Washington, USA.
Arnold Tukker

Professor of Industrial Ecology Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University

ADB/ADBI Session : Circular Cities for a Sustainable Future

Arnold Tukker is Professor of Industrial Ecology and Distinguished Professor of sustainability at Leiden University. He served until September 2022 for a maximum 8 year term as Scientific director of Leiden’s Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML, 170 staff). He was awarded visiting positions at Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia, the Paris Institute of Advanced Study and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He received a honorary doctorate of Linkoping University, Sweden and is member of the European Academy of Sciences since 2018.
Ayuko Kobayakawa

Deputy Director Climate Change Science and Adaptation Office

CITYNET Cluster Seminar 2025
Urban Policy and Resilience in the Era of Climate Change

After joining the Ministry of the Environment in 2010, she has been responsible for climate change, resource circulation, and Fukushima recovery following the Great East Japan Earthquake. Since October 2025, serves as Deputy Director of the Climate Change Science and Adaptation Office, responsible for advancing climate change science, impact assessments, and adaptation measures.
Bambang Brodjonegoro

Dean and CEO Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)

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).
Benazir Syahril

Senior Officer The ASEAN Secretariat

Joint proposals for the future of the city by students from universities in the city and abroad

Ms. Benazir Syahril is the Senior Officer for ASEAN Connectivity at the ASEAN Secretariat. Bena joined the ASEAN Secretariat in 2017 and has since facilitated the planning, implementation, as well as monitoring and evaluation of the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy and ASEAN Smart Cities Network's cooperation projects, activities, monitoring and evaluation. She holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Development Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Bing Chomprasob

Chief Representative Officer Japan World Economic Forum

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.
Christopher Di Gennaro

Senior Program Officer CityNet Secretariat

CITYNET Cluster Seminar 2025
Urban Policy and Resilience in the Era of Climate Change

Chris manages the Urban SDG Knowledge Platform at CityNet. The Platform hosts a case study database of over 600 innovative urban policies from around the world. Chris has organized the annual SDG City Awards program under the platform for the past 4 years and has led the creation of thematic online courses.
Christoph Pusch

Program Manager Tokyo Development Learning Center - IDUDL - World Bank

Opening Session:
Promoting Circular Cities (Part 1)
Addressing urban waste issues to promote a circular economy in Asia

Christoph Pusch is a global leader in sustainable urban development and resilience, serving as Program Manager of the TDLC. In partnership with the Government of Japan, TDLC drives flagship knowledge programs that bridge Japanese and global expertise to shape transformative investment projects in World Bank client countries. Over the past 20 years, Christoph has led high-impact initiatives across Africa, South Asia, Europe and Central Asia, and globally. In his previous position as Practice Manager for the Europe and Central Asia Region, he oversaw an investment portfolio of more than US$5 billion, advancing sustainable cities, regional development, cultural heritage preservation, urban resilience, disaster recovery and reconstruction, critical infrastructure protection, and municipal finance reforms. Recognized for pioneering innovative knowledge platforms and programs, Christoph blends technical expertise with strategic vision to address complex urban and resilience challenges. Before joining the World Bank, he worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Germany. He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the Technical University of Berlin.
Diana Torres

Regional Governance Advisor UNDP

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.
Donnie Ray Marquez

Chief, Research, Planning, and Special Projects Division Registered Criminologist

CITYNET Cluster Seminar 2025
Urban Policy and Resilience in the Era of Climate Change

Donnie Ray D. Marquez, RCrim., is a dedicated public servant and Registered Criminologist currently serving as Chief of the Research, Planning, and Special Projects Division at the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRRMO). He leads research and development efforts in disaster risk reduction, ensuring alignment with NDRRMC standards. Mr. Marquez plans and coordinates programs funded by the Local DRRM Fund of Quezon City, monitors project implementation, and reports to the QC DRRM Council. As Planning Section Chief of the Quezon City Incident Management Team (QC-IMT), he plays a key role in emergency response coordination and resource management. With a strong commitment to public safety and resilience, he advocates for innovative DRRM strategies to strengthen community preparedness and disaster response.
Eri Aoki

Associate Professor Yokohama City University Department of Urban Studies, School of International Liberal Arts

Joint proposals for the future of the city by students from universities in the city and abroad

She earned her Ph.D. in Urban Engineering from the University of Tokyo in 2014. She has held academic appointments at the University of Tokyo, Keio University, Toyo University, and the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature before starting her current position in 2025.

Her research focuses on urban environmental studies, emphasizing pro-environmental behaviors and local policies to promote sustainable cities that lower environmental impacts and enhance well-being.
F. Cleo Kawawaki

Director General Sectors Department 2: Agriculture, Food, Nature, Rural Development, Water, Urban Development and Digital Sectors Asian Development Bank

ADB/ADBI Session : Circular Cities for a Sustainable Future

F. Cleo Kawawaki brings over 35 years of professional experience, including 25 years at ADB and 11 years in investment banking. She served as Principal Director and Head of the Office of Markets Development and Public-Private Partnership, promoting private sector-led growth. She was also Deputy Director General of ADB’s Southeast Asia Department and held senior roles in Central and West Asia, notably as Energy Sector Director.
Francois Jenny

Senior Urban Development Specialist - Waste Management Asian Development Bank

ADB/ADBI Session : Circular Cities for a Sustainable Future

Francois has been working in the waste management (private sector) for the past 25 years and has recently joined the Asian Development Bank. He had spent most of his career in Asia and has developed, built, and operated waste treatment infrastructure projects, including Waste-to-energy, recycling, hazardous waste, methanisation of organic waste, etc. He has also built up extensive experience in developing circular economy model for organisation and cities.
Fumihiro Inoue

Associate Professor Yokohama National University Vice-Director Semiconductor and Quantum Integrated Electronics Research Center

Semiconductor Innovations from Yokohama:Powering the Future of AI and Energy

Dr. Inoue received his Ph.D. in Engineering from Kansai University in March 2013. He then spent ten years as a full-time researcher at imec in Belgium, conducting research on 3D integration of semiconductors. In April 2021, he joined Yokohama National University as an Associate Professor and, in April 2024, was appointed Deputy Director of the Center for Semiconductor and Quantum Integrated Electronics.
He has received numerous awards, including the 2022 IEEE EPS Outstanding Young Engineer Award, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award, and the 2024 Semiconductor of the Year and Advanced Technology Award (Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award).
Gen Takahashi

Deputy General manager, Sales & Marketing Dept., Global Business Div., Environmental Solutions Sector JFE Engineering Corporation

Co-Creation for a Circular Society in Asia

Joined Nippon Kokan (now JFE Engineering) in 1990. Gained diverse experience in production management at factories, marketing for sewage treatment projects, sales branch operations, and corporate administration. Served as Director at PT. JFE Engineering Indonesia from 2011-2012, managing local subsidiary operations and business development. Since April 2013, has been developing environmental solution projects, particularly waste-to-energy initiatives, in collaboration with government agencies and international organizations.
Gunbold Baatar

CEO "Hunnu City Development Corporation" SOE

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.
Hiroshi Noguchi

Assistant General Manager Environmental Engineering Division,KAJIMA CORPORATION

A circular society promoted at GREEN×EXPO 2027

After joining Kajima Corporation in April 1988, he worked in the Development Business Division, where he was responsible for real estate development projects as well as renewable energy initiatives.
Since April 2023, he has been with the Environmental Division, overseeing Kajima’s decarbonization strategy, next-generation energy utilization, and circular economy development.
Hirotaka Sato

Deputy Mayor Yokohama City

CITYNET Cluster Seminar 2025
Urban Policy and Resilience in the Era of Climate Change

After joining the City of Yokohama in 1986, he served as Executive Director for Ward Support Department of the Civic Affairs Bureau and Executive Director for Media Liaison department of the Policy Bureau. In 2022, he was appointed as Director General of the Health and Social Welfare Bureau. He has been Deputy Mayor since April 2024.
Hiroyuki Haseba

President & CEO J&T Environment Co., Ltd.

Connecting Businesses for a Circular Future:
Yokohama City Platform for Resource Circulation

Date of Birth: May 21, 1964 (61 years old)
Education: March 1987: Bachelor of Law, Kyushu University

April 1987: Joined Nippon Steel Pipe Co., Ltd.
(now JFE Engineering Corporation)
April 2011: General Manager, Planning Department,
Recycling Division
April 2016: Branch Manager, Bangkok Office
April 2018: General Manager, Planning & Administration Department,
Recycling & Power Business Division
April 2022: General Manager, Environmental Headquarters,
Recycling Business Promotion Division
April 2023: Executive Managing Officer
April 2024: President & CEO, J&T Environment Co., Ltd.
Hitoshi Nakamura

Director for Carbon Neutral Port Promotion City of Yokohama Port and Harbor Bureau

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

2021 to Present Director for Carbon Neutral Port Promotion
2018 to 2021 Senior Manager of Planning Division, Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation
2003 Joined City of Yokohama
1999 to 2003 Marubeni Corporation
Hsing-Hao Wu

Vice President National University of Kaohsiung

Joint proposals for the future of the city by students from universities in the city and abroad

Hsing-Hao Wu is Professor of Department of Financial and Economic Law, National University of Kaohsiung (NUK), Taiwan. His teaching and research fields encompass the comparative environmental law and policy, international trade and environmental law, and technology safety law. Professor Wu has been the Director of International Relation Research Center of NUK since 2013. He has organized numerous workshops and guest lectures mostly in the area of environmental law, trade and innovative technology governance issues. His recent research and publication focuses on climate change impacts to environment, economic, and society as a whole and their potential legal and institutional responses in the context of water resource management, flood control, disaster management, and energy transition.
Hugh Lim

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

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.
Ivonne Bojoh

CEO CircleEconomy

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.
Jae-bok Chang

Chief Executive Officer CityNet Secretariat

CITYNET Cluster Seminar 2025
Urban Policy and Resilience in the Era of Climate Change
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.
Jean-Eric Paquet

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Japan

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.
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.
Kazuhiko Takemoto

Chair ICLEI JAPAN

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.
Kazutaka Kurobe

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

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.
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.
Koji Maeshima

Senior Deputy Director JICA Global Environment Department Environmental Management and Climate Change Team1

Co-Creation for a Circular Society in Asia

Koji Maeshima joined the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 2009. Has worked on international cooperation projects in environmental management and climate change across the Asia-Pacific region. Experienced in technical cooperation in circular economy, waste, air, and water management. Served at the JICA China Office and was seconded to Japan’s Ministry of the Environment. Assumed the current position in April 2022.
Kremena Ionkova

Lead Urban Specialist Resilience and Land Global Practice at the World Bank.

Addressing urban waste issues to promote a circular economy in Asia

Kremena Ionkova is the Global Lead for Solid Waste Management and Circularity with the World Bank’s Global Urban Department, Infrastructure Vice Presidency. She brings 25 years of experience in urban development globally.

She has led policy dialogue, investment projects and analytical work focused on local services and infrastructure, climate mitigation and adaptation. She is the thought-leader through some key policy and governance publications in waste management and co-chairs the World Bank’s Solid Waste Management Community of Practice.
LEE, Dong-gil

Manager Seoul Metropolitan Government

CITYNET Cluster Seminar 2025 Urban Policy and Resilience in the Era of Climate Change

•September 2019-Present : Manager, Climate & Environmental Policy Division, Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG)
•April 2016-September 2019 : Researcher of Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Research Center (GIR), Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea

•February 2016 : Master’s degree in Environmental Management, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Seoul National University, Republic of Korea
Lertluck Leelaruangsang

Deputy Permanent Secretary Bangkok Metropolitan Administration

Opening Session:
Promoting Circular Cities (Part 1)

Dr. Lertlak Leelaruangsang, M.D., Ph.D., serves as Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. She holds medical and public health degrees from Chulalongkorn University and Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, culminating in a D.P.A. from Bangkok Thonburi University. With extensive leadership roles across BMA hospitals and the Medical Service Department, she has contributed nationally through committees on healthcare service development, social security, palliative care, and medical education. As a Deputy Permanent Secretary, she's designated to supervise on Medical Service Department, Public Health Department, Environment Department and International Affairs Office.
Le Thanh Tung

Deputy Director, Department of Finance Da Nang City

Opening Session:
Promoting Circular Cities (Part 1)
Maimunah Mohd Sharif

Mayor Kuala Lumpur City

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."
Mariko Sato

Board Member Japan Habitat Association

CITYNET Cluster Seminar 2025 Urban Policy and Resilience in the Era of Climate Change

After serving as Program Manager at CITYNET in Yokohama, Mariko joined UN-Habitat in 1998, working at its Regional Headquarters in Fukuoka and the Geneva Office before becoming the Chief of its Bangkok Office in 2009. She later served as Representative of UNFPA Tokyo Office and as Senior Regional Adviser for Asia and the Pacific at IOM Headquarters, retiring from the UN system in 2024.
Masafumi Takahashi

Senior Fellow Research, Strategy Planning Office, Frontier Technology R&D Institute, KIOXIA Corporation

Semiconductor Innovations from Yokohama:Powering the Future of AI and Energy

He joined Toshiba Corporation in 1987 and engaged in research and development of processor architecture at the Corporate Research and Development Center.
Since 1996, he worked at the Microelectronics Research Center, Semiconductor Company, on low-power video SoC development.
From 2005, he was involved in developing SoCs for mobile phones and gaming devices at the System LSI Division I.
In 2014, as General Manager of the Memory System Development Department at the Semiconductor Research & Development Center, he led R&D of SSD controllers, memory systems, and storage systems.
In 2018, he was appointed Technical Executive at Toshiba Memory Corporation (now Kioxia Corporation).
Michael M.Gison

Director of the Physical Planning and Spatial Development Service METROPOLITAN MANILA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Addressing urban waste issues to promote a circular economy in Asia
Misa Kenmiya

Executive Director for Sustainability Management GREEN EXPO Association

A circular society promoted at GREEN×EXPO 2027

She is Executive Director for Sustainability Management.
Sustainability Management of Green x Expo 2027, held in Yokohama by the Government of Japan. She was seconded from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in April 2025 after stablishing sustainability management in JICA, engaging in climate change, biodiversity and human security. She worked in JICA Kenya and Philippines office, as well as Department of Public Relations, Dept. of Global Environment etc. in Tokyo.
Motohiko Murai

Professor Yokohama National University

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.
Munafri Arifuddin

Mayor Makassar City

Opening Session: Promoting Circular Cities (Part 1)

Munafri Arifuddin, S.H. is a respected politician from the Golkar Party and currently serves as Mayor of Makassar.
He holds a Bachelor of Law from Hasanuddin University and has led various business and sports organizations, including PSM Makassar and PT Liga Indonesia Baru.
Known for his commitment to sustainable development and youth empowerment, he brings a wealth of leadership experience and a strong dedication to public service, making him a distinguished figure in both political and civic spheres.
Murod Khusanov

CEO Conosrt Group LLC

Addressing urban waste issues to promote a circular economy in Asia

Founder and Chair of BetterFuture Group, a mission-driven group of companies committed to improving our ecosystems, promoting small and micro-business development, transparency, accountability, and sustainable economic development through project management and consulting. Passionate about positive impact while having 15+ years of extensive experience in project management in international development, focusing on sustainability of our economic systems, creating accountable, transparent governance mechanisms and driving the equality agenda.
Nik Mohammed Faizal bin Nik Ali

Senior Deputy Director (Architect) Kuala Lumpur City Hall

CITYNET Cluster Seminar 2025
Urban Policy and Resilience in the Era of Climate Change
Nobuharu Suzuki

Professor Yokohama City University Department of Urban Studies, School of International Liberal Arts

Joint proposals for the future of the city by students from universities in the city and abroad

Trained as urban planner at the Department of Urban Engineering, University of Tokyo, where he got MA and Dr. of Engineering, Nobuharu Suzuki has been teaching urban design at University of Tokyo (1995-2000), Kanto Gakuin University (2000-2006) and Yokohama City University (2006-). He is involved in various projects in urban design, community development and conservation planning of historical environment including historic buildings and industrial heritage.
Nobusato Kobayashi

Corporate Fellow General Manager of ZEB ＆ Smart Community Department TAISEI CORPORATION Clean Energy & Environment Business Promotion

Decarbonizing the infrastructure that supports urban life

1988: Joined Taisei Corporation
1988~2016: Facility design work to provide a comfortable indoor environment by optimizing the environment and energy, and technology development work that contributes to energy conservation and energy creation
2017~present: Providing energy solutions that lead to solving issues toward decarbonization, and developing technologies that contribute to energy and energy creation.
Noriko Ishizaka

Representative Director Ishizaka Sangyo Co., Ltd.

A circular society promoted at GREEN×EXPO 2027

After joining Ishizaka Sangyo, the company founded by her father in 1992, she became President in 2002. She implemented a series of reforms, including the all-weather enclosure of the plant, integration of seven ISO certifications, and hosting visits from over 55 countries. At “Santome Konjaku Village,” a restored satoyama adjacent to the factory, the company earned the Biodiversity AAA certification and recognition from Japan’s Ministry of the Environment as a “Place for Environmental Learning,” promoting environmental education. Under the vision of “Zero Waste Design,” she actively engages in the “30by30” initiative to conserve land and sea biodiversity and has introduced 100% renewable energy to advance decarbonization. The company received the 2020 Japan Quality Award, and she currently serves as a member of the Resource Circulation Economy Subcommittee under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Oddy Angelo

Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP)

Closing Session: Promoting Circular Cities (Part 2)

Dr. Oddy Angelo, Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Disaster Management, has over 15 years of experience supporting vulnerable communities through post-disaster and crisis recovery. She has worked in Bolivia, Indonesia, Afghanistan, and Myanmar. Based in Fukuoka, she supports UN-Habitat programs in Cambodia, Viet Nam, Nepal, Mongolia, and China, and contributes to climate adaptation initiatives in Pakistan and Malaysia, promoting resilient, sustainable urban development across the Asia-Pacific region.
Osamu Mizuno

Program Director The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)

CITYNET Cluster Seminar 2025
Urban Policy and Resilience in the Era of Climate Change

Appointed to current position in 2018. Previously served as Director of the Asia Pacific Regional Resource Center at the Asian Institute of Technology,

・Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation,

Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank's Global Environment Facility,

and Director of the International Affairs Division at the Ministry of the Environment.
Piia Elo

Vice President ICLEI Europe Mayor Turku City

Closing Session: Promoting Circular Cities (Part 2)

Piia Elo is the Mayor of Turku and a long-time member of the City Council. With a master’s in political science, she has led major reforms in education and youth services. She champions sustainability, climate action, and social welfare, and collaborates with ICLEI to advance ambitious environmental solutions. Elo also serves as the Chair of the Social Democratic Party Council.
Prettie Acop-Jalang

Assistant General Manager SM GUUN Environmental Company, Inc.

Co-Creation for a Circular Society in Asia

Prettie Acop-Jalang of SM Guun Environmental Company, Inc. holding the position of Admin/PCO/Sales and Marketing Officer for more than 7 years. As a PCO of the company, she facilitated IEC to LGU who had partnership with us and leveraging our expertise in Solid Waste Management to enhance community engagement and promote sustainable practices. She have gained over 9 years working in the manufacturing company in MEPZ-I. Furthermore, She graduated from Cebu Technological University with a degree in Industrial Technology.
Rieko Kubota

Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC), World Bank

Addressing urban waste issues to promote a circular economy in Asia

Rieko Kubota, a Japanese national, possesses more than 20 years of expertise in sustainability initiatives. She is currently working as the Program Officer at the World Bank Tokyo Development Learning Center where she curates Japanese knowledge and experience in urban development to the challenges in the WB client countries. Her areas of specialization include solid waste management, circular economy, plastic pollution, environmental governance, and climate change adaptation within urban environments. Rieko joined the Bank in 2020 as a Senior Environmental Engineer in Washington D.C., leading and supporting waste management projects and circular economy projects in ASEAN and European region, bringing prior experience from Japan's National Institute for Environmental Studies and JICA, where she engaged in research, policy advisory, and project management.
Sangmin NAM

Director, Environment and Development Division United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Closing Session: Promoting Circular Cities (Part 2)

Dr. Nam currently works as the Director, Environment and Development Division, UNESCAP. Before joining the United Nations in 2005, he taught at Hanyang University in Seoul and worked with the Korea Presidential Commission on Sustainable Development as an expert member, and with an environmental NGO, Green Korea United, as the manager of program and policy in the 1990s.
Satoko Deguchi

Director for Data-Informed Management Division, Policy Administration Bureau, City of Yokohama

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

She joined the City of Yokohama in 2002 and assumed her current position in April 2025.
She is responsible for promoting a data-driven management cycle by developing policy indicators, standardizing data, building analytical environments, and fostering data-related human resources.
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.
Shuji Okazaki

Executive Director of Zero Carbon Society Promotion Department, Zero Carbon and 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
Stephen Baker OBE

Trade and Investment Envoy Scottish Government

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

Head of Unit, National Urban Policy and Climate Resilience Cities, Urban Policies and Sustainable Development Division, Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities OECD

Co-Creation for a Circular Society in Asia

Tadashi Matsumoto leads OECD’s work on national urban policy and climate action in cities. He provides strategic leadership and oversees the research and analysis on national urban policy, the role of intermediary cities in national urban systems, urban rural linkages, urban climate resilience, sustainable urban design and planning, urban green growth, and urban biodiversity. Before joining the OECD in 2009, Tadashi worked for the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for more than 10 years.
Takashi Oshima

Executive Director Business Waste Management Department, Resources and Waste Recycling Bureau, The 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.
Takehiko Nagumo

JapanRepresentative Director Smart City Institute

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.
Teruyuki Ito

Director General JICA Global Environment Department

Co-Creation for a Circular Society in Asia

Apointed as Director General, Global Environment Department of JICA in April 2025. He looks after JICA's operations in nature conservation, environment management, water resources and disaster risk reduction sectors. Since joining the former Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund (OECF) of Japan in 1993, he has worked for formulation and administration of projects in various regions and sectors, previously held key positions at JICA such as Director General of South Asia Department, Senior Deputy DG of Operations Strategy Department, and Chief Representative of Egypt Office.
Togo Uchida

Executive Director ICLEI JAPAN

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.
Tomomi Yamashita

Director General, International Affairs Bureau, City of Yokohama

CITYNET Cluster Seminar 2025
Urban Policy and Resilience in the Era of Climate Change

April 1998: Joined the City of Yokohama
April 2015: Section Manager, Policy Division, Policy Bureau
April 2018: Director, International Business Division, Waterworks Bureau
April 2021: Director, General Affairs Division, Culture and Tourism Bureau
April 2022: Senior Director, Policy Division, Policy Bureau
April 2023: Senior Director for Policy Coordination, Policy Division, Policy Bureau
April 2024: Senior Director for Policy Coordination, Management Strategy Division, Policy Management Bureau
September 2025: Appointed Director General, International Affairs Bureau
Tran Ngoc LINH

Principal specialist Urban Development Agency - Ministry of Construction

Joint proposals for the future of the city by students from universities in the city and abroad

Dr. Linh received his Ph.D. in Transportation Engineering from Hiroshima University in 2013. He is currently a principal specialist of Urban Development Agency - Ministry of Construction - Social Republic of Vietnam. His primary research and professional duties involve studying and proposing policies for urban development management, particularly in the areas of urban green growth and smart city development.
Tsuyoshi Kiyohara

Chief Strategy Officer Carbon Free Consulting Co., Ltd.

Mutual pitches between city and company representatives on urban issues and technological solutions (Part 1)

Expert in Environmental Management and International Cooperation
He holds a Master’s degree in South Asian Area Studies from SOAS, University of London, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Hosei University. After serving at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, he worked for an environmental consulting firm before assuming his current position.
His professional expertise spans a wide range of fields. In environmental management, he has extensive experience in decarbonization planning, GHG emissions accounting, scenario and LCA analysis, afforestation, and carbon credits. In international cooperation, he has been involved in policy formulation, institutional design, project implementation, and evaluation. His goal is to contribute to global development through environmental technologies.
Wataru Suzuki

General Manager NYK Line, Green Business Group

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

Joined Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line) in 1999. Since then, engaged in various businesses including car carriers, tankers, and dry bulk carriers. In 2016, seconded to NYK Group Europe Ltd. in London, overseeing European operations.

From 2019, transferred to the Green Business Group and involved in launching offshore wind power–related projects. Appointed as Group General Manager in 2025.**
Wataru Yokota

General Manager Carbon Neutral Business Planning Dept., Carbon Neutral Strategy Div., Isuzu Motors Ltd.

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.
Yasuhiko Hotta

President (APRSCP)/ Research Director, SCP Unit (IGES) Asia Pacific Roundtable for Sustainable Consumption and Production (APRSCP)/ Institute for Global Environmental Strategies

Mutual pitches between city and company representatives on urban issues and technological solutions (Part 2)

Dphil (Ph.D.) in International Relations from the University of Sussex, UK, in 2004. Contributing to various policy initiatives and research projects related to circular economy, marine plastic pollution, and sustainable consumption and production. Received the International Collaboration Award from the Japan LCA Society in 2024. Since 2024, he acts as President of the Asia-Pacific Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and Production (APRSCP) to realize a circular economy and a decarbonized society through mutual government-academia-business collaboration.
Yasuhiro Yamaguchi

Partner Carbon Free Consulting Co., Ltd.

Mutual pitches between city and company representatives on urban issues and technological solutions (Part 1)

Head of Operations and Finance at Carbon Free Consulting Co., Ltd., an environmental and overseas business development consulting firm based in Yokohama.

In collaboration with YUSA(Yokohama Urban Solution Alliance), participated in various infrastructure development and urban planning projects in ASEAN initiated from Yokohama since 2018.

B.A. University of Tokyo, M.A. Macquarie University (Australia).

Background in accounting, business advisory and corporate finance, having worked for leading international consulting firms and investment banks.
Yatsuka Kataoka

Programme Director, City Taskforce Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)

Mutual pitches between city and company representatives on urban issues and technological solutions (Part 2)

After working on environmental technology transfer and capacity-building projects for Southeast Asian countries at the Global Environment Centre Foundation (GEC), Ms. Kataoka joined IGES in 2001. At IGES, she has conducted research on urban water management in Asian cities and managed city-to-city collaboration projects toward a decarbonised society. She is currently engaged in networking and capacity development for local decarbonisation, as well as research on sustainable urban development.
Yuko Uchida

Economic Journalist & CEO INNOVEDIA

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.
Yuri Takeda

Coordinator Yokohama SDGs Design Center

A circular society promoted at GREEN×EXPO 2027

Environmental Journalist
Formerly a newscaster and reporter at TOKYO MX, she later served as a sub-newscaster and reporter for News Wide SAKIDORI! on Bunka Broadcasting and worked as a planner and reporter for Fuji TV’s Environmental Crisis. She conceived the world’s first “wooden straw” made from thinned timber. In addition to her broadcasting work, she contributes articles to magazines and with online. Her publications include the co-authored book The SDGs Textbook: How Teenagers Can Protect the Planet (Seibundo Shinkosha) and her own book Future Chronicle of Climate Change: Predicting Our Planet’s Environmental Future (Tokuma Shoten).
Zita Pels

Deputy Mayor The city of Amsterdam

Opening Session: Promoting Circular Cities (Part 1)
※Video Message

Zita Pels is Deputy Mayor of Amsterdam responsible for Sustainability, Circular Economy, and Animal Welfare. She leads the city’s transition toward a fully circular economy by 2050, focusing on reducing waste, reusing materials, and promoting sustainable procurement. Under her leadership, Amsterdam is pioneering innovative policies and partnerships that combine climate ambition with social inclusion and urban resilience.