Speakers

Food Insecurity Among Female College Students in Ghana

Food insecurity is a global concern. In Ghana, approximately 72% of Ghanaian women are impacted by food insecurity. Poverty and food shortage are two of the primary causes of food insecurity in Ghana, and they are also the central focus of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals #1 and #2 (No Poverty and Zero Hunger, respectively). Women in Ghana are vital to the country’s food security and economy, as they play a critical role in agricultural production. Women in rural Ghana, for example, have long been recognized for their resourcefulness and contribution to food security by engaging in crop production, yet they still face many challenges related to food insecurity. Food insecurity among college students is on the rise. While existing research has highlighted food insecurity among the general Ghanaian women population, no specific studies have looked at food insecurity among female college students in Ghana. On the back of the growing food insecurity among college students globally, this ongoing study seeks to specifically understand food insecurity among college women in Ghana. Twenty-five female students at the University of Ghana were interviewed for this study, and the preliminary findings indicate that majority of female college students in Ghana struggle with food security due to a myriad of factors, including limited revenue sources or income, inflation and high food prices, dependency on financially struggling families, and the government’s lack of priority of food security in the country.

Dr. Deedat is an associate professor of social work and the current chairperson of the undergraduate social work program at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCUPA). Dr. Deedat holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Ghana and a master’s degree in public health from Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Deedat also earned a dual master’s and doctoral degree in social work from Widener University, Chester, PA. Dr. Deedat has extensive experience in clinical practice in child welfare and social protection. His current teaching and research focus areas include child welfare, mental health, family systems, immigrant and refugee welfare, the intersection of public health and social work, evidence-based social work practice, and international social work. Dr. Deedat recently developed the SWO 493: Public Health Social Work elective at WCUPA and has connected the course to the Experiential Learning in Ghana: Public Health Social Work study abroad program that he directs to Ghana. The study abroad program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to expand their knowledge, worldview, and understanding of social and public health issues, practices, and interventions from a global perspective.

Global oil market under multipolarity

Unipolarity is over. Around 2017 the world shifted to multipolarity. Under unipolarity the United States held a dominant position in the global oil market. It controlled sea lines of communication guaranteeing the free flow of oil around the world, oil was priced in US dollars, and exporters invested a significant portion of their export surpluses in US dollar-denominated assets. This petrodollar system has been one of the pillars of US dominance in the world. Despite the global turn toward renewables, IEA projections show that oil will remain the most important source of energy in years to come. Control over the oil market continues to be an important source of power in international relations, making the discussion on the consequences of the shift from unipolarity to multipolarity very relevant. The change in the distribution of power affects not only the energy security strategies of all great powers, as has already been thoroughly discussed in the literature, but also the market structure itself. In this realism-based paper, I raise the following question: How has the shift from unipolarity to multipolarity impacted the global energy market? I argue that the oil market is going through a transformation. It has been gradually disintegrating, and the United States has been gradually losing its power over it.

Rafał Ulatowski is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies, University of Warsaw. He earned his PhD in Political Science at the University of Bonn in 2011. He has been awarded scholarships by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (Doctoral scholarship, 2007-2011), the German Academic Exchange Service, DAAD (2013 and 2014–2015), the German Institute of Polish Culture (2015), and the French government (2015). His research focuses on German foreign policy and the international political economy. Professor Ulatowski’s research has been published by such journals as Australian Journal of International Affairs, Revista UNISCI, International Affairs, International Political Studies Review and The Washington Quarterly.

Influence of green technological innovation on new product development performance: Mediating role of environmental, social and governance

Green technological innovation (GTI) plays an important role in supporting the strategic goals of new product development (NPD). Although innovation appears to be associated with new product development, research has poorly explained the role of green technological innovation in achieving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues in new product development performance. This lack of clear evidence regarding the value of green technological innovation may be why the implementation of green technological innovation appears limited. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to evaluate the mediating effect of environmental, social, and governance on the relationship between green technological innovation and new product development performance. A survey instrument was developed to measure the implementation of GTI, ESG, and NPD performance in the Taiwanese high-tech industry. The findings indicate that ESG may mediate the effects of ESG on GTI in terms of green learning, green organization, and green planning and NPD performance.

Li-Ren Yang is a professor of Business Administration at Tamkang University. He was born in Taipei City, Taiwan. He received his doctoral degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Yang's research interest is on project management, technology management, and benchmarking strategies.

Smart Bangladesh in Action: Strengthening financial inclusion through a cashless ecosystem

Bangladesh is standing at an important moment in its development journey. Over the last decade and a half, the country has achieved impressive economic growth, reduced poverty, expanded infrastructure, and improved social indicators. Today, the national vision goes beyond growth alone. The goal is to build a Smart Bangladesh—a nation that is technology-driven, knowledge-based, inclusive, and globally connected. One of the most practical and powerful tools to achieve this vision is the development of a cashless ecosystem. A cashless economy does not mean eliminating physical cash completely. Rather, it means reducing reliance on cash by promoting secure, efficient, and affordable digital payment systems. In Bangladesh, the shift toward digital payments is not only a technological change; it is a transformation in financial inclusion, governance, transparency, and economic participation.

Dr. Md Touhidul Alam Khan is the Managing Director & CEO of NRBC Bank PLC, Bangladesh. He has over 33 years of banking experience and previously served as Managing Director & CEO of National Bank bringing a wealth of executive leadership experience, industry expertise, and proven strategic capabilities to his new role. He commenced his distinguished banking career in 1993 as a Senior Officer at Agrani Bank. During his tenure, he contributed to the Financial Sector Reform Project (FSRP) as Monitoring Analyst through earning a "Superior Achievement Certificate" from international consultants for exceptional performance and high-quality deliverables including trainer of Lending Risk Analysis (LRA). Later, he joined at Prime Bank and spearheaded the Syndications and Structured Finance Department. A recognized expert in syndication loans, Dr. Touhid led Bangladesh's first Shariah-based syndication deal and orchestrated the country's largest syndication term loan at that time. He played an instrumental role in establishing local banks and financial institutions as credible lead arrangers in syndication financing. Throughout his illustrious banking career, he subsequently held pivotal leadership positions at different banks, including Prime Bank, Bank Asia, Modhumoti Bank, Standard Bank, and Premier Bank as Chief Business Officer, Chief Risk Officer, Chief Credit Officer and Chief Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer etc. Notre Damian Touhid holds a master's degree in finance from the University of Dhaka, is a fellow member of Institute of Cost & Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB), Institute of Islamic Banking & Insurance, United Kingdom, Basel iii Compliance Professionals Association, USA and Institute of Personnel Management (IPM), Bangladesh. Dr. Touhid is recognized as Bangladesh’s first Certified Sustainability Reporting Assurer (CSRA) and holds a PhD from Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), where his dissertation focused on “Integrated Credit and Sustainability Risk Assessment under Global Reporting Initiative for Banking Sector in Bangladesh.” His deep expertise encompasses both Islamic and conventional banking, with a proven ability to drive operational efficiency, develop and implement effective policies, and build strong stakeholder relationships. He is a frequent contributor to “The Asian Banker” and “Asian Banking & Finance “, Singapore and serves as an International Correspondent for Islamic Finance News, Malaysia, the world’s leading Islamic Finance News Provider. An accomplished academic and thought leader, he has been twice nominated as Associate Editor of “The Cost and Management”—a prestigious journal by ICMAB. His dedication to continuous learning is evident through his active engagement as a moderator and key note speaker in diverse training programmes and conferences, both at national and international scales. His scholarly contributions have earned him numerous national and international accolades, cementing his reputation as a significant personality in finance & banking and sustainable development issues. With over 350 published articles spanning peer-reviewed research in academic journals and thought leadership pieces in prominent national and international newspapers, Dr. Md. Touhidul Alam Khan has established himself as a prolific scholar and influential voice in his field.

Capabilities and Sustainable Competitive Advantage in China’s SMEs

This paper explores how small and medium-sized enterprises in China can use digital capabilities to strengthen their long-term competitiveness while responding to growing sustainability pressures. Set within China’s evolving environmental and industrial policy context, the study examines the strategic role of digital transformation in helping SMEs move beyond efficiency gains and towards more sustainable forms of value creation. The study draws on established strategy and sustainability theories to consider how digital capabilities may support greener organisational practices, innovation-oriented renewal, and improved environmental outcomes. Particular attention is given to the challenges faced by resource-constrained SMEs, which often need to balance technological upgrading, regulatory demands, cost pressures, and market differentiation. By linking digital transformation with environmental and strategic performance, the study contributes to ongoing debates on sustainable competitive advantage in emerging markets. It also offers practical insights for SME managers, policymakers, and support institutions interested in enabling greener, more resilient, and more strategically capable firms in the context of sustainable development.

Dr Ioannis P. Christodoulou is Associate Professor of Strategy at the Graduate School of Management (GSOM), St Petersburg State University, where he also serves as Assistant Academic Director of the Master in Management and Academic Director of the Strategy and Consulting Track. He teaches strategic management, behavioural economics and decision-making, and applied consulting projects across postgraduate and executive programmes. His research focuses on sustainable business models, middle management, strategic decision-making, complexity, strategy-as-practice and emerging-market contexts. He has led GSOM initiatives in curriculum innovation, corporate engagement, international consultancy projects and partnerships, including work with leading firms and international institutions.

Vietnam: Hydrological Hostage and the Case for Rainfall Sovereignty

Vietnam occupies the downstream terminus of the Mekong River, rendering it acutely exposed to the cumulative infrastructure and operational decisions of upstream riparian states. This paper engages with transboundary water sovereignty as a dynamic, relational and structurally embedded condition rather than a fixed legal principle. It extends the hydro-hegemony framework by reconceptualising basin power as a two-sided configuration of upstream hydro-hegemony and downstream hydrological hostage status, and develops a four-criterion diagnostic to identify when downstream vulnerability reaches a condition of structural captivity. These dimensions comprise external dependence (reliance on flows originating outside the state), basin contribution share (the proportion of total basin runoff generated within the state), institutional constraint deficit (the absence of effective rules to limit upstream behaviour), and relational leverage deficit (the lack of bargaining power or strategic alliances to influence upstream actions). Applying this framework, the paper shows that Vietnam meets this threshold. Situating Vietnam’s position within broader geopolitical asymmetries and the legacy of Mekong governance arrangements, the paper uses national water accounting to demonstrate that Vietnam’s gross annual rainfall substantially exceeds total national water demand, revealing that scarcity is structural rather than volumetric. This finding grounds a proposal for a rainfall sovereignty strategy, a reorientation of domestic water governance that could shift Vietnam’s position from existential vulnerability to managed dependence, without displacing the Mekong’s irreplaceable roles in sediment delivery, salinity control and flood‑pulse ecology. The paper concludes by outlining a phased National Rainfall Sovereignty Programme as a concrete institutional and infrastructural response to upstream discretion, reframing sovereignty not as territorial control over shared waters but as domestic adaptive capacity under structural transboundary constraint. It contributes to debates on water sovereignty and the governance implications of multi‑level power asymmetries.

Daniel Cox is the Founder and CEO of the Green Kites International Association. He is a multiple-time medalist in the Australian Mathematics, Informatics, and Chemistry Olympiads, and will represent Australia at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2026. Daniel believes philanthropy should be both impactful and sustainable — working alongside local communities to develop low-cost, practical solutions tailored to their needs. His work spans Australia and Vietnam. In Australia, he founded Miles for Smiles, a running initiative supporting Sydney Children’s Hospital. In 2025, Daniel was a national finalist in the Edstart Achievement Awards in the category of Environmental and Social Impact (Australia). In Vietnam, Green Kites’ contributions to children’s wellbeing were recognised with a Certificate of Award from the Executive Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union in Lào Cai Province, Vietnam. His work has also been featured in major Vietnamese media outlets, including VnExpress and DRT television.

www.greenkitesinternational.com

SDG-Based Biotechnology Innovation: Goat Milk Soap with Mangosteen Peel Extract (Manggiskin Milk Bar) for Supporting Cosmetic Entrepreneurs’ Economic Growth

Goat’s milk has several advantages over cow’s milk, including higher digestibility due to its smaller fat globules and favorable composition of short- and medium-chain fatty acids. In addition, goat’s milk contains higher levels of fluoride, which can act as a natural antiseptic and help inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria [1]. Nutritionally, goat’s milk contains approximately 4.3% protein and 2.8% fat, making it a valuable raw material for functional product development [2]. However, due to its perishable nature, goat’s milk requires proper processing to maintain its quality and extend shelf life. One effective approach is fermentation using lactic acid bacteria, which not only improves preservation but also enhances the functional properties of the product. Fermented goat’s milk has the potential to serve as a source of probiotics and functional food. Functional foods are defined as foods that provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as probiotics, antioxidants, and prebiotics [3]. These components play an important role in preventing degenerative diseases and improving overall health. To further enhance its functional value, mangosteen peel extract can be incorporated into the formulation. Mangosteen rind is rich in xanthones, a class of bioactive compounds with strong antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine properties [4]. Recent studies have shown that the antioxidant activity of xanthones may exceed that of vitamins A, C, and E, making them highly beneficial for protecting the body against oxidative stress [5]. The development of value-added products from natural resources such as goat’s milk and mangosteen peel also aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study supports SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being by promoting the use of natural and functional ingredients that contribute to health improvement. It also contributes to SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production through the utilization of agricultural by-products such as mangosteen peel, thereby reducing waste and encouraging sustainable resource use. Furthermore, the development of eco-friendly skincare products aligns with SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure by fostering innovation in sustainable cosmetic formulations.

Mutimanda Dwisatyadini is a lecturer in the Biology Study Program at Universitas Terbuka, Indonesia. She is actively involved in teaching and academic development in the field of biological sciences, with a strong focus on distance learning education. Her academic interests include microbiology, environmental biology, and applied biological sciences that support sustainable development and community-based learning. She is committed to improving the quality of higher education through innovative and flexible learning systems, particularly in open and distance education contexts. In addition to teaching, she contributes to academic discussions and research activities related to biology education and environmental sustainability. Her work emphasizes the integration of scientific knowledge with practical applications that can be implemented in society. Through her academic role, she aims to support the advancement of biology education and promote scientific literacy among students and the broader community.

The Effects of the SEC’s Proposed Names Rule Amendment on ESG-Labeled Mutual Funds

We examine how ESG-labeled U.S. equity mutual funds respond to the SEC's proposed amendment to Rule 35d-1. Using a within-fund panel design, we find the proposal increased fund-level ESG scores via negative screening, with anticipatory and post-finalization adjustment waves. Effects concentrate among prior greenwashers and funds lacking explicit ESG mandates. Funds also dropped ESG-related name terms. Findings support the rule's effectiveness in disciplining ESG fund labeling.

My research interests are at the intersection of financial accounting, sustainability, and AI in accounting.

Materials Regeneration for Energy and Environmental Sustainability

Materials are the enablers of all kinds of technologies we rely on today to support human life and happiness. With global population approaching ten billion by the middle of this century, scientific advances have to keep pace to maintain the materials availability. Metals and materials production from primary sources, such as ore, are highly energy intensive, expensive and environmentally unfriendly. Materials are non-renewable and, therefore, their supply is limited. Post-consumer as well as manufacturing wastes are valuable secondary resources. Most structural and functional materials used today can be regenerated and put back into service at a much lower cost and energy consumption through conscious reuse, recycling and recovery programs. Most production wastes, such as mineral processing tailings, mechanical processing swarfs and solid pyrometallurgical processing effluents, as well as, post-consumer wastes from the aerospace, automotive, energy-storage and electronic industries, present tremendous opportunities to improve resource productivity. To ensure secure materials supply and attenuate supply-demand imbalance, it is of utmost importance to look at opportunities to regenerate materials from secondary sources and put them back to use. This presentation will describe case-studies of technological developments, that will form the basis for an energy efficient technological pathway.

Dr. Brajendra Mishra is the Kenneth G. Merriam Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Program Director of Materials & Manufacturing Engineering, and Director of the Metal Processing Institute at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute [WPI]. Dr. Mishra is the Director of the National Science Foundation’s Industry/University Collaborative Research Center on Resource Recovery & Recycling. Brajendra received his Bachelor of Technology degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in Kharagpur, India and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Prior to joining WPI, Prof. Mishra was a Professor of Corrosion and Physico-chemical Processing in Metallurgical & Materials Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines [CSM] where he now serves as a University Emeritus Professor.

Role of Incentivized Funding of Microfinance Institutions in Bangladesh

The primary mission of microfinance institutions is to extend credit to poor households who lack access to formal financial markets. While MFIs have increasingly relied on institutional borrowing to finance their operations, the governance implications of distinct funding regimes have received limited empirical attention. This study examines the impact of institutional funding composition on the performance of MFIs in Bangladesh, with particular emphasis on the distinction between incentivized apex refinancing and market-based borrowing. Using an unbalanced panel of 81 MFIs over fiscal years 2013–2014 through 2022–2023, comprising 488 MFI-year observations, the analysis employs fixed effects and random effects panel estimators, with model selection guided by the Hausman test. The funding architecture is decomposed into deposits, equity, surplus, donations, and institutional borrowing. Institutional funding constitutes the dominant financing source across the sample period, while donations represent an economically negligible share of total assets. The empirical results show that aggregate institutional funding is positively associated with gender and geographic outreach but exerts adverse effects on operating efficiency. Upon disaggregation, commercialization pressures reflected in larger average loan sizes and higher administrative costs are attributable primarily to market-based funding, while apex refinancing reinforces mission-aligned outreach without generating significant cost burdens.

Tanweer Hasan is the "Rolf Weil Professor of Finance", at the Heller College of Business, Roosevelt University, in Chicago, IL, USA.

From Values to Virtue: A Means-End Chain Analysis of Green Product Consumption Intentions among Gen Y and Gen Z in Thailand

This study leverages the Means-End Chain (MEC) approach to bridge Consumer Value Theory (utilitarian and hedonic) and Uses and Gratifications Theory (U&G), providing a holistic lens to explore the drivers of green attitudes and behaviors. Through in-depth interviews with 40 Gen Y and Gen Z participants in Thailand, this research identifies distinct generational nuances despite a shared environmental consciousness.These findings underscore that fostering environmental literacy is essential to translating awareness into actionable consumption. This research offers critical insights for policymakers and marketers seeking to strategically promote green products within the Thai market.

Yi-Fen Chen is a professor in the Department of International Business at the Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan. Her research interests include Internet marketing, consumer behavior, electronic commerce, and tourism management. Her paper appeared in Psychology & Marketing, Computers in Human Behavior, Electronic Commerce Research, and others.

Official Development Aid and Multilateral Procurement Market: Promoting the involvement of SMEs

Different interactions and connections between development aid and private firms’ activity can be developed to foster sustainable development. Recent data point to an increasing role of the private sector on international development aid, particularly through the participation of private companies in development aid projects financed by multilateral institutions. However, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) face substantial barriers to accessing the multilateral procurement market, limiting their contribution to sustainable development outcomes. This study examines the drivers and barriers of SME access to the multilateral procurement market. Using an in-depth qualitative case study supported by secondary data and primary information obtained through semi-structured interviews with project stakeholders (i.e.: companies, multilateral financial institutions, consulting firms, foreign trade agencies, industrial clusters) the research identifies the main barriers and enabling mechanisms shaping SMEs’ engagement in aid projects financed by multilateral institutions. The findings reveal the importance of institutional support, strategic market surveillance, accumulated experience and track record, networking and business cooperation, and direct engagement with final clients as key enablers of SME inclusion. The study discusses policy implications for enhancing SME participation in aid-funded procurement and highlights its relevance for sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Professor of Business Administration, specializing in international business. Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, Tourism and Social Sciences of the University of Oviedo (Spain). PhD in International Business (University of Oviedo), bachelor’s in finance (University of Wisconsin) and Economics (University of Oviedo). Teaching and research activity focused on business international growth: market selection, institutional support, intercultural negotiations, international growth process, born globals/international new ventures, exports, vertical and horizontal strategic alliances, international tenders and multilateral markets, foreign direct investments (wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions). Research results published in numerous articles in indexed scientific journals and presented at prestigious international conferences.

From Air to Resilience: Atmospheric Water Generation for Water Security in Remote Military Operations and Climate-Vulnerable Areas

Water security is increasingly recognized as a critical component of climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and human security. Remote operational areas frequently face challenges related to water transportation, infrastructure limitations, and environmental uncertainty. These challenges are particularly significant in locations where continuous access to safe drinking water is essential for operational readiness and emergency response. This presentation introduces PIRUN (Air-to-Water Generator), a decentralized atmospheric water generation system designed to produce clean drinking water directly from ambient air. The technology was recently demonstrated and evaluated in a field deployment at a military operational site under the 2nd Army Region of Thailand in Surin Province. The field trial explored the practicality of atmospheric water generation as an alternative and supplementary water source in remote environments where conventional water supply systems may be constrained. The system integrates atmospheric water harvesting technology with modular deployment capability, allowing operation in diverse field conditions while minimizing dependence on transported water resources. The presentation will discuss deployment experiences, operational observations, water quality verification, and the broader implications of atmospheric water generation for climate adaptation, disaster response, humanitarian operations, and critical infrastructure resilience. The PIRUN case illustrates how decentralized water technologies can strengthen water security and contribute to Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Dr. Worakamol Meepiarn is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Energy & Resources Co., Ltd., a sustainability-focused enterprise developing innovative solutions for water, food, and energy resilience. Her work centers on translating emerging technologies into practical applications that strengthen climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development. She leads the development of PIRUN, an atmospheric water generation system designed to provide decentralized water access in remote, resource-constrained, and climate-vulnerable environments. Recent field deployments include operational testing with military units in Thailand to evaluate water resilience solutions for remote field conditions. Her professional interests include ESG implementation, climate resilience, water security, circular economy practices, and innovation for sustainable development.

Guyana's Public Investment Needs and SDGs

Guyana has recently discovered oil and therefore has substantial revenues available for investment. But how best to gauge investment needs? This presentation proposes to align Guyana’s public investment expenditures with the attainment of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in major sectors: education, health, infrastructure, water and sanitation, and energy. It compares the cost of achieving SDG targets for Guyana against a middle-performing group based on per capita cost functions for the sectors incorporating population density as an additional cost factor in achieving the targets. Estimation results support the importance of correcting for differences in population density. Correcting Guyana’s sector expenditures to account for higher costs of producing one unit of SDG services, the country reaches the expenditure level of middle-performing countries by 2030.

Alun Thomas is currently working on Guyana at IMF Headquarters following assignments as the IMF Resident Representative in both Rwanda and the Republic of Congo. Prior to joining the Western Hemisphere Department, he worked extensively on Sub-Saharan African countries and has a strong research record with recent papers focused on food security in Nigeria, structural transformation and the future of employment in SSA. He is a UK (Welsh) national and holds a PhD from MIT.

Enhanced Recovery and Crystallization of Nickel as Low-moisture Pellet from Industrial Nickel-contained wastewater in Fluidized Bed Reactor

In the modern industrial landscape, nickel-laden wastewater from the electroplating and printed circuit board (PCB) sectors poses severe environmental and regulatory challenges. Traditional chemical precipitation effectively meets discharge limits but generates massive quantities of low-density, high-moisture amorphous sludge that is difficult to dewater and costly to dispose of. This study addresses the issue by implementing Fluidized-Bed Homogeneous Crystallization (FBHC) technology as a high-efficiency alternative for nickel removal and resource recovery. Utilizing a customized, high-aspect-ratio Fluidized-Bed Reactor and sodium hydroxide as the precipitating agent, critical hydrodynamic and chemical parameters—including pH, up-flow velocity, and reflux ratio—were optimized to promote homogeneous nucleation while suppressing fines. Under the optimized conditions of pH 8.9, an up-flow velocity of 65 m/h, and a reflux ratio of 13, the FBHC system achieved a remarkable nickel removal efficiency of approximately 98%. The process effectively eliminates amorphous sludge by transforming dissolved nickel ions into dense, high-purity, low-moisture crystalline pellets. This granular byproduct improves solid-liquid separation and reduces total waste volume, offering a sustainable, economically viable circular economy solution that transforms heavy metal waste into valuable raw materials for industrial recycling.

Dr. Kai-Yang Chang is currently a faculty member in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Feng Chia University. Dr. Chang is dedicated to the development of various wastewater treatment technologies, with a particular focus on the recovery and reuse of aquatic resources. By leveraging the characteristics of these resources and optimizing technological processes, he aims to alleviate the challenges of treating complex multi-pollutant wastewater and mitigate the scarcity of raw materials through appropriate physicochemical treatment methods. Among his research interests, the application of fluidized-bed homogeneous crystallization (FBHC) technology enables the removal of ions from water and their recovery as granular products; if the purity is further enhanced, these products hold the potential to be reused as industrial raw materials, thereby achieving the goal of "turning waste into treasure." In addition to its application in treating inorganic industrial wastewater, Dr. Chang has in recent years directed his research efforts toward expanding this technology into fields such as the treatment of organically chelated wastewater, carbon dioxide capture, and the resource utilization of sea brine, striving to refine the processes and increase the feasibility of full-scale plant implementation.

Adsorption of Heavy Metal Ions onto Carbonaceous Materials Produced from Vegetable Biomass

Food waste recycling is an important strategy for achieving environmental sustainability and resource efficiency. This presentation focuses on the use of coffee-derived biomass as an eco-friendly adsorbent for the removal of lead ions (Pb²⁺) from drinking water. The adsorption characteristics of coffee grounds were evaluated through adsorption isotherm studies, adsorption kinetics, and analyses of fat and protein contents. The results demonstrated that adsorption capacity was not influenced by coffee variety or temperature, while degreasing, boiling, and protein denaturation significantly reduced adsorption performance. These findings indicate that proteins present in coffee grounds play a critical role in the adsorption mechanism. The adsorption capacity remained stable within the temperature range of tap water, suggesting practical applicability. This study highlights the potential of reusing protein-rich food waste as a sustainable and cost-effective adsorbent for heavy metal removal from water and contributes to the development of environmentally friendly waste management technologies.

Prof. Naohito Kawasaki, Ph.D., is a Professor at Kindai University, Japan, specializing in environmental chemistry, adsorption science, and pharmaceutical sciences. His research has focused on the development of sustainable technologies for environmental remediation, particularly the use of biomass-derived adsorbents for the removal of heavy metals and emerging contaminants from water. He has published more than 200 peer-reviewed articles in international journals and has contributed extensively to the fields of adsorption technology, green pharmaceutical analysis, and resource recycling. His recent studies include smartphone-assisted analytical methods, environmentally friendly pharmaceutical quality control, and innovative drug delivery systems. He has established international research collaborations throughout Asia and has supervised numerous graduate students and young researchers. His work aims to promote sustainable solutions that integrate environmental protection, public health, and pharmaceutical sciences.

Integrating Life Cycle Assessment and Ecosystem Services for Supply Chain Nature Dependency Assessment: A Case Study of a Taiwanese Technology Company

With half of the global GDP dependent on nature, the 2023 TNFD recommendations have urged corporations to address nature-related risks. However, traditional supply chain assessments often rely on global databases that lack localized data. To bridge this gap, this study integrates Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Ecosystem Services (ES) to develop a localized nature dependency assessment framework. Using a Taiwanese technology company as a case study, this research employs supplier questionnaires, procurement-based weighting, and the ENCORE database for validation. The findings identify Water Flow Regulation, Water Supply, and Storm Mitigation as the three primary ecosystem service dependencies within the supply chain. These results highlight a critical reliance on water-related services and climate regulation, emphasizing the need for companies to strengthen supplier management practices related to water risks and extreme weather events.

Ting-Yi Liu is a master’s student in the Institute of Environmental Engineering and Management at National Taipei University of Technology, Taiwan. Her current research interests focus on integrating Life Cycle Assessment and Ecosystem Services to evaluate supply chain nature dependencies and corporate risks.

Indigenous governance as sustainable development infrastructure: Field evidence from three community systems

This presentation examines Indigenous governance systems as sustainable development infrastructure through field evidence from three geographically and culturally distinct communities: Maasai pastoralists in Tanzania, Amazigh pastoral households in Morocco, and Chorotega ceramic practitioners in Nicaragua. Drawing on nearly a decade of direct engagement with Indigenous communities, the research identifies a shared governance architecture that performs four essential functions: access, coordination, continuity, and knowledge transmission. The presentation argues that these functions meet the criteria of infrastructure when infrastructure is understood not only as physical assets but as systems that organize and sustain collective life. Across all three cases, governance systems maintain water access, shelter production, material sourcing, livelihood continuity, and intergenerational knowledge transfer while adapting to changing environmental conditions. The findings suggest that Indigenous governance systems should be recognized as development assets in their own right rather than as cultural context surrounding development interventions. The presentation concludes with implications for development practice, including how governments, NGOs, and funders can identify, support, and avoid unintentionally disrupting governance systems that are already producing sustainable development outcomes.

Stephanie Zabriskie is a global development strategist, finance executive, and philanthropic innovator working at the intersection of governance, sustainable development, and community-led systems. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Humanculture, an Indigenous-led 501(c)(3) organization supporting community-governed solutions in water access, food security, education, health, livelihoods, and women’s economic autonomy across the Global South. With more than two decades of experience in international development, public–private partnerships, and large-scale development initiatives, her work connects systems strategy with Indigenous governance and locally led solutions. Her current research draws on direct engagement with Maasai pastoralists in Tanzania, Amazigh communities in Morocco, and Chorotega ceramic practitioners in Nicaragua to examine Indigenous governance as sustainable development infrastructure.

www.humanculture.org

Maintaining Centrality: ASEAN's Evolving Institutional Strategy on the Climate Change Agenda

This paper examines how the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has constructed and maintained its centrality in the climate change governance agenda across 15 ASEAN Joint Statements on Climate Change issued between 2007 and 2025. ASEAN occupies a structurally constrained position in global climate governance: it cannot impose, compel, or legislate on climate change. What it can do is claim, frame, and legitimate. Using discourse tracing and van Leeuwen's legitimation framework as analytical tools, this study advances two core findings. First, ASEAN centrality in the climate change domain is not asserted but accumulated — constructed through a nested legitimation structure in which the prior legitimation of ASEAN's collective climate agenda is a necessary discursive precondition for any centrality claim. Second, this centrality is not static. It has evolved across three phases driven primarily by internal institutionalization, compounding crises, and physical climate escalation rather than by the Paris Agreement as a critical juncture alone. These findings offer broader implications for how regional organizations can build institutional authority incrementally in domains, such as climate change governance, where hard power is structurally unavailable.

Ms. Claire Ed Cañete Bacong is a candidate in the Master of Arts Program in Asia Pacific Futures and Strategic Foresight (International Program), formerly MA in Asia Pacific Studies, at the Thammasat Institute of Area Studies, Thammasat University. Her current research focuses on ASEAN institutional discourse, regional climate governance, and legitimation theory. Her study has been conducted under the supervision of her thesis adviser, Assoc. Prof. Sida Sonsri.

Naturally Derived Heterostructure Electrocatalysts for Sustainable Green Hydrogen Generation

Hydrogen is widely recognized as a promising clean energy carrier for achieving a sustainable and low-carbon future. However, the development of efficient, durable, and economically viable electrocatalysts remains a key challenge for large-scale hydrogen production. This presentation focuses on the design and fabrication of environmentally benign electrocatalysts derived from naturally abundant resources for hydrogen evolution applications. A novel calcium fluoride (CaF₂)/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) heterostructure was developed using naturally sourced fluorite through a simple hydrothermal synthesis route. By combining the chemical stability of fluorite with the favorable electronic properties of g-C₃N₄, the resulting composite exhibits enhanced charge transfer characteristics and improved electrocatalytic performance in alkaline media. The study highlights the role of interfacial engineering in improving hydrogen evolution activity while maintaining catalyst stability and sustainability. The findings demonstrate the potential of mineral-based composite materials as low-cost and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional noble-metal catalysts, contributing to the advancement of green hydrogen technologies and sustainable energy systems.

Manisha Sain is a Ph.D. Research Scholar in the School of Environmental Science and Engineering at IIT Kharagpur, India, under the supervision of Dr. Shamik Chowdhury. Her research focuses on the development of sustainable nanomaterials for environmental remediation and clean energy applications, with particular emphasis on photocatalytic degradation of emerging contaminants and electrocatalytic hydrogen production. Her work involves the design of carbon nitride-based heterostructures and mineral-derived composite materials for enhanced photocatalytic and electrochemical performance. She has published research articles in reputed international journals and has presented her work at national and international conferences. Her current research aims to advance sustainable technologies for water treatment and green hydrogen generation, contributing to the global transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.

SQUID-C: STEAM-Based Squid Fishing Village Development for Capture Fishermen

This session, presented by Dr. Lis Melissa Yapanto, introduces SQUID-C, an innovative model for developing sustainable squid fishing villages. Rooted in the STEAM approach (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), the project moves beyond traditional fisheries management to integrate creative and educational strategies for community empowerment. By bridging local ecological knowledge with modern scientific practices and artistic engagement, SQUID-C fosters a holistic and participatory development framework. This model aims to enhance the resilience and economic viability of capture fishing communities through capacity building, diversification of livelihoods, and environmental stewardship. The presentation will explore how this interdisciplinary methodology can transform traditional fishing villages, contributing to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting sustainable consumption and production, fostering innovation, and building sustainable communities. It serves as a scalable and replicable strategy for empowering coastal communities in Indonesia and beyond.

I am doctoral in aquatic resource management. Lecturer in Indonesia Open University.

Climate Change will reshape the hydroclimatic conditions of Tropical High-Elevation Ecosystems worldwide

The presentation turns to some of the planet's most biodiverse yet least understood ecosystems: Humid High-elevation Tropical Environments (páramos, jalca, and moorlands, found across the Neotropics, Afrotropics, and Australasia). These ecosystems supply freshwater to millions and host extraordinary endemic biodiversity, yet until now, no global assessment examined how climate change may reshape the hydroclimatic conditions that sustain them.
This study aims to fill this gap, using a six-model ensemble of downscaled CMIP6 climate projections under a high-emissions scenario to quantify how far future conditions may push seven high-elevation ecoregions beyond their present-day hydroclimatic envelopes. The results are striking: northern South America emerges as the most threatened region, with Venezuela's Cordillera de Mérida Páramo facing a complete breach of its historical climate space by 2100. Globally, only 15% of these ecosystems are projected to remain climatically safe, while roughly half will face high to critical vulnerability. The research shares a spatially explicit vulnerability framework with direct implications for conservation planning, climate adaptation policy, and ecosystem management in tropical mountain regions worldwide.

Nicola Clerici, speaker at 12th Sustainable Development Conference [SDC2026], 17-19 of July 2026, Bangkok, Thailand

Nicola Clerici is a Full Professor at the Department of Biology at Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia, where he leads the “Geospatial Ecology and Ecosystem Services Lab”. He holds a Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Parma and the European Commission Joint Research Centre, and an M.Sc. in Remote Sensing from University College London.
His research applies Earth Observation data and geospatial analysis to landscape ecology, focusing on modeling terrestrial habitats, tracking landscape change trajectories, and developing spatially explicit indicators for ecosystem services. His work spans deforestation dynamics, habitat connectivity and fragmentation, high Andean forest ecosystems, and the impacts of climate change on tropical high-elevation environments, with a strong policy-engagement dimension in conservation discussions across Latin America.
With over 85 publications prof. Clerici serves as Associate Editor for the Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation and Landscape and Urban Planning journals.

Gaia (Earth) Systems: An Integrated Regenerative Development Model for Small Island Contexts

This paper examines an integrated sustainability systems model in Dreketi, Vanua Levu, Fiji, combining biomimicry-based design, permaculture, agroforestry, regenerative bamboo systems, organic farming, and phased land-based financing. Using a case-study methodology supported by staged development modelling, it analyses how value-added nutraceutical production can generate early cashflows to support subsequent phases of regenerative infrastructure, including eco-tourism and wellness facilities. The system evolves through diversified planting incorporating turmeric, ginger, moringa, cacao, and kava, while bamboo is cultivated for nursery development, ecological restoration, and low-impact construction. A dark-sky eco-retreat and a turtle-inspired wellness centre provide a biomimetic architectural focal point grounded in Fiji’s ecological and cultural context. Early-stage validation includes scaled wind tunnel testing of the biomimetic form and a sponsored doctoral research stream on bamboo structural performance. The wider development integrates 100% off-grid energy, water, and waste systems to enhance resilience and reduce dependence on centralized infrastructure. The paper argues that regenerative development in small island contexts becomes more viable when agriculture, infrastructure, materials, and cultural identity are designed as one interconnected system, and proposes a replicable framework for land-based regenerative financing in climate-vulnerable regions.

Darius Singh, speaker at 12th Sustainable Development Conference [SDC2026], 17-19 of July 2026, Bangkok, Thailand

Dr Darius Singh is the Founder and Director of the multi-award winning Chrysalis Group in NZ and Blue Phoenix Group in Fiji. With nearly 30 years of leadership experience across engineering, academia and business, his career has included senior engineering roles with Ford Motor Company New Zealand and its global Tier 1 supplier, professorial and research leadership positions, and the development of innovative commercial enterprises. He holds BSc (Hons), Master of Engineering and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Auckland, together with an MBA in Technology Management.
Dr Singh is the creator of the Gaia (Earth) Systems regenerative development model, an integrated framework being implemented on a 250-acre regenerative estate in Fiji. His work combines regenerative agriculture, biomimicry, renewable energy, conservation, wellness and land-based financing to demonstrate how commercially viable enterprises can restore ecosystems, strengthen rural communities and build climate resilience in small island developing states. In 2026, this work was internationally recognised when Blue Phoenix Group received the Green World Awards' Champion of Champions Award, the organisation's highest honour.