Ms Leena Nandan

Distinguished Fellow, Earth Science and Climate Change of TERI

Ms. Leena Nandan is a Distinguished Fellow at the Earth Science and Climate Change Division of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), where she advances research and policy on sustainable development and climate action. 

A retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1987 Uttar Pradesh cadre, she has over 37 years of distinguished experience in public administration, environmental governance, and climate policy. 

She served as Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, and later as Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (2022–2024), leading national initiatives on forest conservation, climate resilience, and environmental management. She is also an accomplished author and holds a Master's degree in Development Management from the Asian Institute of Management, Manila.

Dr. Amr Adly

Principal Investigaor 

Dr. Amr Adly is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at The American University in Cairo (AUC), specializing in political economy, economic sociology, development studies, and the political economy of the Middle East, particularly Egypt. 

He has previously held research and academic positions at the European University Institute, Carnegie Middle East Center, and Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law. 

Dr. Adly is the author of Cleft Capitalism (2020) and State Reform and Development in the Middle East (2012). His work has appeared in leading international journals. He earned his Ph.D. in Political Economy from the European University Institute in Florence, Italy.

Dr. Mohamed El Zayat

Environmental engineer and consultant

Dr. Mohamed El Zayat is an Assistant Professor at The American University in Cairo (AUC), an Instructor at Cairo University, and Regional Manager at Integral Consult for Environmental Solutions. 

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Cairo University and both his Master's and Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from AUC. His research focuses on environmental engineering and sustainability, particularly water and wastewater treatment, solid waste management, air quality, and environmental impact assessment. 

Dr. El Zayat has published widely in international journals and has received several prestigious awards. He currently leads a German-Egyptian Research Fund project on innovative medical waste treatment in collaboration with Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics.

Dr. Novita Ika Putri

Dean, Soegijapranata Catholic University (SCU), Indonesia

Dr. Novita Ika Putri is an Assistant Professor and Vice Dean at the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Soegijapranata Catholic University (SCU), Indonesia. A food scientist and 2025–2026 United Board Fellow, her work focuses on sustainable food systems, climate change mitigation, and community resilience. 

She serves as a consultant for the Fisherfolk Empowerment for Climate Resilience and Sustainability (FOCUS) project, promoting nutrition-sensitive value chains and sustainable food processing for climate-vulnerable coastal communities. 

Her research explores local food security, upcycled food ingredients, and non-thermal food processing technologies that support sustainability. Dr. Putri is committed to advancing innovative, climate-smart solutions that strengthen resilient communities and sustainable agricultural development.

Hari Krishna Nibanupudi

Senior Global Climate Change and Ageing Adviser at HelpAge International

Hari Krishna Nibanupudi is a senior disaster risk reduction and climate change specialist with over 20 years of international experience across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. 

He has held leadership and technical roles with organizations including Oxfam UK, Oxfam America, the World Bank Institute, ICIMOD, UNDP, the Norwegian Refugee Council, and the Swedish Civil Contingency Agency. 

A Climate Reality Leader trained in Houston, Texas, he has received global recognition for his contributions to climate resilience, including the Mary Fran Myers Scholarship and awards for his documentary and published work. He has authored numerous publications and co-edited the Springer volume Mountain Hazards and Disaster Risk Reduction.

Mr. Shivanshu Thapliyal

Head of Department, Srijan, HL Mando (MSI)

Shivanshu Thapliyal is the Head of Department for Srijan, formerly known as AI-Innovation, at HL Mando (MSI) India. As one of the organization’s technology leaders, he drives strategic programs across sustainable mobility, smart manufacturing, engineering automation, and industrial digital transformation.

His major initiatives include LCAgent, a digital platform for product lifecycle assessment and carbon-intelligence decision-making; Smart Factory, focused on intelligent quality monitoring, predictive analytics, and zero-defect manufacturing; and e-HAECHIE, an industrial intelligence platform supporting equipment monitoring, forecasting, data management, and operational decision-making.

His work integrates automotive engineering, sustainability, intelligent manufacturing, edge-cloud technologies, and responsible AI governance. He focuses on transforming complex industrial challenges into secure, scalable, and business-ready solutions that improve engineering efficiency, operational performance, product quality, and environmental outcomes.

Dr. Kumarashvari Subramaniam

Senior Lecturer Discipline Lead – Business (Management, Marketing), British University Vietnam (BUV)

Dr. Kumarashvari Subramaniam is a Senior Lecturer, Academic Ambassador, and Discipline Lead at The Business School, British University Vietnam (BUV). She specializes in digital influence, mobile advertising, and the social psychology of consumer behavior, with expertise developed through her academic career, including her previous tenure at INTI International University, Malaysia. 

Her research examines consumer engagement and the impact of digital media on business strategies and society. Dr. Subramaniam is committed to advancing innovative teaching and research in marketing and consumer behavior while fostering industry-academia collaboration. Her work contributes to a deeper understanding of emerging digital trends and their influence on contemporary consumer decision-making.

Piyush Pawar

Vice President,JP Morgan Chase 

Piyush Pawar is a finance and sustainability professional serving as Vice President in Business Management & Operations Strategy at JPMorgan Chase & Co., where he focuses on investment banking services, sustainability, and ESG initiatives. 

He has previously held leadership positions at Mannai Corporation QPSC, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs, contributing to finance and operations strategy. Alongside his corporate career, he is a Visiting Professor at SKEMA Business School, teaching sustainability and corporate social responsibility. 

Piyush holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Finance & Fintech from SKEMA Business School and a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Christ University, Bangalore, combining industry expertise with academic engagement in sustainable finance.

Dr Jinho Park

Invited Professor, Korea Institute of Science and Technology 

Dr. Jinho Park is a pioneer of the first generation of digital heritage research in South Korea. He has dedicated the past 26 years to leading more than 100 cultural heritage digitalization projects both domestically and internationally. 

His distinguished academic and research career includes serving as a professor at the Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), a researcher at the Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology (AICT) at Seoul National University, and a senior researcher at the KAIST Graduate School of Culture Technology. 

He is also the author of prominent publications, including AI and Digital Heritage and AI and K-Culture Technology.

Dr Sang Gyu Park

CEO, AI Media Corp.

Dr. Sang-Gyu Park is a researcher and content creator specializing in immersive content, media art, and digital heritage in South Korea. Over the past 25 years, he has contributed to the advancement of digital exhibitions and cultural heritage content through numerous projects involving digital heritage, XR, VR, AR, and immersive media technologies.

He received his Ph.D. in Digital Heritage Content Studies from Jungwon University, where he also teaches immersive content technologies.

In the field of AI filmmaking, his works have received six awards at international film festivals in Italy, the United States, Sweden, India, and Chile. He is also the author of AI and Digital Exhibitions.

Dr. Ingy Higazy

Research Director, American University in Cairo - Pathways Beyond Neoliberalism Project

Dr. Ingy Higazy is an Assistant Professor of Middle East Studies and Research Manager for the Pathways Beyond Neoliberalism: Voices from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) project at The American University in Cairo (AUC). 

She holds a Ph.D. in Politics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, specializing in political economy, political theory, and urban geography. Her research examines the intersections of space, power, mobility, and infrastructure, exploring how systems that enable movement for some simultaneously restrict it for others. 

Dr. Higazy's scholarly work has been published in leading journals, including *Environment and Planning D: Society and Space, Politics, The Metropole, and Égypte/Monde Arabe.

Anand Kulkarni

Technical Director of ESG

Anand Kulkarni is a sustainability and ESG expert with over three decades of experience in sustainability strategy, governance, assurance, and sustainable finance. 

He advises organizations on ESG integration, reporting, due diligence, and green and social bond assurance across industries including mining, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, cement, and power. 

His expertise spans leading global frameworks such as GRI, CSRD ESRS, IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, SASB, TCFD, SEBI BRSR, and ISAE 3000. A GRI-, IRCA-, and IEMA-certified trainer, he has trained over 2,000 professionals worldwide. Anand is a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Institution of Engineers (India), Qualified Independent Director, and an active contributor to industry forums promoting credible ESG practices.

Dr. Raghav Parthasarathy

Advocate (Office of Raghav Parthasarathy), Legal Advisor (Karnataka

Dr. Raghav Parthasarathy is an Advocate and legal professional at the National Law School of India University, with expertise in legal research, corporate law, environmental law, and intellectual property. 

He previously served as a Partner at Rex Law Chambers, advising on due diligence, property disputes, corporate transactions, and contract drafting, including shareholder and share subscription agreements. Earlier, he was a Senior Associate at JSM Law Partners and a Judicial Law Clerk at the High Court of Karnataka. Alongside his legal practice, 

Dr. Parthasarathy has served as a Teaching Associate at the National Law School of India University, contributing to legal education, research, and professional training.

Dr. Ali Faran Gulrez

Assistant Professor,Residential Educational Institutions Society)

Dr. Ali Faran Gulrez is a legal scholar specializing in International Environmental Law and Climate Change. He holds a Ph.D. from Mangalayatan University, Aligarh, and a Master's degree in International Law from the University of Sydney, Australia. With over three years of teaching experience, he is actively engaged in legal education and research. 

His academic interests include international environmental law, climate change governance, environmental policy, and commercial arbitration. Dr. Gulrez has presented research papers at leading academic institutions, including Banaras Hindu University and Amity University, and has published in reputed journals. 

His work reflects a strong commitment to advancing scholarship and policy discussions on global environmental and climate issues.

Sakshi M Krishna

Legal Associate (Haranahalli Law Partners), Founder (My Earth), Project Officer (Generation Climate Europe), Project Officer (UN Sustainable, Development Solutions Network)

Ms. Sakshi M. Krishna is a legal and policy professional specializing in climate governance, biodiversity, and environmental justice. She develops legal, advocacy, and policy solutions that connect grassroots communities with global climate frameworks through rights-based, people-centered approaches. 

Her work includes designing capacity-building programs, coordinating multilateral partnerships, developing advocacy toolkits, and facilitating international events and UN side sessions. She has led training and coalition-building initiatives for organizations such as WWF UK, Generation Climate Europe, and My Earth, while supporting public sector dialogues on just transitions and climate accountability. 

Rooted in the Global South, Ms. Krishna is committed to advancing participatory, scalable, and community-driven solutions for sustainable development and environmental governance.

Barghavi Rao

Guest Lecturer (Yale School of Environment), Partner (ILK Labs), Educational Consultant (Institute for Youth and Development), Honorary Visiting, Senior Fellow (IMPRI Impact and Policy Research Institute), Independent Researcher

Bhargavi S. Rao is an Independent Researcher, Educator, and Senior Fellow & Trustee at Environment Support Group, with nearly 30 years of experience in human rights, governance, environmental justice, and community-centered development. Her work integrates law, policy, planning, research, advocacy, and teaching to advance environmental and social justice. She has collaborated with organizations including the Centre for Financial Accountability, Public Health Foundation of India, Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives, United Way, and the Indian Institute of Science. A dedicated educator, she teaches at universities in India and abroad, develops research tools, documents case studies, and works closely with local governments and communities to create inclusive, sustainable, and participatory governance solutions.

Dr. Dhanashree Jayaram

Manipal Institute of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (MISHA)

Dr. Dhanasree Jayaram is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geopolitics and International Relations and Co-coordinator of the Centre for Climate Studies at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), India. 

She is also affiliated with several international research networks, including Earth System Governance and the Climate Security Expert Network. Her research focuses on climate politics, climate diplomacy, environmental security, regional environmental policy, and environmental peacebuilding. 

Dr. Dhanashree has held prestigious fellowships in Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, and has managed international climate diplomacy projects. She is the author of two books on India's environmental leadership and climate diplomacy, contributing significantly to global climate governance scholarship.

Dr Guydeuk Yeon (Chief Chair)

Professor of International Studies, Political Science and History | Director of Centre for Korean Studies | Director of Centre for Digital Innovation,

CHRIST University

Research Interests: Youth Leadership, Socio-Digital Innovation, Indo-Korea Relations

Dr Prerana Srimaal

Assistant Professor, History and Material Culture Studies, CHRIST University | Head of the Department of Liberal Arts, CHRIST University

Research Interests: War and Trauma Narratives, Displaced Populations, Memory and Identity Studies

Dr Vidya Ann Jacob

Assistant Professor, School of Law, CHRIST University

She was a Fulbright-Kalam Doctoral Research Fellow at Lewis & Clark Law School, Portland, USA (2019–20)

Research Interest: SInternational trade, climate change, and environmental law, human rights, urban development law, and climate policy

Dr Sobin Mathew 

Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry,  CHRIST University

He earned his Ph.D. from Pusan National University, South Korea, and later worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the American University of Sharjah, UAE. 

Research Interest: Electrocatalysis and renewable energy, green hydrogen production, water splitting, and CO₂ reduction

Dr Malavika Menon 

Assistant Professor, Department of Department of International Studies, Political Science and History, CHRIST University

She  serves as Coordinator of the Centre for Publications, supporting the University's eight academic journals

Research Interest: Political theory, democracy and ethics, social movements, minority rights, multiculturalism, populism, and religion–state relations

Mrs Eunhee Park

Korean language instructor, Department of Languages, CHRIST University

She serves as a Coordinator of the Centre for Korean Studies. She has been teaching Korean languages since 2007 at the University.

Research Interest: Korean Language Education, Intercultural Communication, Korea–India Cultural Exchange

Dr Embassy Lawbei

Assistant Professor, Liberal Arts & Media Studies, CHRIST University

Research Interests: Conflict and Communication, Media and Insurgency, Communication and Culture, Tribal identity and communication, Media and Human Rights, Media representation

Dr Priscilla N Rozario

Assistant Professor, Historical Studies, CHRIST University

Research Interest:  Geopolitics, Urban Studies, Memory and Identity Studies 

Dr. Aditi Bhartiya

Assistant Professor of Psychology, Liberal Arts, CHRIST University 

Research Interests: Counselling, Social Psychology, Art Therapies

Dr Namrata Borkotoky

Assistant Professor

Liberal Arts, Christ University 

Research interests: Environmental History, Gender and Environment, Business History

Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, CHRIST University. 

Research Interests: Responsible AI, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Computer Vision, Medical Image Processing, Healthcare AI, and Intelligent IoT Systems.

Assistant Research Project Manager, Center for Digital Innovation,

CHRIST university 

Research Interests: Artificial intelligence, Virtual reality, software development, Working on advanced technologies

Bitasa Sain

PhD Scholar, Department of Liberal Arts, CHRIST university 

Research Interests: Food and Identity Studies, Gender Studies, Memory Narratives, Colonial History

Ann Jude Alphons

PhD Scholar, Department of Liberal Arts, CHRIST university

Research Interests: Her areas of research include Dalit studies, Kerala History, and Intellectual History

Divya John

PhD Scholar, Department of Liberal Arts, CHRIST university

Research Interests: Her areas of interests are Memory Narratives, Identity Studies, Gender Studies

Namitha R Holla

PhD Scholar, Department of Liberal Arts, CHRIST university

Research Interests: Gender and intersectionality in the Vijayanagara Empire, Epigraphy, Iconography, Art and Architecture

KD Heingauyile

PhD Scholar, Department of Liberal Arts, CHRIST university

Research Interests: Oral history, collective memory, and indigenous identity among the communities of Northeast India

Ritwik Gupta

PhD Scholar, Department of Liberal Arts, CHRIST university

Research Interest: The impact of the Cold War on the genre of science-fiction

Daksh Gaur

Student, School of Law, CHRIST university

Research Interests: NDPS Law, Cyber Crime, and Foreign Policy

Joel Sanu

Student, School Of Law, CHRIST university

Research Interests: International Relations, Geopolitics, Strategic Affairs, Refugee Law

Rituraj M. Deka

Student, School of Law, CHRIST university

Research Interests: International Law, Constitutional Law, Human Rights, Democracy and Religious Pluralism, International Relations and Foreign Policy