Levent Toprak

Levent Toprak first gained experience in innovation and transport at Daimler AG in Berlin. He expanded his knowledge of smart mobility when he joined the Innovation Centre for Mobility and Societal Change (InnoZ), and supported the innovation activities of the Deutsche Bahn. He was also responsible for realizing innovative concepts and managing various partners from the fields of science, politics, economics and academics. He also applied his experience in innovative mobility projects to a more international framework within the Sustainable Mobility Project at GIZ. 

Melissa Pizana-Cruz

As National Project Coordinator and Advisor for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Management Systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, ISO 26000), Melissa Pizana-Cruz does capacity development for management systems and best practices for the ASEAN Ports and serves as the CSR expert responsible for the management and organization of activities to support the implementation of the Sustainable Port Development Project in the Philippines and other ASEAN countries. 

Bertrand Goalou

Bertrand GOALOU is leading urban transport and railways initiatives in the Transport Sector Office at the Asian Development Bank, with a focus on Emerging Areas in the context of decarbonization of Transport. With more than 24 years of experience in the sector, Bertrand’s expertise covers all stages of the project cycle. He joined ADB in 2010 and devised sustainable urban transport projects in Central West Asia, promoting innovation and a transformative approach.

Stephanie Sophie Pons-Dechent

Stephanie Sophie Pons-Dechent has theoretical and practical experience in international trade and development cooperation, particularly in natural resources, transport and mobility, urban infrastructure, and rural development. She obtained her master’s degree from the Goethe University Frankfurt and her bachelor’s degree from The Berlin School of Economics and Law.

R. A. Rajeev

Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Maharashtra cadre, 1987 Batch. He has retired on 31st May 2021 after serving the Government for thirty-four years. In his service career of thirty-four years, he has worked for twelve years in urban development, four years in the environment, and four years in finance in addition to other sectors at State as well as Central government levels.

Waltraut Ritter

Waltraut Ritter is founder of Knowledge Dialogues, specializing in research and advisory services relating to innovation, knowledge and intellectual capital across the Asia‐Pacific region and Europe. She works on innovation projects at the intersection between universities, government, business and civil society. Recent projects included an analysis of Open Data strategies in Asia, a resilient city indicator assessment, as well as building public sector capabilities in Myanmar. She also regularly contributes to knowledge‐economy research of UNESCAP, UNESCO and OECD.