Just Energy Transition Strategies for Inclusion and Sustainability

Dr. Farhad Taghizadeh-Hesary is an Associate Professor at the Research Institute for Environment and Sustainability (TRIES) at Tokai University in Tokyo, Japan, and Vice-President of the International Society for Energy Transition Studies (ISETS). He also serves as Chief Economist at Climate Finance Asia and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management. In 2024-5, he led a project to draft Just Transition guidelines for banks, commissioned by a group of leading global banks, international organizations, and philanthropic foundations. In 2023, he was awarded the Medal and Commendation for Science and Technology by Japan's Minister of Education for his contributions to renewable energy finance. Recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate Analytics, Dr. Taghizadeh-Hesary has authored over 400 academic papers and book chapters, as well as 30 books, primarily focusing on energy transition, policy, finance, and sustainability. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from Keio University in Japan.

Dr. Yang Liu a Senior Energy Economist at the World Bank, based in Washington, D.C., United States. He specializes in infrastructure finance, energy market design, energy efficiency, and climate policy. Leading lending operations, reform-based financing, and technical assistance, he plays a key role in shaping global policies on energy security, clean energy transition, subsidy reform, and decarbonization by integrating technology, policy, and finance with economic and social dimensions. With over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, Dr. Liu’s work is widely recognized, and he has co-edited two books. He also serves as the guest editor for leading energy journals including Energy Economics. His work advances sustainable and equitable energy solutions for emerging markets, with a strong focus on Africa.

Dr. Ehsan Rasoulinezhad is an Associate Professor of Economics at the Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, Iran. With research expertise in energy economics and policy fields, he plays a leading role as a member of the "Sustainable Development" research core at the University. He has over 200 publications in SSCI, SCI, and ESCI journals and was included in the top 2% of scientists in 2023 (Stanford University). Furthermore, Dr. Rasoulinezhad is a member of the Science Elite Club at the University of Tehran and was bestowed with the title of Distinguished Professor at the 10th Education Festival of the University in 2023. He was also honored as the Distinguished Researcher at the 30th Festival of Technology and Research at the University of Tehran in 2022. In addition to his journal articles, Dr. Rasoulinezhad has authored several books.