Speakers

Speech Title : Machine Learning and Remote Sensing for Coastal Inundation Monitoring with Multi-Source Data Fusion

Dr. Zhang Yue earned her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Guelph, Canada (2024), where her research focused on streamflow forecasting and machine learning, graduating with a GPA of 4.0/4.0. She also holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University, USA, with a minor in Statistics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Engineering from Wuhan University of Technology, China. Her research expertise lies in hydrological forecasting, spatiotemporal attention models, GNSS-R signal processing, AI-based environmental monitoring systems, and multi-source data fusion. She has led and contributed to several funded projects, including marine foreign object monitoring systems, seawater intrusion early warning systems, and hybrid LSTM-GRU models for flood and streamflow prediction. Currently, she is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China), where she coordinates international collaborative projects and contributes to Earth observation initiatives. She has also served as a Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant, with experience in systems and control theory, electronic devices, embedded systems, and machine learning applications.

Speech Title : Adaptation to Climate Change in Arid Regions: Evaluating the Role of Spatial Digital Twins to support Decision Making in Urban Environments

Prof. Dr. Hardy Pundt completed his PhD 1995 at the University of Münster, Germany, in the interdisciplinary field between landscape ecology and computer science. He added his habilitation in 2003. He holds a professorship for Geoinformatics at the University of Applied Sciences in Wernigerode where he teaches Geoinformation Science. He carried out research in more than 30 national and international projects. Currently, he is vice-president for transfer and digitalization. He published more than 100 papers in English and German language and has been serving as reviewer for various reputed journals, as well as project applications.

Speech Title : Solving Climate Challenges through Earth Observation and Geoscience

Pamela is geoscientist, decorated writer and the first Filipina Erasmus Mundus scholar of the Copernicus Masters in Digital Earth with a specialization in Geovisualization and Geocommunication. With her advocacy for mobilizing youth climate action, Pamela serves as the Storytelling Lead of Youth Strike 4 Climate Philippines and Project Director for the Sponge City for SEA, and previously worked with the Climate Change Commission of the Philippines. Recently, she was one of the Leaders of Tomorrow by the esteemed St. Gallen Symposium and UN Geneva Graduate Program. She is a graduate from the University of the Philippines – Diliman where she obtained the Chancellor’s Award and is recognized in both local and international competitions, with achievements from institutions such as the Oxford, Royal Society of Chemistry, Magna Carta Observatory, and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Speech Title : Empowering Youth as Catalysts for Climate Action Through Environmental Science: Advancing Resilient and Sustainable Communities

Aron Sanga is an Environmental Scientist and Programs Manager at Climate Hub Tanzania, a dynamic youth-led organization dedicated to advancing climate resilience, gender equality, and sustainable environmental practices. With over three years of experience in environmental research, project management, and climate advocacy, he has led and supported impactful initiatives focused on waste management, renewable energy, and climate education across Tanzania. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Management from Ardhi University. His academic research explored the cogeneration of biogas and bioelectricity using microbial fuel cells powered by cow urine and fecal sludge—an innovative approach contributing to sustainable energy solutions. In his role at Climate Hub Tanzania, Aron has designed and implemented more than 15 projects promoting climate literacy, zero-waste systems, and women’s leadership in climate action. He has also played a key role in mobilizing funding and developing gender-responsive climate strategies at both local and national levels. His work gained international recognition from the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) during COP29 in Baku, where he led the organization of Tanzania’s first Lighthouse Event as part of the Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day. Aron is committed to bridging the gap between policy, research, and practice by collaborating with government institutions, NGOs, academic bodies, and media platforms to amplify youth-driven environmental solutions. His passion lies in leveraging science, technology, and inclusive leadership to address climate change and advance sustainable development across Africa.

Speech Title : Studying physiological reactions of saffron under changes in climatic

Mohammad Hashim Aslami is a Rural Development Expert, Natural Resource Management Specialist, and Saffron Production Consultant from Herat, Afghanistan, with over four decades of experience in agriculture, sustainable livelihoods, dryland farming, and community-based natural resource management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Extension from Kabul University and an MBA in Business Management from Pardisan Academy, Iran, along with specialized certifications in organic agriculture, saffron production, and water resource management. Mr. Aslami has worked extensively in rural development, agribusiness, value chain development, social forestry, and sustainable alternative livelihood programs. His expertise includes saffron production, processing, marketing, applied agricultural research, watershed management, and community mobilization. He has conducted numerous studies and assessments for international organizations, including the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), ICBA, and the Asian Development Bank, focusing on livelihood improvement, saffron value chains, watershed management, land use mapping, and rangeland management. A recognized researcher and author, he has published works on saffron production, desertification, and dryland vegetation management. His research has highlighted the socioeconomic impacts of saffron cultivation, women’s livelihoods, water harvesting techniques, and sustainable alternatives to poppy cultivation. Mr. Aslami has also presented his work at international conferences in Italy and India.

Speech Title : Concluding Application of DISA: Weather guided potato production management reduces pesticide application

Mutangana Kabera Diogene is a Rwandan development professional, Project Management specialist, and climate-smart agriculture practitioner with expertise in environmental sustainability, community development, agricultural innovation, and youth empowerment. He is experienced in project management, research coordination, and stakeholder engagement within civil society and development programmes. As Executive Secretary of Rwanda Youth Organizations Forum (RYOF), he has demonstrated leadership in youth mobilization, institutional coordination, and development advocacy. Mr. Kabera has also contributed to Rwanda’s climate resilience and digital agriculture agenda through research and implementation of innovative weather-guided potato production systems that promote sustainable farming, climate adaptation, environmental protection, and community resilience.