From Waste to Climate Solutions: Circular Economy and Methane Action in South and Southeast Asia

Jihyun Kang is a Program Manager at the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), where she leads regional climate cooperation initiatives across ASEAN. She currently manages the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation for Methane Mitigation (AKCMM) programme, overseeing policy dialogue, technical cooperation, and implementation of methane mitigation initiatives in partnership with ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, and international organizations.
Prior to joining GGGI, Ms. Kang worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, where she contributed to climate diplomacy, multilateral environmental cooperation, and ASEAN development cooperation. She also has experience as a consultant and researcher supporting climate change, sustainable development, and climate–health nexus projects.

Mr. Norbu Wangchuk serves as the Director General of the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), bringing over two decades of experience in leadership, governance, and sustainable development.

Mr. Wangchuk holds advanced degrees in business management and education and is a certified trainer in emotional intelligence. He is widely recognized for his ability to foster collaboration, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and lead with integrity and inclusivity.

Prior to joining SACEP, Mr. Wangchuk held senior leadership positions within the Royal Government of Bhutan, where he played a key role in advancing national development priorities. His work focused on strategic planning, policy coordination, and institutional development across various sectors, including education, energy, and public administration.

He has been involved in several national and regional initiatives supporting renewable energy adoption, infrastructure improvements, and environmentally responsible development. His collaborative work spans engagements with international and multilateral organizations, including UN agencies and regional stakeholders, to promote dialogue and cooperation on cross-border development and environmental issues.

Zulfiqar Ali Butt is a senior level management professional with diversified experience and knowledge in private sector development. His strong abilities are in the areas of advocacy, training, consultancy, strategic planning, budgeting and financial management, institutional capacity building etc. He have been extensively involved in policy advocacy and organizational development initiatives for the last 17 years with SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Zulfiqar has a vast experience of extending support on regional policy advocacy including, regional trade, tourism, regional investment, socio-economic issue like climate change, poverty reduction investment policies and entrepreneurship development. He has been organizing conferences/seminars/roundtables, capacity development programs, create strong liaison with public/private sector organizations & academia and diplomatic missions.

Zulfiqar has a strong academic background in Business Management with a Postgraduate Degree in International Business Management from Mälardalen University, Sweden. Currently he is working as Secretary General at SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Donovan Storey is currently the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (CCAC-TEAP) manager, and waste expert, at the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, hosted by UNEP. In his capacity Donovan supports the TEAP to develop and share knowledge with countries on promising, innovative and underfinanced short-lived climate pollutant (SLCP) mitigation technologies which can improve both climate and air quality outcomes. He has recently also worked as a lead author to the IPCC report on SLCP methodologies to be published in 2027, and as an expert reviewer for the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) process of the UNFCCC. Prior to joining CCAC Donovan worked in senior capacities in international and diplomatic organisations having started his career as an academic specializing in urbanization. Donovan has extensive work experience in Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands. He holds a PhD in International Development and a Master of Laws, in Public International Law.