The GGPM Team  

Lilibeth Acosta, based in Hungary, is a Principal Specialist in GGGI’s Climate Action and Inclusive Development Division and Program Manager for the Green Growth Performance Measurement. She joined GGGI in 2018. Lilibeth has over 20 years of experience in indicator development, integrated assessment and scenario modeling of climate change vulnerability and adaptation, and sustainable development in the fields of ecosystem and biodiversity, agriculture and land use, and renewable energy. She worked as a development specialist at the National Economic Development Authority in the Philippines, senior scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, and researcher in Environmental Science departments in universities in Japan, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines Before joining GGGI, she worked as a consultant in the ADB, UNCCD, and UNCTAD. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Policy from the University of Bonn (Germany), an MPhil in Economics and Politics of Development from the University of Cambridge (England), and a BSc in Agricultural Economics from the University of the Philippines.

Innocent Nzimenyera, based in Rwanda, is a GGPM consultant supporting applications of green growth index projects and simulation tools. He has been part of the team since 2021. His main tasks are to support the team in data analysis and programming part. Before joining GGPM he worked as digital ambassador at Rwanda Ministry of ICT and Innovation. He worked as a research assistant at ARED group. He is currently doing a Master of Science in information technology specializing in applied machine learning at Carnegie Mellon University. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from University of Rwanda, College of Science and Technology and He also certified in Artificial Intelligence with deep learning by FAST Foundation from Armenia. He enjoys being challenged and engaging with projects that require him to work outside his comfort and knowledge set, as he continues to learn new skills and development techniques that are important to him and the success of the organization. He is proactive, innovative, self-motivated, and capable of working under minimum supervision.

Ruben Sabado, Jr., based in the Philippines, is a GGPM consultant supporting applications of green growth index projects. He has supported the GGPM team since 2020 with projects such as the national green growth index application for GGGI member countries and the Green Recovery Index. His main tasks involve developing the training modules, conducting online and face-to-face stakeholder workshops with GGGI country teams, and identifying green growth-related indicators. He is also a part of the GGPM publication team, supporting the collection and literature review and preparing graphics and analysis for the Green Growth Index reports. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics with a major in marketing and prices from the University of the Philippines. He values turning data into policy-relevant information to help countries monitor their progress toward sustainable development.

Ribeus Mihigo Munezero, based in Rwanda, is a Green Growth Performance Measurement consultant involved in the work of the Green Growth Simulation Tool and Green Growth Index. He joined GGGI in May 2022 as a Python programmer and modeler. His main tasks include supporting the work on national and global Green Growth Index computation and development of simulation tool for models and policy scenarios. Ribeus is passionate about using facts, metrics, and data to guide strategic decision making. Before joining GGGI, he worked as a researcher and data analyst apprentice at One Acre Fund where he worked with the deputy country director of the Rwanda program and multiple stakeholders to progress country program’s strategic plan and carry out research for new products and services that delivers more impact to farmers and increase country program’s sustainability. Ribeus holds a master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Before that he completed his BSc in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering at University of Rwanda.

Julia Joveneau, based in Hungary, is an analyst for the GGPM team. She joined GGGI in October 2023 to support the application of the Green Growth Simulation Tool. She holds a Master’s degree in Mathematical Engineering from the Louvain School of Engineering in Belgium, and a bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the same School. She followed specialization tracks in applied chemistry and physics and applied mathematics. She particularly enjoys interdisciplinarity and has a strong interest in modeling and optimization.

Lilibeth Acosta is a Principal Specialist in GGGI’s Climate Action and Inclusive Development Division and Program Manager for the Green Growth Performance Measurement. She joined GGGI in 2018. Lilibeth has over 15 years of experience in indicator development, integrated assessment and scenario modeling of climate change vulnerability and adaptation, and sustainable development in the fields of ecosystem and biodiversity, agriculture and land use, and renewable energy. She worked as a development specialist at the National Economic Development Authority in the Philippines, senior scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, and researcher in Environmental Science departments in universities in Japan, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines Before joining GGGI, she worked as a consultant in the ADB, UNCCD, and UNCTAD. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Policy from the University of Bonn (Germany), an MPhil in Economics and Politics of Development from the University of Cambridge (England), and a BSc in Agricultural Economics from the University of the Philippines.

Innocent Nzimenyera is a GGPM consultant who is supporting applications of the green growth index projects and simulation tools. He has been part of the team since 2021. His main tasks are to support development team for data analysis and programming part. Before joining GGPM he worked as digital ambassador at Ministry of ICT and Innovation for developing the digital literacy of Rwandan citizens. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from University of Rwanda, College of Science and Technology and he is currently doing Master of Science in information technology specialization of applied machine learning at Carnegie Mellon University. He also certified in Artificial Intelligence with deep learning by FAST Foundation from Armenia. he enjoys being challenged and engaging with projects that require him to work outside his comfort and knowledge set, as he continues to learn new skills and development techniques that are important to him and the success of the organization. he is proactive, innovative, self-motivated, and capable of working under minimum supervision.

Ruben Sabado, Jr. is a GGPM consultant who is supporting applications of the green growth index projects such as the National green growth index applications and Green Recovery Index. He is also a member of the publication team of Sarena Grace Quiñones, who is coordinating editorial, layout, and research support to the GGPM. He has been part of the team since 2020. His main tasks involve preparing materials for engaging stakeholders in indicator selection and assessment, collecting and reviewing literature, preparing graphics and analysis for the Green Growth Index reports. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics with major in marketing and prices from the University of the Philippines in Los Baños. He attended various seminars that are related to the Green Growth Index and Simulation tool such as the Philippine Rice Information System (PRISM) and success stories of the Farmer-Scientists RDE Training Program (FSTP). 

Ribeus Mihigo Munezero is a Green Growth Performance Measurement consultant involved in the work of the Green Growth Simulation Tool and Green Growth Index. He joined GGGI in May 2022 as a Python programmer and modeler. His main tasks include supporting the work on national and global Green Growth Index computation and development of simulation tool for models and policy scenarios. Ribeus is passionate about using facts, metrics, and data to guide strategic decision making. Before joining GGGI, he worked as a researcher and data analyst apprentice at One Acre Fund where he worked with the deputy country director of the Rwanda program and multiple stakeholders to progress country program’s strategic plan and carry out research for new products and services that delivers more impact to farmers and increase country program’s sustainability. Ribeus holds a master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Before that he completed his BSc in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering at University of Rwanda.

Hermen Luchtenbelt is a GGPM consultant who is supporting the development of the Green Growth Simulation Tool. He joined the GGPM team as an intern in May 2020 and as a consultant in November 2020. In his current role, Hermen is responsible for developing models related to agriculture, natural capital protection, greenhouse gas emissions, forestry, and land use, as well as supporting the development of new model components. He also worked on preparing spatial maps for the 2021 Green Growth Technical report. Prior to joining GGGI, Hermen completed a consultancy at the Osotua foundation in Kenya, and works as a researcher on integrated assessment modelling at PBL in the Netherlands. He holds a MSc in Climate Studies, specializing in biogeochemical cycles, as well as a MSc in Environmental Economics and Natural Resource Management from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. Hermen completed his BSc in Economics and Governance, with a specialization in Agricultural Economics, at the same University. 

Sanga Lee is a GGPM consultant who is supporting the application and development of the Green Growth Simulation Tool. She joined the GGPM team as an intern in May 2021 and Consultant in November 2021. Her main tasks include developing water-related model, conducting spatial analysis and supporting data analysis for the Simulation Tool. Before joining GGPM team, she had worked as a research assistant at the Gyeonggi Research Institute for the balanced growth of Gyeonggi province. She got her master’s degree in urban planning from University of Seoul and got a bachelor’s degree in cultural management and business administration from Inha University. As a research assistant at the University of Seoul, she had participated in various research projects with governments such as the Korean national administrative city government, Seoul city government, Eunpyeong-gu government, etc., using big data analysis and spatial analysis. Her main areas of interest are sustainable development, green growth, and a city for everyone.

Godwin Paul Adams is a GGPM consultant who is supporting the development and application of Green Growth Simulation Tool. He joined the team as an intern in June 2021 and later as a consultant in January 2022. In his role as a consultant, he is responsible for developing energy models focusing on renewable energy systems, transport, GHG emissions, energy balance and supporting the data analysis team. Before joining GGGI, he worked as an intern in Lotus Project in designed off-grid renewable energy systems for electrification in Vietnam. He also worked as a Graduate GIS Technician where I have experience working with large National databases and interned with the Centre for Science and Environment, conducting primary and secondary research on renewable energy projects. He graduated from University of Southampton with a Masters in energy and sustainability focusing on climate change, renewable energy systems and waste resource management. 

Timea Czvetko is a PhD student in the Chemical and Material Sciences field at the University of Pannonia, and serves as a research fellow at the Abonyilab – ELKH-PE Complex Systems Monitoring Research Group within the same institution. Her research focuses on the developments of Industry 5.0, including the use of data and systems science tools to address sustainability issues and develop human-centered, regionally-focused solutions. In May 2022, she joined in collaboration with the Abonyi lab to the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) working as a consultant. As part of her role, she supported the GGGI team and contributed complementary approaches to improve system dynamics models for assessing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a result of this collaboration, a complementary approach was developed that utilizes network and data analysis methods to support the development of system dynamics models, which has been applied to a project in Hungary. She received both bachelor’s degree in technical management and a master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Pannonia. She also completed a postgraduate degree in research and innovation management, as well as in Engineer in Industry 4.0 solution developments and data and systems science, at the University of Pannonia. 

Sarena Grace L. Quiñones is a GGPM consultant who is coordinating the editorial, layout, and research support to the GGPM. She has been part of the team since 2019. Her main tasks include reviewing of literature, editing, and layouting of the Green Growth Index Reports. She also participated in various seminars organized by the GGPM team on the Green Growth Index and Tool. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Development Communication with major in Science Communication from the University of the Philippines in Los Baños. She has been working in a research environment for 10 years now, mainly involved in environmental science, social science, agriculture, and forestry projects.

Adam Ipkovich joined the GGPM team as an intern 

Lilibeth Acosta is a Specialist in Climate Action and Inclusive Development Division in the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and Program Manager for the Green Growth Performance Measurement (GGPM) since she joined GGGI in 2018. The GGPM is responsible for developing the Green Growth Index and Simulation Tool in the Institute. Lilibeth has over 15 years of experience in indicator development, integrated assessment and scenario modelling of climate change vulnerability and adaptation as well as sustainable development in the fields of ecosystem and biodiversity, agriculture and land use, and renewable energy. She worked as development specialist in the National Economic Development Authority in the Philippines, senior scientist in the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, and researcher in Environmental Science departments in the universities in Japan, Belgium, UK and the Philippines. Before joining GGGI, she worked as consultant in the ADB, UNCCD and UNCTAD. She holds a PhD in Agricultural Policy from University of Bonn (Germany), MPhil in Economics and Politics of Development from University of Cambridge (England), and BSc in Agricultural Economics from the University of the Philippines.

Jeremiah Ross Eugenio is a GGPM researcher and member of the publication team of Sarena Grace Quiñones, who is coordinating editorial, layout, and research support to the GGPM. He has been part of Sarena’s team since October 2019. His tasks include literature review and preparation of references in Mendeley software, encoding of results from the online survey and reviews of online tools and literature, preparation of graphics for and analysis of these results, and provide research support to the modelling team of the Green Growth Index and Simulation Tool. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics with major in marketing and prices from the University of the Philippines in Los Baños. He participated in various seminars that are relevant to the Index and Tool including farm tourism in the Philippines, assessment of neighborhood and spillover effects of technical efficiency of irrigated rice farms, and responding to food security and inclusiveness concern in the ASEAN region. 

Sarah Gerrard is a GGPM consultant for the 2020 Green Growth Index and Simulation Tool. Her work in GGPM has focused on results analysis for the 2020 Green Growth Index, in particular a subregional analysis of green growth dimensions as well as assessing top country performance. She has also contributed as a leading author to the publication of the 2020 Green Growth Technical Report. Sarah has further been working on the GGPM Simulation Tool, supporting the development of the efficient and sustainable resource use and green economic opportunities models. Before joining GGGI, she has previously worked in sustainable urban development by interning at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP). Sarah holds a Master of Environmental Science with a specialization in land and water management and a BSc in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management, both from the University of Western Australia.

Hermen Luchtenbelt is a GGPM research consultant for the 2020 Green Growth Index and Simulation Tool. He joined the GGPM as an intern in May 2020 and as a consultant in November 2020.  His main contributions to the simulation tool were with models related to natural capital protection, land-use, and greenhouse gas emissions. Other tasks included preparing the spatial maps in the 2020 Green Growth Technical Report. Before joining GGGI, he did field work at the Osotua foundation and supported in the development of a showcase for cattle, culture, and wildlife interactions in the Masai Mara. Hermen has a MSc in climate studies specialized in biogeochemical cycles and a MSc in Environmental Economics and Natural Resource Management at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. Before that he completed his BSc in Economics and Governance, specialized in Agricultural Economics at the same university.

Olivia Nanfuka joined GGPM team as intern in May 2020 and as consultant in the GGGI Country Office in Uganda in November 2020. She is contributing to the development of the Simulation Tool, particularly the models related to efficient and sustainable energy use. Her key areas of interest include improving access to modern energy; clean cooking energy and reliable electricity for rural communities (bio-energy, hydro and solar energy), energy efficiency and management, renewable energy policy, energy economics, savings and energy yield assessments. Before joining GGGI, she had experience working as Health and Safety Assistant in the JUAJAMII start-up company in Algeria as well as sustainability and policy intern in the Atacama Consulting, shift superintendent in the Bwendero Dairy Farm Limited Distillers, and teaching assistant in the Ndejje University in Uganda. She completed her BSc Chemical Engineering in the Ndejje University in Uganda and MSc Energy Engineering in Pan African University Institute for Water and Energy Science in Algeria.

Michelle Nazareth is a GGPM consultant for the 2020 Green Growth Index and Simulation Tool, contributing to the analysis of the results for the 2020 Green Growth Index and supporting the development of the models related to social inclusion. She also contributed to an article on social inclusion that was submitted by GGGI to an international journal. Previously, she worked as intern in the management of e-waste at Environmental Synergies in Development and then as a graduate research consultant at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Her main areas of interest are in good governance, inclusive development, poverty alleviation and environmental justice. She completed her BA in Economics, Sociology and Psychology at Christ University in India and has a Master of Science in Development Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Ruben Sabado, Jr. is a GGPM researcher and member of the publication team of Sarena Grace Quiñones, who is coordinating editorial, layout, and research support to the GGPM. He has been part of Sarena’s team since July 2020. His tasks include literature review and preparation of references in Mendeley software, encoding of results from the online survey and reviews of online tools and literature, preparation of graphics for and analysis of these results, and provide research support to the modelling team of the Simulation Tool. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics with major in marketing and prices from the University of the Philippines in Los Baños. He attended various seminars that are related to the Green Growth Index and Simulation tool such as the Philippine Rice Information System (PRISM) and success stories of the Farmer-Scientists RDE Training Program (FSTP).

Simon Zabrocki joined GGGI as programmer and modeler consultant in July 2020. His main tasks include developing an automated collection and processing of data for the Green Growth Index computation, designing user-friendly dashboards to allow policy makers exploring and analyzing Green Growth data and scores, and contributing to a policy simulation tool development by implementing and integrating models and policy scenarios. Before joining GGGI, he worked as data scientist in HawaDawa company on air quality management in Germany and in Sanofi, Biologics Development R&D in the United States, Python developer for an applicant tracking system in Manatal in Thailand, and teacher in Bac Ninh high School for gifted students in Vietnam. He earned his Bachelor in Engineering and Master of Science in Applied Mathematics in École Polytechnique in France, and Master Mathematics for Data Science in the Technische Universität München in Germany.

The following also joined the GGPM as interns from May to August 2020: Haemin Won and Guillaume Le Rousseau.