About Us
ABOUT YES-DC
Young Energy Specialists and Development Co-operation (YES-DC) is an association of students and young professionals interested and/or working in the field of energy and development co-operation. YES-DC was found in October 1994, as a means to create a network and to facilitate the exchange of information and experiences. Since March 1996, YES-DC has officially been established as an association.
YES-DC HISTORY
On 15th October 1994, over twenty-five enthusiastic young professionals came together to discuss the future of energy. In the 1990’s, before the internet and social media, the need arose for a discussion platform to share knowledge and ideas. On 28th January 28 1995, a second meeting was organised, and Young Energy Specialists and Development Co-operation (YES-DC) was officially founded.
Since the beginning, the focus has been on both the Dutch energy system, and energy systems in developing countries. In the mid 2000’s, as the general thought was that the Dutch energy system was ‘finished’, the focus was increasingly laid on how we could help developing countries in their future energy needs.
However, as the impact of climate change was becoming more visible, the focus shifted back towards the Dutch energy system. How can we work towards a sustainable energy system, running on renewable energy sources? Many, many aspects of this complex issue have been discussed over the last years.
Throughout its history, YES-DC has been organising sessions to deepen our understanding of the challenges we face, and the solutions that are out there. The focus has mostly been a technical one, although also more ‘soft aspects’ around implementation have been discussed over the last years. YES-DC still organises several sessions every year.
YES-DC MISSION
ENGAGING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IN THE FIELD OF RENEWABLE AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH KNOWLEDGE SHARING, NETWORKING AND COMMUNITY BUILDING.
YES-DC MEMBERS
The members of YES-DC are young professionals and students in the field of energy and/or sustainability. They work within local and international companies, government bodies, universities, research institutions, and NGOs. The board of YES-DC are honorary members, which besides their professional occupations takes care of the organisational and financial framework, and organises these knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities, considering the valuable input from its members along the way. The YES-DC Alumni are former board members, which gather once a year and are still part of the organization’s community.
YES-DC Board
Emma Assam
President/Chair
Emma is a lawyer admitted to the Nigerian Bar pursuing a master’s in Energy and Climate Law at the University of Groningen. Her expertise spans law, energy policy, climate change, and sustainability.
As a passionate advocate for renewable energy and human equity, Emma is dedicated to advancing the global transition to sustainable energy, focusing on energy consumption rights and promoting inclusion.
She is honored to serve as President of YES-DC (Young Energy Specialists and Development Cooperation), where she continues to drive youth engagement in sustainable energy initiatives.
Jai Singh
Secretary
Jai is a Chemical Engineer by profession, a researcher at heart, and an environmentalist by the mindset.
His decision to pursue Chemical Engineering stemmed from my desire to create path-breaking solutions that will directly impact society.
He aspires to use my knowledge and engineering skills to reduce pollution and protect our environment and Mother Earth, by making industrial processes cleaner and sustainable to achieve a circular economy under the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Ejiroghene Andrew Oruarume
Treasurer
Ejiroghene is an experienced professional with a background in engineering and sustainable development.
Based in the Netherlands, He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Wood Products and Biomaterials Engineering, a Master’s degree in Development Studies focusing on Environment and Sustainable Development from the International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam, and a certification in the Principles of Sustainable Finance from the Rotterdam School of Management.
With expertise in financial management, waste management and optimization, and energy transition, he brings strong analytical and strategic skills to his role as the Treasurer on the board of YES-DC, where he is dedicated to strengthening the organization’s financial resilience and supporting its mission to drive sustainable energy solutions.
Kolade Victor Otokiti
Programme Development Officer
Kolade Victor Otokiti is a researcher-practitioner in environmental planning and management. His work revolves around engaging communities, formulating evidence-based policy interventions, and advancing leadership to expedite the direly needed sustainability transitions in a just and equitable way.
He is also a member of the Project Management Institute and Development Studies Association, UK. Before joining YES-DC, he served in a youth advisory capacity at the Global Centre on Adaptation.
At YES-DC, Kolade leverages his extensive expertise to spearhead designing, planning, and implementing impactful programs geared towards supporting the sustainability transition. He also plays a critical role in assessing and evaluating these programs to ensure their effectiveness and that they achieve intended outcomes.
Kelechi N.
Communications Manager
Kelechi is a driven professional in strategic communications. She has 12 years of experience in communications and corporate social responsibility reporting and a passion for ESG that has shaped her path for the last five years.
Starting her journey with a bachelor’s in English Studies in Nigeria in 2010, she moved to the Netherlands to further her education, earning a master’s in International Communications Management in 2023.
Her approach to life is simple: “There’s always a way out of every challenge.” She doesn’t stop when faced with obstacles—she works through them.
Her ambition isn’t loud, but steady. She moves forward, never stopping, always finding a way, driven by the belief that progress is made step by step, challenge by challenge.
YES-DC Program Management Team
Harsh Wadhwani
Event Coordinator
Harsh Wadhwani is a Chemical Engineer with expertise in catalysis, electrochemistry, and sustainable process design. Passionate about renewable energy and green chemistry, he is committed to developing cleaner, more efficient energy systems.
As Event Coordinator at YES-DC, Harsh applies his technical background to create impactful events that drive conversations around energy transition and sustainability. He believes in the power of innovation, policy, and youth engagement to shape a more resilient and equitable future.
YES-DC Public Relation Team
Bukola Okikiolu
Content creator
Bukola Okikiolu is a seasoned Communications Specialist with nearly 10 years of experience across West Africa and Australia. She excels in online reputation management, strategic content creation, and impact-driven storytelling.
Bukola has led communications in sectors like media, tech, and workforce development—delivering results that boost brand equity and engagement. With a broad yet refined skillset, Bukola leverages the power of media to drive meaningful, cross-border impact.
Shruti Samantarai
Content creator
Shruti is a chemical engineer enthusiastic about finding and working towards innovative solutions addressing climate change by harnessing renewable energy and sustainable practices to create a more eco-friendly and resilient future.
YES-DC Research Team
Anshuman Panigrahi
Energy & Sustainability Research Officer
Anshuman believes in merging technology, strategy and a systemic approach to help sustainable businesses turn profitable and profitable businesses more sustainable.
Christabel Evi-Parker
Policy & Advocacy Officer
Christabel is a legal professional passionate about sustainability and responsible corporate governance in renewable energy. She believes expanding renewables is key to building a fair, resilient, and innovative energy future.
Leiel Bahri
Energy & Sustainability Research Officer
Leiel Bahri is passionate about renewable energy, climate policy and sustainability. She is committed to driving impactful change in the energy and sustainability sector.
