Brisbane-based Griffith Asia Institute has appointed Dr Christoph Nedopil Wang, an expert on Chinese green finance policies, as its new director, effective from 4 September.
Nedopil has been a leading figure in the setting up of two key research centres on green finance in Beijing and Shanghai. He was most recently associate professor and director of the Green Finance and Development Center, a think tank at Shanghai’s Fudan University’s Fanhai International. He also played a key role in establishing the Green Belt and Road Initiative Center in Beijing in 2019.
He will remain as acting director of the Shanghai think tank while it looks for a successor.
Nedopil told Eco-Business that, in the new role, his research continues to be focused on green finance, Asia Pacific’s energy transition and sustainable development, as well as greening the Belt and Road Initiative, a massive China-led global infrastructure project which is in its 10th year.
When asked how his experience could be helpful to the institute’s work, Nedopil said the role of China in the region’s sustainable transition is very significant and it is important to “foster partnerships where possible”.
“The next few years are decisive to set policy and investment decisions for green and inclusive development across Asia, the Pacific and beyond,” he said.
Nedopil takes over from Ian Hall, who was acting director of the research centre, after Caitlin Byrne, its former director left to become pro vice chancellor (business) at Griffith University, where the institute sits, in July last year.
Griffith Asia Institute, which researches trade, business, politics, governance and security in Asia Pacific, has a core team of about 12 staff, over 70 affiliated professors, 40 adjunct members and 10 fellows.
Nedopil has also worked in government in Europe and Africa. He has a decade of experience working with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as a governance specialist in over 15 countries.
