Olatunji Yusuf

Profile

I have 12+ years of experience as an international development practitioner, previously holding leadership positions in climate change, urban transport infrastructure, climate and sustainable finance, and environmental governance. I am currently serving as the lead climate change specialist at a multilateral development bank. I direct the development and implementation of climate action strategies and ESG frameworks, influencing global projects across the Bank's member countries and encompassing diverse sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, and urban planning.

Key Achievements:

• Developed and co-developed more than 125 development projects and investments through the mainstreaming of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
• Co-led the establishment of the Bank’s inaugural Sustainable Finance Framework and Green Sukuk (bonds) Issuance of 1 billion Euro.
• Served as co-chair of the Joint Multilateral Development Banks Climate Adaptation Working Group (2020–2024).
• Served as lead coordinator of the Senior Climate Advisors Group of the Multilateral Development Banks (June 2023 – April 2024).
• Presented at high-profile events, including United Nations Climate Conferences (COP) and G20 climate sessions.

Awards and Recognition

• Recipient of the prestigious Weidenfeld Scholarships and Leadership Award at the University of Oxford.
• Recipient of the Federal Government of Nigeria Scholarship Board, Ministry of Education scholarship award for four consecutive academic years.
• Recipient of the University of Lagos award for academic excellence for four consecutive years.
• Multiple awards recognising leadership and academic excellence during undergraduate, postgraduate studies, and professional life.

Research interests

My PhD research explores how multilevel governance (MLG) can address climate change and urban transportation challenges in sub-Saharan African cities. My study aims to enhance the effectiveness and functionality of MLG frameworks to promote sustainable, low-carbon transportation systems. By addressing governance gaps and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, my work contributes to achieving low carbon and environmentally sustainable urban mobility in a rapidly urbanizing region.

Skills, Expertise and Interest

• Multilevel Governance and Stakeholder Collaboration
• Climate Policy and Urban Transportation Systems
• ESG Frameworks and Sustainable Finance
• Strategic Policy Development

Qualifications

• M.Sc. Environmental Change and Management, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
• B.Sc. Geography (First Class Honours), University of Lagos, Nigeria
• Executive Education: Climate Change and Energy Policy, Harvard Kennedy School, USA