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
Gigi Yuan Ji
President/Chair
Gigi is a lawyer qualified to practice in China and holds an Advanced LL.M. in European and International Human Rights Law from Leiden University. Her professional background spans compliance, data governance, and cross-border regulatory work across international companies and law firms in China and Europe.
With a growing focus on climate governance, energy transition, and rights-based approaches to sustainability, Gigi works at the intersection of environmental policy and human rights. She also serves as President of YES-DC, where she leads strategic partnerships and advances youth engagement in sustainable development and climate action.
Hsuan (Sabrina) Hsieh
Secretary
Sabrina works at the intersection of sustainability, digital systems, and the energy transition. She has a Master’s from Leiden University and experience in sustainable ICT research, circular economy consulting, and systems mapping across Europe and Asia. Her work focuses on understanding how technical, organisational, and market dynamics shape climate solutions, and on helping teams make sense of complex systems so they can act with clarity.
She is developing her expertise in European energy markets and green digital infrastructure, with a strong interest in how system coordination, data, and cross-sector collaboration can accelerate the transition. Alongside her professional work, she contributes to communities such as YES-DC, and Climate Action Tech, where she helps organise programs, build connections, and support a more engaged and informed sustainability network.
Olisambu Valentine Okoye
Treasurer
Valentine Okoye serves as Board Treasurer for YES-DC, brings a systems-thinking approach to financial stewardship and a genuine passion for sustainable energy solutions.
With an MBA in Operations Management and a BSc in Petroleum and Gas Engineering, Valentine has spent his career exploring how systems work, how processes connect, and how data-driven decisions impact organizational performance. Over seven years in supply chain and operations management across pharmaceutical and manufacturing environments, he has developed expertise in turning complex data into actionable insights, managing multi-million euro portfolios with precision, and building practical systems that improve efficiency and transparency.
His curiosity about energy systems and commitment to international development cooperation align perfectly with YES-DC’s mission. As Treasurer, Valentine is dedicated to strengthening the organization’s financial resilience, ensuring transparent reporting, and supporting the community of young professionals driving the sustainable energy transition. Based in Den Haag, he brings analytical rigor, collaborative leadership, and a continuous improvement mindset to YES-DC’s board.
Bukola Okikiolu
Communications Manager
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 such as media, technology, 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.
She currently leads Content Marketing Strategy at Zentist, a US-based health Saas company.