By AIT Public Affairs
23 June 2023 – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) played a vital role as one of the academic partners at the International Conference on Nation-Building (ICNB) 2023, held from 21 June 21 to June 23, 2023, in KOMPASS Campus, Bangkok, Thailand. Organized by the Nation-Building Institute International (NBII), alongside the Nation-Building Institute Thailand, Nation-Building Institute Malaysia, Institute of Future Studies for Development, Asia Future Institute (Korea), and Social Science Association of Thailand, the conference attracted significant attention and participation from local, regional, and international leaders and experts working in Human-Centered Development for Nation-Building, Peace, and Wellness sectors.
The themes of ICNB 2023 were “Human-Centered Development for Nation-Building”, “Human-Centered Development for Peace” and “Human-Centered Development for Wellness”. The conference aimed to explore, evaluate, and recommend strategies that prioritize human well-being and development in economic, social, and political spheres, ultimately fostering present and future nation-building efforts.
One of the conference’s highlights was the Academic Forum on Social Session, facilitated by Prof. Mokbul Morshed Ahmad, Professor and Head of the Department of Development and Sustainability, School of Environment, Resources and Development, AIT. His expertise and guidance provided a valuable platform for exploring the intersection of social development and nation-building.
Additionally, two doctoral students from AIT’s School of Management, Chengxiang Ma and Chenglin Gao, participated in the Wellness Session. Their presentation titled “Economic and Health Benefits of Integrating Traditional Medicine into Healthcare Systems in Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Literature Review” showcased the potential of traditional medicine in modern healthcare systems.
Robaiya Nusrat, from AIT’s School of Environment Resources and Development, contributed to the Political Session with her presentation on “Water Insecurity: A Contributing Factor to Conflict in Bangladesh.” Her insightful analysis shed light on the impact of water-related issues on political stability and conflict.
The International Conference on Nation-Building 2023, with its focus on human-centered development, proved to be a crucial platform for fostering partnerships, sharing knowledge, and generating innovative solutions to shape the future of nation-building.
AIT has been an academic partner of the annual conference since 2021, actively engaging as Session Chair and presenter in the Academic Forum. Dr. Sumana Shrestha, the Director of International Affairs at the Office of International and Public Affairs, serves as the coordinator for this conference on behalf of AIT. In addition to their role as session chairs and presenters for ICNB 2023, AIT was represented by Mr. Shawn P. Kelly, the Executive Director of International and Public Affairs, Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Ms. Indra Kumari, a Senior Program Officer, and Ms. Kritagya Regmi, a Media and Communication Officer from the Office of International and Public Affairs (OIPA).
