By AIT Public Affairs
26 October 2023 – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 26, 2023. This MoU solidifies their commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and effectiveness in working towards common objectives related to global change and sustainability in the Asia and Pacific region.
The MoU outlines various collaborative activities, including organizing joint workshops and seminars, supporting research and science-based policies, exchanging experts and researchers, co-supervising research projects and publications, engaging in regional research initiatives, offering capacity development programs, and providing internship opportunities for students and junior staff.
Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, President of AIT, emphasized the institution’s mission to contribute to Southeast Asia and beyond, addressing global health, climate change, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He underscored the importance of partnering with prestigious institutions like SEI, as AIT develops educational programs to address academic transformations. “AIT’s commitment to solutions such as Nature-Based Solutions, Agriculture-Based Solutions, and a green economy will play a crucial role in addressing global challenges to achieve sustainable development,” he added.
Mr. Niall O’Conner, Center Director of SEI Asia, highlighted the tremendous potential for collaboration in various areas, including urban development, gender equality, environmental development, climate change, and more. Their shared goal is to influence global agendas, shape climate policies, and make a tangible impact on safeguarding communities from environmental impacts. He expressed enthusiasm for connecting students, alumni, and researchers in a collective effort to bring about positive change in the region.
Cynthia McDougall, Senior Research Fellow, and GESI Cluster Lead, suggested two potential avenues for collaboration: bilateral thematic partnerships and interdisciplinary approaches to address complex sustainability problems. She further conveyed enthusiasm for collaborating on design-related projects and the potential for unexpected areas of synergy.
The partnership between AIT and SEI promises to be a pivotal force in advancing sustainable solutions for a changing world and creating a positive impact in the Asia and Pacific region.
From SEI, attendees also included Dr. Thanapon Piman, Water Cluster Lead at SEI Asia and also an AIT Alumnus from WEM/SET; Stefan Bößner, Research Fellow and Policy Team Lead, Charmaine Caparas, Communications Manager at SEI Asia; and Shreya Silori, Communication Assistant at SEI Asia.
From AIT the event was attended by Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology (SET) and Co-Director of the Global Water and Sanitation Center (GWSC); Prof. Abdul P. Salam, Dean of the School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD); Mr. Shawn P. Kelly, Executive Director of the AIT Office of International Affairs (OIPA); Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director of International Affairs at OIPA; Mr. Sanjeet Amatya, Director of Public Affairs at OIPA; and Ms. Sirima Sirimattayanan, Senior Program Officer of International Affairs at OIPA.
