By AIT Public Affairs
4 October 2023 – A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), through the Yunus Center AIT, the Department of Food, Agriculture, and Bioresources of the School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD), and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, represented by the Directorate General On Farm Water Management (OFWM) Agriculture Department.
The MoU, signed on October 3, 2023, establishes a framework for collaborative efforts between these entities to enhance professional development and capacity building across various domains. Within the scope of their respective governing rule and regulations, both parties agree to strengthen and increase collaborative implementation of professional development and capacity-building programs. The agreement encompasses various aspects, such as aligning curricula with current standards for selected degree programs, technical training, on-the-job training, and study-visit programs. Additionally, it includes instructional development and training for in-house instructors, optimizing the learning environment, cross-credentialing opportunities for technical and professional training, need-responsive learning programs, including master’s degree programs, knowledge management training, participation in conferences, faculty exchange, and collaborative learning design with DFAB as the technical training provider and YCA as the project administration and client support provider.
Expressing confidence in the successful implementation of the MoU, Mr. Russel Rein, Vice President for Administration (VPA), AIT, emphasized the collaborative efforts of experts from both sides. He urged everyone to maintain open communication channels, even during challenging discussions, assuring that AIT, alongside its dedicated team, is committed to attentive listening and effective delivery. “As we join hands to foster educational and capacity-building cooperation, we eagerly anticipate the productive partnership ahead,” he added.
Mr. Javed Marwat, Secretary, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agriculture Department, applauded the team of experts on both sides for their dedicated efforts, transitioning from technical discussions to this moment of signing. He expressed confidence in moving ahead, promoting collaboration in education and capacity development with a hardworking and capable team. “I firmly believe that this MoU will yield significant benefits by enhancing professional growth and capacity building in the agriculture and bioresources sector” he added.
The team convened a meeting a day before the signing to deliberate and strategize for the future course of action.
Mr. Javed was accompanied by Mr. Javed Iqbal, DG OFWM; Mr. Nasib ur Rehman, Director Administration; Dr. Rab Nawaz, Director Planning from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agriculture Department, Pakistan. From AIT, the event was attended by Prof. Abdul P. Salam, Dean of SERD; Prof. Avishek Datta, Department Head, FAB, and Professor, ASE/SERD; Dr. Faiz Shah, Executive Director, Yunus Center; Dr Sushil K. Himanshu, Assistant Professor, ASE/SERD; Dr. Farhad Zulfiqar, Assistant Professor, ABM/SERD; Dr. Hayat Ullah, Regional Expert, FAB/SERD; Mr. Sarmad Khan, National Advisor PIHP, AIT; Mr. Shawn Kelly, Executive Director of the Office of International and Public Affairs (OIPA); Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director of International Affairs of OIPA; and Mr. Sanjeet Amatya, Director of Public Affairs, OIPA.
