By AIT Public Affairs
13 June 2024: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony between the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) was held during the 26th Joint Intergovernmental Meeting and Scientific Planning Group Meeting of the APN in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 13 June. The event was attended by Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology (SET) and an APN Scientific Planning Group member.
The MoU was signed in February this year by AIT President Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto and Mr. Ryuji Tomisaka, Director of the APN Secretariat.
Prof. Yamamoto remarked, “This MoU marks a significant milestone in our joint efforts to address global and societal challenges by bridging science and policy for the sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific region. This partnership will foster innovation, advance scientific research, and enhance our communities’ capacity to address climate change and sustainability. I am confident that our joint efforts will not only generate valuable knowledge but also translate it into actionable strategies for policymakers and stakeholders.”
The activities under the scope of this MoU encompass conducting joint initiatives such as workshops, seminars, science-policy-stakeholder dialogues, and side events. Additionally, the MoU supports action-oriented and policy-relevant regional research that generates scientific knowledge for policy-making processes. There will also be an exchange of experts between both parties, the development of joint regional research project proposals for external funding, and collaboration in producing joint publications. Furthermore, the MoU emphasizes the development and implementation of capacity development programs, particularly those tailored for early-career public officers and practitioners.
Prof. Sangam attended several intergovernmental and scientific planning group meetings, discussing various key agenda items. The meeting took note of the Comprehensive Regional Research Programme (CRRP) and Capacity Development Programme (CAPaBLE) proposals, which had been reviewed and recommended for funding in Fiscal Year 2024 (1 July 2024 – 30 June 2025) by the Scientific Planning Group and Capacity Development Committee. These proposals were subsequently approved by the Steering Committee. Additionally, the meeting reviewed and endorsed the budget plan for Fiscal Year 2024, as approved by the Steering Committee. Furthermore, the Mid-Term Evaluation Report assessing the progress of APN over the initial three years of the 5th Strategic Phase was received.
Since 2012, AIT and APN have been collaborating to advance impactful and sustainable research initiatives at AIT.
