By AIT Public Affairs
11 July 2024: The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and funded by the Government of Japan, organized a workshop on the ‘Importance of Regional Monitoring and Assessment of Plastic Pollution: Enhancing National Capacity for Regional Actions‘ on July 11, 2024.
Plastic pollution, with its transboundary movement through water, necessitates regional and national collaborative efforts. The workshop aimed to foster collaboration among stakeholders, strengthen national capacities, promote policy harmonization, and raise awareness about plastic pollution.
Dr. Mushtaq Memon, Regional Coordinator for Chemicals and Pollution Action Subprogramme, UNEP; Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, AIT President; and Ms. Yurie Osawa, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Thailand, gave opening remarks.
Prof. Yamamoto stated, “This workshop marks an important step towards enhancing our collective capacity to combat plastic pollution through regional cooperation. Our partnership with the Government of Japan, which supported scholarships for 100 master’s students in the Marine Plastic Abatement program, has been crucial in cultivating leaders committed to sustainability. AIT’s multifaceted approach empowers professionals in plastic waste management. I extend my deep appreciation to UNEP and the Government of Japan for their support and to all participants for their contributions. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.”
The workshop addressed challenges and opportunities in regional plastic pollution monitoring, focusing on policy harmonization, data collection, knowledge sharing, and collaborative monitoring systems. It highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, resource mobilization, and innovative solutions.
Dr. Ekbordin Winijkul, Associate Professor and Head of the Water Resources and Environmental Engineering (WREE) Department, presented “From Land to Sky: Airborne Microplastics and Plastic Waste Burning Pollution” in the session “Further Dialogues on Regional Capacity Building.” His participation highlighted AIT’s active role and expertise in addressing plastic pollution through collaborative and innovative approaches.
The event, attended by researchers, academics, private businesses, government officials, and representatives from regional, international, and national organizations, effectively enhanced participation and capacity building. It underscored the power of regional collaboration to tackle transboundary plastic pollution, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future in the Asia and Pacific region.
