By Office of International and Public Affairs
23 August 2024: H.E. Mr. Fakhriddin Sultanov, Consul General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Thailand and Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to UN ESCAP, met with AIT President Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, marking a significant step towards deepening academic and technological collaboration between Uzbekistan and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT).
The meeting held on August 23 explored avenues for cooperation, including the potential establishment of a dedicated AIT center in Uzbekistan aimed at addressing regional challenges through innovation and education. This visit underscores the commitment between AIT and Uzbekistan to leverage their strengths for mutual growth and sustainable development, building on a well-established partnership. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Bindu Lohani, Member of the AIT Board of Trustees.
During the courtesy call, H.E. Sultanov, accompanied by Dr. Batir Birbabaev from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), discussed with AIT delegation the potential for a strategic partnership that would address key issues such as water management, renewable energy, and technological advancement. Prof. Yamamoto emphasized, “We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with Uzbekistan, a nation rich in history and potential. With esteemed partners like ADB, we are eager to foster innovative solutions to various emerging issues, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.”
H.E. Mr. Fakhriddin Sultanov affirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment, stating, “Uzbekistan is dedicated to advancing our academic and technological ties with AIT, an institution known for its global impact. This partnership signifies our shared vision of leveraging education and innovation to address critical challenges, ensuring sustainable development and mutual growth. We realize there is vast potential for collaboration, especially in education and technological advancement, which are critical to our nation’s growth.”
The meeting delved into key areas for potential collaboration, including creating unified degree programs, short-term academic exchanges, and establishing an AIT center in Uzbekistan. This proposed center would serve as a regional hub, offering undergraduate programs locally and postgraduate programs at AIT in Thailand. AIT’s expertise in areas such as water management, renewable energy, and entrepreneurship was highlighted as instrumental for Uzbekistan’s development. Both parties agreed to draft a concept document and designate focal points within their organizations to advance these initiatives.
The meeting was attended by a delegation from AIT, including Prof. Nitin K. Tripathi, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs at AIT; Mr. Russell Rein, Vice President for Administration; Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology (SET) and Co-Director, Global Water and Sanitation Centre (GWSC); Prof. P. Abdul Salam, Dean of the School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD); Prof. Yuosre Badir, Acting Dean School of Management (SOM); Mr. Karma Rana, Institute Secretary; Mr. Shawn Kelly, Executive Director, Office of International and Public Affairs (OIPA); Ms. Chalita Lertwinyu, Executive Director, OTA; Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director, International Affairs, OIPA; and Mr. Sanjeet Amatya, Director, Public Affairs, OIPA.
