By AIT Public Affairs
12 September 2024 – The Asian Institute of Technology’s (AIT) Global Water & Sanitation Center (GWSC), in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), successfully concluded a three-day capacity development program from September 10-12, 2024. The event brought together 20 representatives from 10 IsDB member countries across Asia, focusing on enhancing expertise in the sanitation sector.
The program aimed to equip participants from National Sanitation Executing Agencies with knowledge in Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS), Faecal Sludge Management (FSM), and advanced sanitation technologies. The goal is to ensure sustainable and inclusive approaches to future water and sanitation projects, contributing to improved public health and environmental outcomes across the region.
In his welcome remarks, AIT President Prof. Pai-chi Li highlighted AIT’s leadership in education, research, and sustainable sanitation solutions. “This event reflects AIT GWSCs commitment to SDG 6. I extend my gratitude to our esteemed members, ISDB, the delegation from member countries, and our resource persons, whose expertise will contribute to lasting, actionable outcomes,” he stated.
Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha, Deputy Director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), stated, “BMGF has worked in sanitation for nearly a decade, promoting citywide and non-sewered solutions. We are also partnering with AIT and IsDB. Citywide sanitation focuses on equitable, safe, and sustainable services for marginalized groups, including the urban poor, women, and rural populations. It’s about holistic solutions that transform communities. I am proud to see our expertise reflected in this program and confident participants will leave ready to make a real impact.”
Mr. Papa Abdoulaye SY, Global Lead Urban Development at IsDB, highlighted IsDB’s commitment to helping its member countries achieve the SDGs, focusing on equitable sanitation for women. He said, “Many member countries are behind on SDG 6.2. This program is key to building capacity and supporting inclusive human capital development. Nearly 500 million people still lack proper sanitation, often favoring the wealthy and leaving the urban poor underserved. This program aims to provide safe, inclusive sanitation services and I am confident it will drive progress and empower participants to make a real impact.”
Professors Sangam Shrestha and Thammarat Kootattep, co-directors of GWSC at AIT, emphasized the center’s commitment to advancing sanitation solutions in the region through collaboration, innovation, and partnerships with global organizations.
Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of School of Engineering Technology at AIT introduced the center, highlighting its mission to accelerate the water and sanitation agenda in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The two-year-old initiative collaborates with over 40 educational partners to support international financial institutions and implementing partners. Key projects include the Technical Assistance Hub, which has managed around 20 projects across multiple countries, and the Data and Innovation Hub that supports SDG 6.2 monitoring. The center focuses on commercializing transformative sanitation technologies and has secured ISO certifications. Prof. Shrestha emphasized AIT and GWSC’s close collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank, offering scholarships and influencing over $1.5 billion in investments, positioning the center for continued growth in advancing water and sanitation solutions.
Prof. Thammarat Koottatep, Professor at Environmental Engineering and Management, Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering at AIT emphasized that the AIT serves as a regional hub extending beyond academics to collaborate with NGOs, the private sector, and other partners. Since 1959, AIT has significantly contributed to the water and sanitation sector through global collaborations, research, planning approaches, and practical interventions. He highlighted the work of the GWSC, which not only provides training but also partners with organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and national consultants. While AIT’s focus has been on South and Southeast Asia, it is expanding to include students from Central Asia and plans more projects supported by the Islamic Development Bank. Prof. Koottatep views this expansion as the starting point for deeper collaboration and mutual learning, encouraging unity and partnership.
Ms. Brooke Yamakoshi, WASH Specialist at UNICEF, delivered the keynote address, highlighting that even developed countries struggle with safely managed sanitation, emphasizing the significant challenge of achieving SDG 6.2. She acknowledged the progress made by IsDB member countries in eliminating open defecation but stressed the need to accelerate efforts fivefold to meet targets. She underscored the role of sanitation in preventing diseases like cholera, particularly among vulnerable populations, and called for stronger government-led initiatives to reduce reliance on external support and achieve self-sustaining solutions.
The program focused on key learning objectives, such as understanding urban sanitation issues, applying evidence-based tools for project development, and integrating CWIS/FSM into various project stages, including Monitoring & Evaluation. Participants gained both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, engaging directly with sanitation experts to discuss real-world scenarios and explore innovative solutions. Tailor-made sessions addressed participants’ needs, covering topics like financial models, community engagement, and environmental impacts The interactive sessions allowed participants to actively engage with the session materials, providing a platform for them to delve deeper into the content. This format encouraged participants to raise critical questions, bringing their unique perspectives to the discussion, which enriched the overall dialogue and promoted a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
The event featured hands-on activities, including group exercises on sanitation planning and discussions on SDG 6.2 progress, urban challenges, and the CWIS framework. A site visit to Bangkok’s executive sanitation agency on September 12 provided insights into their processes and best practices.
