23 September, 2024: The Asian Institute of Technology’s School of Environment, Resources, and Development (AIT SERD) proudly participated in the 6th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Environment Ministers’ Meeting (EMM-6), held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from September 10 to 13, 2024. Organized by Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), this high-profile event brought together regional leaders to discuss climate action and environmental sustainability.
Representing AIT’s School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD), Prof. P. Abdul Salam, Dean of SERD, participated as a panelist in the session on “Facilitating Low Carbon Transition” at the EMM-6. Prof. Salam emphasized the urgent priorities and current research needs in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) to accelerate the shift towards low-carbon economies. He provided successful examples where research has influenced policymaking in the region.
In addition, Prof. Salam contributed to the “Development Partner Roundtable,” where he highlighted AIT’s commitment to addressing critical environmental sustainability, climate change, and regional development challenges. He also identified key challenges hindering effective regional cooperation, stressing the need for enhanced data sharing, integrated planning, and stronger coordination mechanisms among GMS countries.
Dr. Sushil Himanshu, Assistant Professor in the Agricultural Systems and Engineering (ASE) program, also participated as a panelist in the session on “Deploying Digital Technologies for Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability.”
During the panel discussion, Dr. Sushil emphasized the urgent need for the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) to enhance data-driven decision-making by integrating digital technologies such as remote sensing, IoT sensors, and AI to address climate action and environmental sustainability. He highlighted the transformative potential of these tools in real-time climate monitoring and resource optimization. Dr. Sushil also discussed the pivotal role of academia in bridging local initiatives with national policies and shared the success of the ADB-supported AFAS project, where collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society drove effective climate solutions.
Throughout the EMM-6, AIT presented its expertise and projects in areas such as agriculture, green freight, low-carbon transition, water resource management, plastic pollution, and climate-smart landscapes. The event also spotlighted cross-cutting themes, including gender equality and the integration of digital technologies in environmental protection.
AIT’s participation in this significant forum reaffirms its commitment to fostering regional cooperation and advancing sustainable development across the GMS. The institute extends its gratitude to ADB for providing a platform to engage in critical discussions that will contribute to a greener and more resilient future for the region.
