By Danielle Duan
Pathum Thani, Thailand, 22 August 2025 — The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has successfully concluded a two-week capacity-building and knowledge exchange program on “Strengthening Digital Agriculture Ecosystem and Developing E-Agriculture Solutions” for a four-member delegation of agricultural experts from Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
By convening key organizations, government agencies, and technical partners to collaborate on the shared goals of food security and sustainability, AIT was able to work with the United Nations and DPRK to develop this first-of-its-kind project.
Held from 3–15 August 2025 at the AIT campus and various partner sites across Thailand, the program brought together officials from the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of DPRK in Pyongyang, accompanied by the Permanent Representative of the DPRK Mission to UNESCAP, Mr. Ri Nam Song, to explore innovative digital technologies, strategies, and best practices to address climate change impacts, boost productivity, and strengthen food and nutrition security in their home country.
The intensive training featured lectures, workshops, and site visits covering a broad range of topics — from digital agriculture decision support systems, climate-smart practices, IoT/AI applications, remote sensing, and agromet advisory services.
Participants engaged with leading experts from FAO, AIT faculty, and partner institutions, gaining hands-on experience with drones, smart sensors, GIS, and plant factory systems. Field visits to leading institutions, including the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Kasetsart University, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC), Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), Speedy Access Smart Farm, and Kubota Farm provided practical insights into how digital tools are applied in real-world farming and resource management contexts.
The program culminated with a farewell ceremony at AIT on 14 August 2025, during which certificates were conferred In his concluding remarks, Dr. Sushil Kumar Himanshu, Project Lead and Assistant Professor in the Agricultural Systems and Engineering Program at the Department of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources (DFANR), emphasized the significance of the initiative and highlighted the faculty’s dedication to agricultural innovation and sustainable development through research and international collaboration. Dr. Himanshu commended the DPRK participants for their commitment to advancing localized digital solutions that can enhance resilience and livelihoods.
Mr. Joe Emmanuele Colombano, UN Resident Coordinator for the DPRK (Photo above, center) thanked all concerned for the opportunity to meet the DPRK officials in person at AIT. He stressed the importance of such people-to-people exchanges, particularly at a time of uncertainty in the international arena and challenges to multilateralism. The resident coordinator also called for renewed cooperation between the United Nations and DPRK, underscored by trust and mutual respect.
Prof. P. Abdul Salam, Dean of the School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD), AIT, confers certificates to the DPRK delegate trainees.
Mr. Ri Nam Song, Permanent Representative to UNESCAP, Embassy of the DPRK in the Kingdom of Thailand, makes a congratulatory remark.
Mr. Sheikh Ahaduzzaman, Deputy FAO Representative in DPR Korea makes a special remark.
Project Lead Dr. Sushil Kumar Himanshu from SERD-AIT highlights a number of key outcomes and positive reflections at the farewell meeting.
Dr. Muhammad Yaseen from the Agri-Business Management Program, SERD-AIT delivers a vote of thanks on behalf of the project team.
Mr. Joe Emmanuele Colombano, UN Resident Coordinator for the DPRK, delivers a special remark on behalf of the United Nations.
Mr. Gerard Sylvester, Investment Officer at FAO based in Rome, delivers a special remark.
Ms. Danielle Duan delivers a vote of thanks on behalf of the AIT Office of International and Public Affairs.
Group photo at the farewell ceremony.
AIT’s Office of International and Public Affairs coordinated the FAO-funded project, liaising with FAO Headquarters in Rome, the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, AIT research units, and national partners. It managed protocol, stakeholder outreach, and full compliance with FAO requirements.
The initiative marks another milestone in the FAO–AIT collaboration, underscoring their shared mission to promote sustainable and technology-driven agricultural transformation across Asia and the Pacific — a vision echoed by both FAO officials and the AIT team.
Danielle Duan is Head of Emerging Markets International Cooperation, Office of International and Public Affairs, AIT.
