16–17 February 2026 – The VALOR Project officially commenced with its Kick-Off Meeting held at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). The two-day event brought together representatives from partner institutions in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Greece, and Portugal to initiate coordinated implementation of the project. This marked a significant step towards the planned collaborative work to address critical environmental and socio-economic challenges.
Value Chain Transformation for Ocean Plastic Management (VALOR), is a capacity-building initiative co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme. Southeast Asia stands at the epicenter of the global marine plastic crisis, contributing significantly to ocean leakage despite the emergence of national policy frameworks. In response to this urgent challenge, the project seeks to strengthen the capacity of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines to lead the transition toward a circular economy.
By curriculum modernization, integration of environmental sustainability and digital innovation, and the promotion of community-based solutions, VALOR aims to address skills gaps across the plastic value chain. The initiative brings together a strategic consortium comprising the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Mahidol University (MU), Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Universitas Mulawarman (UNMUL), University of the Philippines System (UPD), University of the Philippines Visayas Foundation Inc. (UPVFI), Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), Panepistimio Patron (UPatras), and ReadLab P.C., fostering cross-regional collaboration between Southeast Asia and Europe.
The kickoff meeting provided a platform for partners to align on project goals, clarify roles and responsibilities, and establish mechanisms for effective cooperation. Key sessions covered the project’s objectives and expected impacts, administrative and financial requirements under the grant agreement, and presentations from leaders of each work package. Participants also exchanged perspectives on research methodologies and planned activities, identified key milestones for the coming months, and agreed on communication and reporting protocols.
In addition, the meeting facilitated dialogue on risk management, stakeholder engagement strategies, and dissemination pathways to maximize the project’s reach and impact.
The event concluded successfully with a shared commitment to move into the next phase of work with clarity and coordination. Partners expressed confidence that the foundations established during the meeting will support efficient implementation and high-quality research outcomes. Following the meeting, consortium members will proceed with detailed planning for fieldwork, data collection, and the co-creation of tools to advance VALOR’s objectives and contribute to sustainable solutions for ocean plastic management in the region.
