The Faculty of Public Policy and Sustainable Development was established by building on the Asian Institute of Technology’s long-standing strengths in development studies, governance, and interdisciplinary research, responding to rapidly evolving global and regional policy demands. Across Asia and globally, governments and institutions face complex and interconnected challenges – including climate change, environmental degradation, social and gender inequalities, forced displacement, and uneven development – that require integrated, evidence-based, technologically informed, and innovative policy responses.
The Faculty is grounded in international policy frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement and scientific assessments of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), within the context of an evolving global political order, underscoring the urgency of translating science into effective public policy, governance reform, and adaptive development strategies. Rapid urbanisation and demographic transitions, and digital transformation, infrastructure and human capital gaps amid shifting trade patterns and geopolitical uncertainty shape development and public policy priorities, reinforcing the need for inclusive and justice – oriented policy action. The Faculty aligns closely with global efforts to strengthen evidence-informed policymaking and institutional capacity, as promoted by UNDP, OECD and the World Bank, while emphasizing social justice, gender equality, and inclusion, reflecting priorities advanced by UN Women, Regional and global policy responses to migration, displacement, and human security – led by UNHCR and IOM – also inform its interdisciplinary focus. Benefiting from its location in Thailand, the Faculty works closely with civil society organizations, community-based organizations and NGOs across the Global South.
The Faculty offers three integrated academic programs, Development, Innovation and Sustainability, Gender and Development Studies, and Public Policy, which provide strong interdisciplinary foundations, and prepare graduates for the leadership roles in governments, international organizations, civil society, academic and research institutions, and the private sector. Its ecosystem of interdisciplinary research initiatives and centers links policy, science, technology and society and also integrates environmental sustainability, climate change, governance innovation, and social and gender inequality into teaching and supervision.
Vision
The FPSD envisions becoming a leading regional center of excellence in public policy, governance and sustainable development, recognized for integrating scientific research, interdisciplinary scholarship, and policy/ program practices. By strengthening the interface between knowledge and decision-making, the Faculty aims to shape sustainable, equitable, fair, and resilient development pathways and to cultivate future policy leaders, researchers, practitioners and advocates/ activists capable of addressing complex global and regional challenges.
Mission
The mission of the FPSDis to advance evidence-based, inclusive, and innovative public policy and governance through grounded high-quality education, interdisciplinary research, and policy engagement. Building on its long-standing strengths in development studies and interdisciplinary research, the Faculty is committed to generating and applying scientific knowledge to address environmental sustainability, climate change, social and gender equality and justice, human rights, peace, governance transformations, as well as broader development challenges in Asia and beyond.
A message from the Dean
It is with great pride that I welcome you to the Faculty of Public Policy and Sustainable Development at the Asian Institute of Technology.
The Faculty was established in response to a moment of profound global change. Today’s world is marked by geopolitical uncertainty, climate emergencies, rapid technological transformation, and social and economic crises. These global dynamics are reflected in environmental degradation, widening social and gender inequalities, regional conflicts and political instability, population mobility and displacement, and uneven development. These challenges are reshaping how policy is conceived, implemented, and contested, and they demand leaders, practitioners, activists, and researchers who can navigate complexity with integrity, evidence, and compassion.
Building on AIT’s long-standing strengths in development studies, governance, and interdisciplinary research, the Faculty of Public Policy and Sustainable Development is committed to advancing innovative, inclusive, and evidence-based policy solutions and preparing a new generation of leaders, practitioners, activists, and researchers. At our Faculty, policy is understood as both an analytical and ethical endeavor—one that connects research, leadership, advocacy, and implementation to generate meaningful societal impact. Through strong partnerships with governments, international organizations, development agencies, civil society, and academic networks worldwide, we foster a dynamic learning environment that bridges theory and practice and connects local realities with global policy debates.
As Dean, I am committed to nurturing an inclusive, collaborative, and intellectually vibrant academic community, and I warmly invite you to join us in shaping more just, resilient, and sustainable futures.
Dr. Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen
Dean | Faculty of Public Policy and Sustainable Development
