Bangkok--11 Jul--Asian Institute of Technology
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is interested in developing Green Growth Capacity Development Training Modules along with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). AIT’s expertise is sought in providing case studies, and subject experts to deliver the training modules.
In a meeting at AIT on 6 July 2011, a delegation including Dr. Aida Karazhanova, Head, Institutional Support Component, AIT-UNEP Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (RRC.AP); Ms. Maria Tomovic, Green Business and Sustainable Development Consultant, Environment and Development Policy Section (EDPS), UNESCAP; Mr. Kenan Mogultay , and Ms. Pitchayanin Sukholthaman; highlighted the Green Growth Capacity Development Programme (GGCDP).
Ms. Tomovic remarked that the GGCDP is aimed at policy-makers in South East Asia, Central Asia and the Pacific. It has three components, namely training of trainers, pilot projects and e-learning. The target is to reach 1000 policy-makers in the region. She expressed interest in AIT providing case studies and also offering subject experts for the program.
Dr. Aida Karazhanova said it was an opportunity for AIT to brand itself together with ESCAP. The venture has excellent co-branding potential, she added.
Prof. Said Irandoust, President, AIT said AIT would explore ways in which it could work with the GGCDP program. He also thanked Dr. Aida Karazhanova for her efforts to bring AIT and ESCAP together.
Prof. Jayant Kumar Routray, coordinator of the Regional and Rural Development Planning (RRDP) and Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation and Management (DPMM) programs at AIT’s School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD), stated that AIT is already offering e-learning courses along with the University of Hawaii and the United Nations University (UNU). He stressed the effectiveness of video conferencing technique for e-learning modules.
Prof. Ajit P. Annachhatre, Director, UNAIT Office, cited examples of AIT’s work in Red River Delta in Vietnam. Prof. Sivanappan Kumar, Coordinator, Energy Field of Study, SERD, said AIT has been working in the field of green growth and green energy for a significant period of time. Dr. Jonathan Shaw, Director, AIT Extension and Deputy Director, AIT-UNEP Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (RRC.AP), expressed keen interest on behalf of AIT to participate in the program. Dr. Vilas Nitivattananon, coordinator, Urban Environmental Management (UEM) field of study delved on AIT’s role in sustainable urban development. Dr. Weerakorn Ongsakul, Dean, School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD); Dr. David Fergusson, Visiting Research Fellow at AIT’s School of Management (SOM); Bayasgalan Sanduijav, Senior Programme Officer, AIT-RRC.AP; Ms. Wannapa Pliansri, Coordinator, RTG Relations Coordinator; and Ms. Tiamkare Thitithamtada, Program Officer, External Relations and Communications Office (ERCO) also attended the meeting.
Photo caption: From left to right: Ms. Maria Tomovic, Ms. Pitchayanin Sukholthaman, Dr. Aida Karazhanova, and Mr. Kenan Mogultay