New AIT Charter is a landmark document: Dr. Tej Bunnag

The new Charter of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) is a landmark document and it renews the long trusted partnership that exists between the Institute and its stakeholders, respective governments and international organizations. This was stated by H.E. Dr. Tej Bunnag, Former Foreign Minister of Thailand and Chairman, Board of Trustees of AIT during the adoption and signing ceremony of the new AIT Charter at the Vites Samosorn Room in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

Dr. Tej Bunnag stated that the new AIT Charter is a highly significant development in the five decade long history of AIT. It marks another stage in the fulfillment of the dream of AIT’s founding fathers. “This intergovernmental Charter is the product of a very laborious and challenging process, but also very constructive, process of consultations and negotiations between the participating bodies over the past four years or so,” Dr. Tej remarked.

He expressed his sincere appreciation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Royal Thai Government, H.E. Mr. Kasit Piromya stating that the Foreign Minister has been a friend and supporter of the AIT for nearly four decades. “Our gratitude goes also to the participating governments and international organizations for their valuable contributions to the negotiation on the text in the joint sessions which have culminated in today’s historic event,” Dr. Tej said.

Dr. Tej Bunnag expressed his delight that three of the original founders of AIT, Thailand, the host country, Pakistan and the Philippines, or four counting Bangladesh, were joined by Cambodia, India, Japan, Nepal, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Timor Leste and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) as the founding signatories of the new AIT Charter. The entire text of the speech delivered by Dr. Tej Bunnag can be read at this link.