and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, and Prof. Worsak
Kanok-Nukulchai, Interim President, Asian Institute of Technology
(AIT), at FAO’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific on 10 January
2013.Stating that AIT is one of the most important institutions which deals
with regional issues, Mr. Konuma remarked that the role played by AIT
is “very highly recognized.” Stressing the importance of AIT, Mr.
Konuma added that he always participated in the AIT graduation ceremony
to watch the young generation graduate. He stated that FAO and AIT have
always enjoyed a “very fruitful collaboration,” and that this MoU would
bring the two closer.
Quoting instances of joint work, he mentioned the implementation of
the joint program on “Save Food Campaign” by AIT and FAO, which was
regarded as a very successful event. FAO has also assisted AIT in
design of new curriculum in aquaculture and forestry. The FAO ADG said
that “FAO recognizes the importance of partnerships,” as he cited the
example of EU funded project on System of Rice Intensification (SRI)
where AIT and FAO are working together.
“This is a meaningful partnership that will provide opportunities for
joint collaboration relating to FAO’s regional priorities,” said Mr.
Konuma. “Through this MoU, AIT and FAO will continue to pursue regional
capacity development designed to tackle poverty and improve food
security through sustainable agricultural intensification and the
development of greener technology.”
Prof. Worsak highlighted the historic role of AIT in serving the
region. Stating that AIT was not a traditional university, the AIT
President mentioned the strategic contribution of the Institute in
developing this region. “In order to achieve sustainable development
for all there is a need to have strong linkages between academic
institutes and development organizations,” said Prof. Worsak. “FAO and
AIT have a history of complementing each other’s work and today’s
agreement formalizes our desire for increased collaboration,” he
added.
Senior officials of FAO also participated in the event. Besides Prof.
Worsak, AIT was represented by Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Director, Asian
Centre of Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture Intensification
(ACISAI); Dr. Abha Misra, Co-Director, ACISAI; and Dr. Avishek Datta,
Assistant Professor, School of Environment, Resources and Development
(SERD).
A press released by FAO on the event can be accessed at this
link:
http://www.fao.org/asiapacific/rap/home/news/detail/en/?no_cache=1&news_uid=212163
Photo gallery from the event are available at these links:
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