AIT Sustainability Expo 2023: A Seminar by AIT Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific, “Clean and Sustainable Environment in Changing Climate”
24 August 2023
AITCC, Pathumthani, Thailand
The Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (RRC.AP) successfully hosted a seminar focused on the “Clean and Sustainable Environment in Changing Climate” on the morning of second day, 24th August 2023 of the AIT Sustainability Expo 2023, at the AIT Conference Center, Thailand. The seminar aimed to share knowledge and insights about RRC.AP's work program and activities, particularly in assisting countries across the region in their sustainability efforts. Approximately 100 participants from both on-site and online attended this meaningful seminar, representing government policymakers, academics, scientists, young researchers, students, and members of community organizations. The diverse range of topics covered in the seminar, including waste and resource management, air pollution, and climate change, showcased the multidisciplinary approach necessary for achieving a sustainable and climate resilient future.
The seminar commenced with the welcome speech by Dr. Guilberto Borongan, Director of AIT RRC.AP, followed by Ms. Yuko Yoshida, Deputy Director, Climate Change Adaptation Office, Global Environment Bureau, Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MoEJ), who delivered the welcome remarks virtually. Then, the opening speech by Dr. Roger Levermore, Vice President for Development, AIT. Mr. Huno Solomon Kofi Mensah, Senior Programme Officer at RRC.AP, introduced the Waste and Resource Management Cluster's role in promoting sustainable waste management practices in the region, which plays an integral part of a sustainable circular economy.
Mr. Veera Kwanloetchit, Director of the Plastic Institution of Thailand, discussed the implementation status and the way forward of Thailand's Roadmap on Plastic Waste. Dr. Mitsugu Saito, Programme Management Officer at UNEP ROAP, presented related to promoting the Minamata Convention on Mercury by making the most of Japan's knowledge and experiences. After that, Dr. Ram Lal Verma, Head of the Air Pollution Cluster at RRC.AP, introduced the Air Pollution Cluster and its activities. Through the cluster activities, he highlighted how RRC.AP has contributed over the years within the Asia Pacific Region, to a clean and sustainable urban atmosphere.
Dr. Ramesh Soysa, Head of the Climate Change Cluster at RRC.AP, introduced the cluster's mission highlighted the cluster’s dynamic involvement in climate change ever since the inception as UNEP GRID Bangkok in 1989. Adapting to the changing climate was introduced through the cluster’s Climate Adaptation Tools, Climate Adaptation Platforms (AP-PLAT), e-learning courses and Regional Workshops. Dr. Peter King, Senior Advisor at the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), discussed rural revitalization and climate change.
Mr. Demetrio Innocenti, Manager, (Simplified Approval Process/Project Preparation Facility/Enhancing Direct Access) Division of Mitigation and Adaptation, Green Climate Fund (GCF) delivered a virtual presentation on the overview of the GCF global framework, trends, and prospects. Participants in the seminar gained significant insights and networks that may lead the way for new solutions and valuable contributions to both global and regional sustainability goals.
