Founded in 1959, AIT is an international English-speaking postgraduate institution, providing education and research in the fields of engineering, environment and management, with a focus on sustainability and social impact issues. The institution hosts more than 1,600 students from over 40 different countries. Their key thematic areas include climate change, infrastructure, smart communities, among others.

Potential areas of collaboration between AIT and IUCN include exchange of staff and experts; joint research in the thematic areas of mutual interest; exchange of scientific and exhibition materials; joint academic activities such as seminars, conferences, exhibition; and internship opportunities for AIT students.

The MoU was signed by Professor Kazuo Yamamoto, Interim President at AIT and Dr. Dindo Campilan, Regional Director for IUCN Asia and Hub Director for Oceania at the signing ceremony at AIT’s main campus in Khlong Luang, Pathumthani Province of Thailand.

Professor Yamamoto said that “the signing of the MoU comes at a great time as AIT aims to utilize its botanical gardens to achieve ‘net-zero’ in the coming years.” Dr. Campilan expressed hope that “the collaboration between AIT and IUCN would lead to progress not only in conservation but more broadly towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals.”