Attending the AIT RRC.AP (Asian Institute of Technology’s Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific) meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, from February 18 to 20, 2025, was an incredible experience. Alongside our Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Amrit Bahadur Rai, I had the honor of representing Suryodaya Municipality and sharing our vision for “Enhancing Climate and Disaster Risk Resilient Cities in Asia and the Pacific.”
To read the full blog from AIT RRC.AP regarding the workshop: click here
Table of Contents
A Memorable Gathering of Global Environmental Leaders
From the moment we landed in Bangkok, the energy of the event was palpable. The presence of the Environment Minister of Japan and other esteemed dignitaries added immense value to the discussions. With 45 participants—including mayors, urban planners, resilience experts, and representatives from key organizations—the conversations were dynamic, insightful, and inspiring. It was truly a melting pot of ideas, all centered on creating a sustainable future for our cities.
Key Insights and Takeaways
AIT RRC.AP has been doing remarkable work in promoting environmental sustainability across the Asia-Pacific region. Since its establishment in 1989 as a joint initiative between the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and AIT, it has been focusing on:
- Climate Change: Helping governments implement the Paris Agreement and climate-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Air and Atmosphere: Addressing air pollution through regional cooperation.
- Waste and Resource Management: Connecting scientific research with policy to ensure sustainable waste management practices.
Throughout the event, I engaged in meaningful discussions on sustainable urban development, climate adaptation, and disaster risk reduction. The keynote speeches, delivered by experts from the Ministry of the Environment, Japan, UNDRR, and UN-Habitat, left a lasting impact. It was inspiring to see such a strong commitment to creating resilient cities.
Suryodaya Municipality’s Role and Commitment
As the Mayor of Suryodaya Municipality, I took this opportunity to showcase our ongoing initiatives in environmental sustainability and disaster resilience. Our efforts were well received, and I was proud to see our municipality being recognized on an international platform. Beyond the presentations, the networking opportunities were invaluable—I had enriching conversations with fellow leaders, strengthening ties that will help us collaborate on future projects.
Addressing Transparency and Financial Integrity
One thing I want to clarify—our participation in this event did not put any financial burden on the municipality. The entire sponsorship was covered by the program organizers, ensuring that every expense incurred was handled responsibly. It’s always important to be transparent about such matters, and I want our citizens to know that we are making the most of every opportunity without unnecessary costs.
Looking Ahead
This event was more than just a conference; it was a learning experience, a platform for collaboration, and a moment of pride for Suryodaya Municipality. The knowledge and insights gained will directly influence our policies and initiatives, helping us build a more sustainable and disaster-resilient future.
I am grateful to AIT RRC.AP and the event organizers for this opportunity, and I look forward to applying these learnings in our municipality. Together, we are not just talking about change—we are making it happen.