UNITAR
2 August 2023, Bangkok, Thailand – In partnership with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), UNITAR has established the International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL) in Bangkok to offer a range of learning opportunities on sustainable development related areas and facilitate knowledge sharing between government officials and leaders across Asia Pacific.
CIFAL Bangkok aims to strengthen the capacities of individuals and institutions, serving public officials and leaders of Asia Pacific countries in order to improve the decision-making process and encourage sustainable development. CIFAL Bangkok will hold training activities and events centred around critical thematic areas including climate change, smart communities, water-energy-food, infrastructure, technology, policy and society.
The activities of the CIFAL centre will target in particular local, national and regional authorities in the Asia-Pacific region, representatives of international organizations, civil society organizations, private companies, and other academic institutions.
The partnership was signed today in a special ceremony with community stakeholders at AIT campus in Bangkok, Thailand, between Mr. Nikhil Seth, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNITAR, and Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, President of the Asian Institute of Technology.
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNITAR Mr. Nikhil Seth highlighted:
Our partnership with AIT reflects our joint commitment to strengthening the capacities of public servants and leaders in the Asia-Pacific region, while supporting them with practical solutions to tackle global challenges. Academic institutions are an essential partner of UNITAR in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. CIFAL Bangkok will serve as an instrumental platform dedicated to provide training to a wide range of stakeholders, with special emphasis on local authorities and civil society leaders.
CIFAL Bangkok joins other 30 international training centres in the CIFAL (Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders) Global Network.
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About AIT
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) is an international institute of higher learning. It is Asia’s pioneer institution established in 1959 to help meet the region’s growing needs for advanced learning in engineering, science, technology and management, research and capacity building.
AIT’s mission is to develop highly qualified and committed professionals who will play a leading role in the sustainable development of the region and its integration into the global economy. AIT is based in Thailand and has affiliated centres in other parts of the world.
AIT has a particular interest in promoting research and capacity building and foster technological change and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region, through higher education, research, and outreach.