Mr. Steffensen referred to his experience in Afghanistan where AIT
alumni are engaged in infrastructure development, particularly creating
the road network in the country. At AIT on his maiden visit on 24
February 2011, Mr. Steffensen said he was aware of the long term
engagement of ADB with AIT.
Welcoming Mr. Steffensen, Mr. Olivier Drean, Coordinator, French
Cooperation, and Advisor to Administration, said ADB has been a
supporter of AIT for a long time. He added that ADB has also been
actively involved in AIT’s governance. He cited the 3R (Reduce, Reuse,
Recycle) Knowledge Hub at AIT as an example of cooperation between ADB
and AIT along with other partners.
Dr. Mukand Singh Babel, Coordinator, Water Engineering and Management
Field of Study, School of Engineering and Technology (SET) elaborated
on the proposal to establish an Asian Water Research and Education
(AWARE) Center at AIT. He added that Centre de coopération
internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD)
and UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education have already evinced
interest in the center. Others who attended the meeting included Ms.
Tiamkare Thitithamtada, Program Officer, External Relations and
Communications Office (ERCO). Earlier Mr. Steffensen also met Dr. Riaz
Khan, Director, Yunus Center at AIT.
From left to right: Mr. Olivier
Drean, Dr. Mukand Singh Babel, Mr. Craig M. Steffense and Ms. Tiamkare
Thitithamtada.
