The Global Water & Sanitation Center (GWSC) marked a significant milestone on September 30th, 2024, as it convened its first-ever Advisory Board Meeting. This inaugural gathering brought together distinguished experts and leaders from prominent organizations worldwide, all united by a shared commitment to advancing water and sanitation initiatives across Asia and beyond. The event underscored GWSC’s dedication to shaping a strategic vision for sustainable water and sanitation development, fostering innovation, and driving impactful partnerships.
The meeting, hosted by AIT & GWSC’s management team included AIT President, Prof. Pai-Chi Li; Co-Director, Prof. Sangam Shrestha; Co-Director, Prof. Thammarat Koottatep; Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Kavinda Gunasekara; Deputy Chief operating officers, Mrs. Isha Basyal and Mr. Hendra Gupta served as a platform for in-depth discussions on the Center’s strategic priorities and future goals. Advisory Board members engaged in dynamic conversations around key proposals for upcoming initiatives, sharing valuable insights drawn from their extensive experience in environmental sustainability, water management, sanitation innovation, and climate resilience.
The esteemed Board members who attended the meeting included:
Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha, Deputy Director (WASH) at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF)
Dr. Roshan, with over 30 years of experience in water and sanitation, has been instrumental in advancing sustainable sanitation programs across developing countries. His work at BMGF’s Global Growth and Opportunity Division continues to shape inclusive and impactful WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives.
Dr. Bindu N. Lohani, Former Ranking Vice-President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), AIT Hall of Fame Inductee, and Member (foreign) of the US National Academy of Engineers (NAE)
Dr. Bindu is a leading figure in sustainable development, renowned for his expertise in knowledge management and environmental sustainability. His contributions to ADB’s strategic direction in sustainable infrastructure and climate change reflect his visionary approach to environmental policy.
Prof. Futaba Kazama, Former Vice President of the University of Yamanashi, Japan, and Former Executive Director of the International Research Center for River Basin Environment (ICRE), Japan
Prof. Kazama is recognized globally for her research in water safety and environmental management. Her work on river basin management and resilience against climate change has empowered communities and provided a model for sustainable water resource management.
Dr. Jack Sim, Founder and Director of the World Toilet Organization
A pioneering social entrepreneur, Dr. Sim has dedicated his career to improving global sanitation standards. Through his work with the World Toilet Organization, he has inspired international action on hygiene and sanitation, breaking taboos and advocating for safe sanitation access.
Dr. Qwanruedee Chotichanathawewong, Director of the Research Center for Environmental Strategy, The National Research Council of Thailand
With over 30 years in environmental policy and sustainability, Dr. Qwanruedee has been a leading voice in pollution control, environmental economics, and climate change. Her influence extends across Southeast Asia, where she has advocated for sustainable practices and environmental innovation.
The Advisory Board members reviewed GWSC’s strategic framework and discussed new initiatives aimed at scaling up the Center’s impact. Key areas of focus included enhancing public data systems for sanitation, developing transformative technology for water management, and fostering commercialization opportunities for sustainable solutions. The Board emphasized the importance of an integrated approach in all ongoing activities, including wastewater and fecal sludge analysis, capacity-building programs, and technology guidelines for monitoring.
The insights and recommendations from this meeting will be instrumental in guiding GWSC’s mission to drive positive change in water and sanitation. As GWSC continues to evolve as a center of excellence, the collective expertise of its Advisory Board will serve as a valuable resource, propelling initiatives that address global water challenges and promote a sustainable future for communities across Asia and beyond.