The Global Water & Sanitation Center (GWSC) at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) recently hosted a landmark event, the GWSC Special Seminar, on December 5, 2025. Held at the AIT Conference Center, the seminar brought together a formidable coalition of global leaders from the International Water Association (IWA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and leading academic institutions to address the most pressing challenges in the water sector.

Under the theme “Governance, Digitalization and Innovations for Inclusive Water and Sanitation,” the day was dedicated to exploring how policy, technology, and community-centric design can intersect to create resilient public health systems.

Strengthening Governance and Digital Frontiers

The morning sessions, moderated by Prof. Sangam Shrestha, delved into the structural and technological shifts required to modernize water management. Key discussions included:

  • Restoration of Urban Governance: Strategies for managing water in rapidly growing Asian cities.
  • Digital Transformation: Prof. Satoshi Takizawa (University of Tokyo) and Prof. Harsha Ratnaweera (Norwegian University of Life Sciences) discussed the opportunities and challenges of integrating digital tools into the water sector.
  • Public Health Surveillance: Dr. Kwanwaree Sirikanchana highlighted the critical role of wastewater surveillance in pandemic response and ethical public health integration.

Breakthrough Innovations and Global Practices

The seminar shifted focus toward tangible technological solutions in the second half, moderated by Dr. Anish Ghimire.

  • Reinvented Toilets: Dr. Doulaye Kone from the Gates Foundation presented on “Next Gen Reinvented Toilet Technologies,” emphasizing decentralized systems that operate without traditional sewer infrastructure.
  • Regional Success Stories: Dr. Jennifer Molwanta (CEO, Water Research Commission) shared insights into water and sanitation practices from South Africa, offering a blueprint for inclusive service delivery.

A Hands-on Look: Lab and Facility Tours

Following concluding remarks by IWA President Prof. Hamanth Kasan, participants were invited to witness innovation in action through guided tours of AIT’s state-of-the-art facilities:

  • AIT Performance Testing Lab.
  • NATS and EEM Labs.
  • WEM and IMIS Labs.
  • The Modernized AIT Wastewater Treatment Plant, showcasing real-world application of advanced treatment technologies.

Distinguished Speakers & Leaders

The event featured an esteemed lineup of experts and dignitaries:

  • Prof. Hamanth Kasan, President of IWA.
  • Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha, Deputy Director, Gates Foundation & AIT Board of Trustee.
  • Dr. Doulaye Kone, Director, Gates Foundation & IWA Board Member.
  • Dr. Jiraporn Sirikum, Chair of AIT Executive Committee.
  • Prof. Thammarat Koottatep, GWSC Co-Director.
  • Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of SET & GWSC Co-Director.
  • Prof. Satoshi Takizawa, University of Tokyo & IWA Board Member.
  • Prof. Harsha Ratnaweera, Norwegian University of Life Sciences & IWA Board Member.
  • Dr. Jennifer Molwanta, CEO, Water Research Commission, South Africa.
  • Dr. Kwanwaree Sirikanchana, Senior Research Scientist, Chulabhorn Research Institute.
  • Prof. Siddharth Jabade, AIT Vice President.

The seminar concluded with a shared vision: that meaningful progress in global sanitation is only possible when technology, governance, and community needs are addressed as a single, unified priority.