By AIT Public Affairs
9 June 2025 – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 9 June 2025, establishing a collaborative framework to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers. The partnership focuses on advancing shared objectives in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH); Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI); and Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC). The activities will be initiated through AIT’s Global Water & Sanitation Center (GWSC).
The MoU was signed by AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li and IFRC Regional Director for Asia Pacific, Mr. Alexander Matheou.
President Li said, “AIT and IFRC share common values and goals, particularly in the water sector. Through this partnership, I believe we can work together to identify key challenges, co-develop innovative solutions, and most importantly, mobilize the resources needed to drive real impact. I look forward to a strong and meaningful collaboration.”
Echoing President Li’s remarks, Mr. Matheou strongly agreed on the importance of shared values. He stated, “IFRC’s mission is to be the first responder to disasters around the world. The Asia Pacific region, being the most disaster-prone, constantly brings both challenges and opportunities for learning. Currently, our focus is on long-term crises, where access to water and sanitation is critical. What AIT offers in terms of technical expertise and capacity building is invaluable. We are excited to begin this partnership that we believe will drive meaningful, lasting change.”
The MoU establishes a strategic collaboration to strengthen WASH systems with a focus on inclusion, community strength, and sustainability. Core areas of cooperation include the joint development of funding proposals to support capacity building, knowledge transfer, and community impact in WASH, GEDSI, and SBCC. The partnership also promotes mutual learning through the exchange of research, best practices, and active participation in workshops and knowledge-sharing platforms.
The collaboration will advance climate-resilient, disaster-ready WASH technologies for diverse environments, exploring innovative solutions to safeguard water security, protect vulnerable systems, and ensure emergency access to safe water and sanitation. AIT and IFRC will co-design targeted training programs to equip Red Cross/Red Crescent volunteers with inclusive approaches. Community engagement will be prioritized through locally led WASH initiatives in underserved, climate-vulnerable areas. Internships and volunteer opportunities will expand practical learning in water resource management, social equity, and behavior change communication, bridging academic knowledge with community action.
The delegation from IFRC included Ms. Kathryn Clarkson – Head of Delegation and Representative to United Nations ESCAP Country Cluster for Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, and Ms. Cindy Le Ky Huong – Corporate Services and Partnerships Coordinator, Country Cluster for Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
From AIT, the Signing Ceremony was attended by Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director, International Affairs, Office of International and Public Affairs (OIPA); Mr. Sanjeet Amatya, Director, Public Affairs, OIPA; Mr. Hendra Gupta, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Transformative Technology Commercialization Hub, GWSC; Dr. Vineeta Thapa, Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Lead, GWSC and Ms. Indra Kumari, Senior Program Officer, International Affairs, OIPA.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) stands as the world’s largest humanitarian network, embodying a commitment to humanitarian action across more than 191 countries. The IFRC Regional Office based in Kuala Lumpur plays a pivotal role in supporting local Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies throughout the Asia-Pacific region, covering 38 countries.