During November 14–15, 2024 – AIT co-hosted the Fifth Belt and Road Lecture with Beijing Normal University (BNU) with the theme of “Advancing International Collaboration in Water and Environmental Sciences”. The event was held at Room 1623 of the Jingshi Technology Building, centering on water science, environmental sustainability, and international cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It provided a platform to promote academic and practical exchanges, fostering collaboration across disciplines and borders. The event also underscores AIT’s leadership in addressing global water and environmental challenges through innovation, education, and international partnership under BRI.
The lecture opened with a strong emphasis on AIT’s commitment to fostering global harmony and sustainability. Dr. Wenchao Xue, Director of AIT’s Belt and Road Center, Associate Professor, Academic Chair of Environment Engineering and Management, SET, AIT, articulated the institute’s mission to cultivate talent and solutions for pressing planetary issues. “Through partnerships like these, we can cultivate globally minded talent and generate innovative solutions to address pressing global challenges,” she stated, framing AIT’s strategic alignment with BRI’s goals of connectivity and shared development. During the two-day symposium, faculty from AIT delivered cutting-edge research insights. Associate Professor Xue Wenchao presented groundbreaking findings on “Microplastics in Urban Water Systems: Sources, Distribution, and Pathways to Oceans”, leveraging data from AIT-led field studies in Southeast Asia. This work highlighted scalable strategies to combat microplastic pollution, a growing threat to marine ecosystems in BRI partner nations. Professor Anil Kumar Anal, Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology, Food Innovation, Nutrition, and Health, Department of Food, Agriculture, and Bioresources Department, SERD, AIT, who is a renowned expert in food safety and resource management, addressed interdisciplinary challenges in water and nutrient security, emphasizing AIT’s holistic approach to sustainable development. Meanwhile, Dr. Mohana Sundaram Shanmugam, Assistant Professor, Water Engineering and Management (WEM), Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering (CIE), SET, AIT, contributed to discussions on biotechnology applications for environmental remediation, reinforcing AIT’s reputation as a hub for innovation.
A landmark moment came on November 15 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between AIT and BNU. The agreement formalizes plans for joint research projects, talent exchanges, and academic programs tailored to BRI countries’ needs.“This MOU marks a milestone in our shared journey,” said Professor Zuo Depeng of BNU during the ceremony. “AIT’s expertise will be instrumental in cultivating specialized talent and advancing sustainable development across the Global South.”
The event concluded with AIT and BNU outlining a phased strategy for collaboration over the next five years, focusing on: Joint degree programs in water and environmental sciences; Cross-border research initiatives targeting climate resilience and pollution mitigation; BRI-focused training academies to empower early-career professionals. Professor Anil Kumar Anal emphasized AIT’s readiness to lead: “Our partnership with BNU exemplifies how academic institutions can drive the BRI’s vision. AIT is committed to bridging knowledge gaps and equipping nations with tools for sustainable growth”.
AIT’s active engagement throughout the lecture, spanning technical workshops, networking sessions and cultural exchanges, highlighted the institute’s role as a convener of global expertise. It not only strengthened ties with BNU but also showcased AIT’s growing influence as a regional leader in sustainability education. As the Belt and Road Initiative enters its second decade, AIT’s leadership in this forum signals its expanding role as a catalyst for international cooperation. By merging academic rigor with real-world problem-solving, AIT continues to shape a future where shared knowledge transcends borders—and where sustainability is a collective achievement.