YCA Celebrates the Completion of the Professional Development Training Program:
Mainstreaming Climate Change and Gender in National Planning and Budgeting
The Yunus Center at the Asian Institute of Technology (YCA) proudly announces the successful conclusion of its month-long Professional Development Training Program : Mainstreaming Climate Change and Gender in National Planning and Budgeting Process.
This program welcomed 31 government officials from the Ministry of Finance, Tanzania, and took place across three prominent locations: AIT Conference Center (AITCC), Novotel Hotel Future Park Rangsit, and Ambassador Hotel Bangkok.
The welcome ceremony for the 2nd cohort of the 2-week training program commenced on 7th October 2024, introducing the participants to the objectives and setting the stage for the intensive training ahead.
The Vice President for Administration of AIT, Mr. Russell Rein, welcomed the participants, and through a video message, Prof. Faiz Shah, Executive Director of the Yunus Center, emphasized the importance of integrating climate change and gender considerations into budgeting processes. He encouraged participants to engage actively with resource persons, leveraging their collective experiences to foster impactful learning and transformation upon their return to Tanzania. They were joined by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Dash, Director of Development Management, Yunus Center, and Mr. Ernest Kwiluhya Laiton, Assistant Director of the Planning Division at the Ministry of Finance Tanzania, who provided insights on the significance of the training.
Over the intensive 12-day program, critical themes such as climate change mitigation, gender-responsive budgeting, climate-smart finance, the integration of gender considerations into national development plans, and sustainable development goals were addressed. Additional topics included climate risk assessment, stakeholder engagement in climate initiatives, innovative financing mechanisms for sustainable development, and the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing decision-making processes, including AI Application for Crop Variety Identification: Bridging Technology and Agriculture.
Among the 18 subject matter experts featured in the program delivering in-depth knowledge across these themes, were renowned experts such as Prof. Abdul Salam, Prof. Shobhakar Dhakal, and Prof. Paula Banerjee from AIT. The program also welcomed distinguished resource persons from the Ministry of Finance, Thailand, including Dr. Pisit Puapan, Dr. Phanida Roidoung, and Ms. Sasiwimon Kastjark, as well as other experts from South and Southeast Asia, including Dr. Thanapat Reungsri. These experts shared valuable insights on key topics such as climate risk assessment, stakeholder engagement in climate initiatives, and innovative financing mechanisms for sustainable development.
During a brief interview session, Ms. Vidah Malle, Principal Economist at the Ministry of Finance, emphasized the feasibility of implementing the training's learnings within her organization. She stated, "Tanzania is committed to integrating gender and climate considerations into national policies. Initiatives such as the National Strategy for Mainstreaming Gender and Climate Change and the National Gender and Women Development Policy empower women in environmental conservation and decision-making processes."
Delegates also had the opportunity to visit the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council Thailand (NESDC), further enhancing their understanding of the practical applications of their learning. The training included engaging cultural experiences, featuring a day trip to Pattaya Beach and a cultural tour in Bangkok.
The program concluded with a closing ceremony on 18th October 2024, featuring Opening Remarks by Ms. Vidah Stanley Malle, Principal Economist, Ministry of Finance, Tanzania; Mr. Moris Linuma, Assistant Director, Ministry of Finance, Tanzania; and Prof. Faiz Shah, Executive Director of Yunus Center (YCA), AIT. In his keynote, Prof. Faiz Shah highlighted AIT’s leadership in achieving carbon neutrality, emphasizing the AIT Solar Energy Initiative as a significant step toward a 100% carbon neutral campus. He also underscored the importance of climate finance in driving sustainable transitions and the role of carbon mitigation in reducing global environmental impacts. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Dash delivered the Closing Remarks, praising participants for their dedication and encouraging them to apply their newly acquired knowledge to create meaningful change.
The Yunus Center is committed to fostering sustainable development and empowering individuals through education and training, with a focus on climate change and gender issues. By equipping future leaders with the knowledge and tools to drive positive change, the center eagerly anticipates the impact of this training as participants apply their skills to promote climate resilience and gender equity in their respective sectors.
