Date: 7th February 2025
Venue: Bangkok, Thailand

A bilateral meeting between the APAARI Secretariat of the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) and the leadership of the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC) took place in Bangkok, Thailand. This high-level discussion focused on exchanging knowledge and experiences in institution-building, governance, and strategic transformation aimed at enhancing independence and sustainability.

Objectives

• Identify potential synergies and discuss collaborative modalities that align with APAARI’s and HUC’s missions and visions.
• Strengthen professional ties and lay the foundation for future cooperation in addressing common challenges in agricultural research and development.

Key Takeaways

• Shared insights on institution-building, governance, and organizational transformation to achieve greater independence and sustainability.
• Discussed the establishment of concrete pathways and modalities for collaboration between APAARI and HUC.

Acknowledgement

HUC Delegation

1. Professor Dr. Attaullah Shah – Vice Chancellor, Karakoram International University, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan; Chairperson, HUC Steering Committee
2. Professor Dr. Sara Nowreen – Institute of Water and Flood Management, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka; Member representing Bangladesh, HUC Steering Committee
3. Dr. Chi Huyen Truong – Executive Officer, HUC Secretariat

APAARI Secretariat

1. Dr. Ravi Khetarpal – Executive Director
2. Dr. Margaret Yoovatana – Advisor
3. Mr. Manish Rai – Head of Operations
4. Dr. KS Varaprasad – Advisor, Biosecurity and Bioresources (Online)
5. Dr. Paul Taylor – Technical Coordinator (Online)
6. Ms. Samitha Manohar – Partnership and Membership Manager (Online)
7. Ms. Darshika Senadheera – Communications Officer (Online)
8. Ms. Homaira Jahan Sonam – Technical Officer
9. Ms. Sokharath Samnang – Executive Assistant

This meeting marks a significant step in fostering collaboration and strengthening institutional capacities to drive impactful agricultural research across the Asia-Pacific and Himalayan regions.

About Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI)

APAARI, established by FAO in 1990, is a membership-based organization promoting agricultural research and innovation in the Asia-Pacific region. It unites National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), international research centres, universities, NGOs, and the private sector, with 80 member organizations, including 22 core member countries. APAARI’s mission is to strengthen agri-food research systems through partnerships, capacity building, and advocacy for sustainable agriculture. Its work focuses on four themes: Natural Resource Management, Risk Mitigation, Inclusive Development, and Policy Advocacy. The current conference aligns with these themes, emphasizing plant health research and management.

About the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC)

The Himalayan University Consortium (HUC) is a collaborative network of universities and research institutions dedicated to enhancing higher education and research on sustainable mountain development in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region. Facilitated by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), HUC aims to strengthen regional and global partnerships, promote interdisciplinary research, and build the capacity of academic institutions to address critical challenges such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. Through knowledge-sharing, policy engagement, and academic collaboration, HUC fosters innovative solutions to support the resilience and well-being of mountain communities.