The American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) successfully organized a high-profile dissemination workshop on Wednesday, 11 December 2024, at the Ruposhi Bangla Grand Ballroom, Hotel InterContinental Dhaka. The event highlighted the findings of the yearlong collaborative research project titled “Social Innovation Through Technology Nudging: Developing a Behavioural Toolkit for Diffusing Solar Irrigation.”
This groundbreaking initiative, supported by the World Bank through the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC), Thailand, under the Innovations for Climate Adaptation and Resilience (iCARE) fund, is being implemented in Bangladesh. The research is led by Durham University, UK, in partnership with Curtin University (Australia), American International University-Bangladesh, University of Rajshahi, and Khulna University. The workshop aimed to disseminate research findings and foster policy discussions around sustainability, climate change, and the adoption of solar irrigation technologies.
Dr. Md. Mahmudur Rahman, Additional Secretary (PPC Wing), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, graced the event as the Guest of Honour. Ms. Nadia Anwar, Founder Member and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, AIUB, attended as the Special Guest.
The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Michael Naef of Durham University and Prof. Dr. Ruhul Salim of Curtin University. Inaugural speeches were presented by Prof. Dr. Saiful Islam, Vice Chancellor of AIUB; Prof. Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim, Vice Chancellor of Khulna University; and Prof. Dr. Md. Farid Uddin Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Rajshahi along with Dr. Carmen Z Lamagna, Member, Board of Trustees, AIUB. Each speaker emphasized the critical importance of sustainability and innovative approaches to climate resilience through solar irrigation systems.
The research findings were presented by prominent scholars, including Prof. Dr. Habib Rahman from Durham University, Dr. Mahfuz Kabir, Research Director at BIISS, and Dr. Zeenatul Islam from the University of Rajshahi. An open discussion session followed, moderated by Prof. Dr. Mohammad Jahangir Alam of Bangladesh Agricultural University, facilitating dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders.
Crests were presented to the participating researchers by Ms. Nadia Anwar, Mr. Ishtiaque Abedin, Founder Member of the Board of Trustees at AIUB, Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna and Prof. Dr Saiful Islam. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Dr. Md. Abdur Rahman, Pro Vice-Chancellor of AIUB.
The workshop attracted more than 100 audience, including scholars, policymakers, experts, faculty members, reporters, and officials from Bangladesh, the UK, Australia, and Thailand. The event marks a significant step forward in addressing climate adaptation and promoting solar irrigation systems for a sustainable future.
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