Fellowship Program

2022 Fellowship Officials

Abuov Azamat Kairdyuly

Committee for Forest and Wildlife, Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources, Kazakhstan

“My main responsibility was to review project proposals and concept notes submitted by member countries of AFoCO. In addition, I helped to establish partnerships with Kazakhstan. With colleagues in my home country, we are currently developing new projects. The program allowed me to gain extensive experience in developing project documents in cooperation with other international organizations. I also had the chance to join the XV World Forestry Congress as part of the AFoCO delegation, and facilitate communication with the Central Asian countries.”

Khin Nyein San

Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division of the Forest Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MONREC), Myanmar

“During my one-year stint at the Secretariat, I worked closely with the AFoCO RETC team to coordinate and facilitate all the training courses organized by AFoCO RETC. I also supported the review and documentation of research projects held in collaboration with the National Institute of Forest Science (NIFoS) and member countries. My experience working with the passionate and supportive team at AFoCO helped me develop professionally and personally to achieve my career goals.”

Altangadas Janchivdorj

Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Mongolia

Aris Ristiyana

Center for Standardization of Disaster and Climate Change Instrument, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Republic of Indonesia

“The Fellowship Program is undoubtedly an invaluable experience for me. I learned how to plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate projects effectively and efficiently. I also learned how to communicate and coordinate in an international workplace with people of different cultures and backgrounds. I will definitely adopt and share the experience and knowledge I’ve got from this program in my institution in my home country. Thank you for giving me this precious opportunity to develop and grow.”

Rozizan Maslin

Forestry Department, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Brunei Darussalam

“Joining the AFoCO Fellowship program was a great and valuable opportunity. I learned how an international organization functions and facilitated the communication between AFoCO and government agencies in Brunei Darussalam. I also summarized climate change policies in Brunei and finalized Brunei’s country profile. I hope that this program will continue for a long period of time and serve as a key platform for junior government officials in the forestry sector to experience working in an international organization.”

Guilhermino Moniz

National Directorate for Community Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Timor-Leste

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work in AFoCO as I have always been interested in international forestry cooperation. As a member of the Cooperation and Project Division, I communicate regularly with the implementing agencies to facilitate the timely implementation and inception of projects in Timor-Leste. I look forward to strengthening the AFoCO-Timor Leste cooperation to facilitate capacity building in the research sector, including climate change monitoring.”

Kittayaporn Jaiarree

Royal Forest Department, Thailand

“As a Fellowship Official, I helped in supporting the communication between AFoCO and Thailand, finalizing Thailand’s country profile, summarizing the climate change policies in Thailand, and taking notes at each assigned meeting. In addition, I was assigned to create social media messages and web content for the subtheme sessions at the XV WFC. Over the six months, I have improved my communication skills, especially in English. I also learned how to conduct effective meetings and gained experience in writing a project proposal on improving forest management.”

Sonam Tashi

Department of Forests and Park Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Bhutan

“For me, the most memorable experience was mainly with my fellow colleagues while we were working on a web article for the AFoCO website. There were disagreements while working as a team, which also enhanced our understanding of each other’s perspectives at the same time. Not only did I gain valuable friendships, but I also learned that we all have similar challenges in our respective countries and realize that we need to build stronger partnerships, communicate more and try harder to understand each other. So that we face the dangling global challenge in fighting climate change together and stronger.”

2021 Fellowship Officials

Husnul Khotimah

National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia

“I learned how to strategically develop projects, including how to initiate new projects and raise funds from potential donors. I also learned about global issues and challenges and opportunities in the forestry sector, which broadened my insight and understanding. Over the 6-month period, I assisted in project proposal evaluation, especially the technical and budget reviews of the new proposals, AKCF, and NTFP Regional Project. I hope to share my experiences with my fellow Indonesian colleagues so we can have a common understanding on AFoCO’s project processes and cooperate better in the future.”

Pham Minh Thu

(previously) Viet Nam Administration of Forestry, Viet Nam

“Through the Fellowship Program, I gained a deeper understanding of AFoCO’s mechanisms and strategies and have been directly updated about AFoCO’s work and activities through engagements in various meetings. I am happy that with my experience managing the Viet Nam Landmark project over the past 5 years, I am able to help in project monitoring and evaluation, developing instructions on the PIP matrix and drafting standard cost norms for AFoCO projects. I was also able to contribute to the development of the country profile document of Viet Nam.”

Veronica B. Afonso

National Directorate of Forestry, Coffee and Industrial Plants, Timor-Leste

“Over the six-month Fellowship Program, I have had the chance to actively support my country in the preparation of 2 projects that were funded through AFoCO. Many activities within the Secretariat help promote a better understanding of the project management cycle. Timor-Leste is seeking to develop new essential projects in the near future to help the government achieve its vision of securing forests resources and sustaining its uses for the welfare of people.”

Veronica passed away from illness in early 2022. We extend our sincere condolences to her family.

Kay Khine

Forestry Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Myanmar

“The Fellowship Program gave me a valuable opportunity to work in an intergovernmental organization. I had many chances to learn about the important role of facilitation and communication, gained experiences in developing reports and policy briefs, and assisted in organizing international training and workshops. My experiences have strengthened my capacities and widened my knowledge in international forestry cooperation.”

Khiev Sokleap

Forestry Administration, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Cambodia

“The Fellowship Program provided me with more opportunities to gain knowledge and build my capacity in international forest cooperation. I was also able to network with officials and project personnel from AFoCO member countries well as partner institutes and international organizations that AFoCO works with. I am thankful for the precious memories during my six months in the Republic of Korea. In Cambodia, I hope to share my experiences and knowledge with my colleagues.”

Maralgoo Ganbat

Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Mongolia

“The Fellowship Program was an eye-opening experience for me. The Program’s interdisciplinary approach makes it well-suited for young officials who want to contribute towards addressing challenging forestry and climate change issues. Having the opportunity to work with an outstanding team and the governments of the member countries to achieve a shared goal was the highlight of my Fellowship experience. I am certain that the hard and soft skills I gained from my experience will positively impact my future career as a forester. Now, I am ready to support the initiatives between Mongolia and AFoCO.”

Sapanar Sunar

Department of Forests and Park Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Bhutan

“This journey of six months has truly been one of the most memorable career experiences I have had. Being a part of such a diverse team in a collaborative work environment has been an amazing experience altogether. I now know how AFoCO pursues its goals and forest initiatives in close cooperation with its member countries and partner organizations. Aside from all the things I learned here, I will definitely take back with me the work etiquette and dedication seen at the Secretariat. I hope to continue promoting and supporting AFoCO in the future.”

2020 Fellowship Officials

Lhab Tshering

Department of Forests and Park Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Bhutan

“The Fellowship Program provides a platform for junior government officials from member countries to learn about emerging issues in the forestry sector and also build individual capacity to contribute to achieving a common goal. Moreover, the exposure to an international working environment will definitely help broaden my understanding of forest-related issues. During my stay in AFoCO, I hope to contribute to achieving the vision of AFoCO in an individual capacity.”

Nguyen Vuy Duong

International Cooperation Division, Vietnam National University of Forestry, Viet Nam

I will try to learn and contribute my best to AFoCO. I want to learn how to implement a project successfully of an international organization, as well as how to cooperate with member countries and other organizations around the world to work together to create more value. I want to encourage everyone who is interested in creating a better world to develop programs and projects on sustainable forest management and environmental protection.”

Vireak Chhorn

Forestry Administration, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Cambodia

“I believe the AFoCO Fellowship Program will comprehensively sharpen my professional skill and career, particularly, related to international cooperation in forestry and climate change. I will contribute my skills and abilities to the AFoCO’s objectives and do my very best to support the AFoCO Secretariat to achieve fruitful accomplishments. Year of 2020 will be recorded as my career milestone, and I hope AFoCO will be successful in achieving its goals and objectives.”

2019 Fellowship Officials

Kemly Ouch

Forestry Administration, Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries

“This intensive program has greatly improved my networking and project facilitation skills, and also leveraged my technical knowledge and experiences. I anticipate that the fellowship official will continue to play a vital role in maintaining the strong ties between AFoCO and Cambodia and help support the development of future initiatives. I will strive my best providing maximum support to promote and strengthen partnerships among countries in the region.”

Kinley Dem

Department of Forests & Park Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Bhutan

“AFoCO aims to strengthen regional cooperation and works towards preventing and reducing deforestation and degradation and hence, addressing the impacts of climate change. This fellowship provides me an opportunity to learn and share the best practices and strategies adopted in the member countries to adapt and mitigate climate change. I further hope to work and contribute to helping AFoCO achieve its goals and objectives during my stay in AFoCO.”

Nguyen Xuan Huu

Viet Nam Administration of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Viet Nam

“Fellowship Officials played essential roles to facilitate upcoming projects and events and assisted in communicating with member countries. AFoCO gave us plenty of opportunities to participate in forums, workshops, programs, and other activities which are practical and useful for gaining more knowledge, experiences, communication skills, and creating new chances to strengthen and extend the relationships with other experts and organizations.”

Thet Myat Yadanar Aye

Forest Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation

“I believe that I have a great opportunity to learn about good organizational management practices and how AFoCO operates and contributes to the forestry sector through diverse activities and projects. After the Program, I will share my knowledge and apply them in my work. As the saying goes, ‘learning is a never-ending process,’ I will do my best as to develop my capacity and strengthen cooperation with my organization and country.”