Today marks the beginning of the twelve-day Regional Training Course on Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Rural Development (PA-SRD), which is being held in Mekong Institute (MI), Khon Kaen, Thailand from August 1-12. 

Organized by the Agricultural Development and Commercialization (ADC) Department of MI, with support from the Foreign Affairs Office of The People’s Government of Yunnan Province, The People’s Republic of China, the course aims to develop the professional capacity of government officials and other relevant stakeholders of the GMS countries to assist in sustainable development and poverty alleviation interventions for better living conditions in rural communities. 

Twenty-five (25) government officials, academicians, and private sector representatives from China, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam (CCLMV) were selected to participate in the course, where each would have the opportunity to increase their knowledge in PA-SRD concepts, trends, and issues, as well as gain hands-on experience in analyzing challenges and opportunities in PA-SRD through a field work and a structured learning visit around Northeast Thailand. 

To formally open the ceremony, Dr. Watcharas Leelawath, MI Executive Director, delivered the Welcome Remarks by introducing the work of MI, highlighting the MI Strategic Plan and the three departments working under the institute. He likewise stressed the importance of having back-to-work action plan implementation, stating that this is one of the things that set MI’s activities apart from others. “We don’t just provide the training; we make things happen,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Ms. Maria Theresa S. Medialdia, Director of ADC Department, introduced the training course to the participants. She explained the background of the training, including the rationale and objectives of the course. Afterwards, she proceeded to discuss the overall structure of the program, presenting in detail the planned activities for each day and addressing each participant’s queries about the flow of the training program. 

The course will finish on the 12th of August, where each participant would receive their certificate of training completion. After the training, the participants are expected to implement an action plan upon return to their home countries and apply the knowledge and skills they learned during the course.