Khon Kaen, Thailand – The Mekong Institute (MI) Council, the governing board and decision-making body of the institute, convened at the MI Headquarters on August 2, 2024, for the first of its bi-annual meetings this year. The meeting brought together leaders from the six Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries and key development partners, including representatives from the New Zealand Aid Programme, the business community, academia, and MI’s honorary advisor.
Chaired by H.E. Mr. Chea Chantum, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat for Population and Development, Cambodia’s Ministry of Planning, the meeting covered a comprehensive review of MI’s activities and achievements during the first half of 2024, as well as strategic discussions on the organization’s plans for the remainder of the year.
The meeting highlighted MI’s achievements as of June 2024, including diverse capacity-building activities across onsite, online, and hybrid formats, increased participation from member countries, and greater adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices by MI alumni. MI’s environmental efforts were underscored by the “What’s SUP” Campaign against single-use plastics, while a pilot youth convergence program successfully engaged ASEAN youth leaders.
MI celebrated several institutional milestones. MI was honored with the Aziz-Ul Haq Rural Development Medal 2024 by the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP). The award recognizes MI’s significant contributions to integrated rural development and its role in advancing sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, the MI Secretariat completed capacity-building training, supported by Australia, to enhance its workforce, which is crucial for its upcoming role in supporting the ACMECS Interim Secretariat.
The Council was also informed of the successful completion of the Lancang-Mekong Business Forum (LMBF), MI’s long-term project aimed at strengthening regional value chains and enhancing business linkages in the agribusiness sector, funded by the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund.
Key achievements over the five years include organizing six events with 631 participants from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, and China; providing a platform for market trends, innovative products, and investment opportunities in low-carbon and green technologies; facilitating business matching opportunities; and showcasing innovative food products and technologies.
LMBF generated valuable industry data and enabled continuous business interactions through a dynamic, interactive web platform. Despite COVID-19 challenges, the forum achieved significant collaborations and investments. Building on this success, MI is exploring a new project focused on an AI-based e-commerce marketplace for SMEs.
The Council reviewed the results of the recently concluded Mekong Forum 2024, which engaged over 300 participants from more than 25 countries and was supported by around 20 sponsors, co-hosts, and partners. The Council commended the forum’s success, acknowledging its significant impact and reach. They advised MI to follow through on the engagements made and explored potential topics of interest for next year’s event.
In addition, GMS leaders and development partners addressed key operational and financial matters, ensuring the effective management and sustainability of MI’s programs and initiatives.
To learn more about MI’s Governing Board and its members, please visit MI Governance.
