Kunming, Yunnan Province, November 6-7, 2024 – Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director of Mekong Institute (MI), participated in the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit held in Kunming, China on November 6-7, 2024. Mr. Suriyan’s attendance underscores MI’s strategic role in capacity development for regional cooperation and integration. As one of the few development partners invited to the summit, MI’s participation highlights the recognition of its contributions to the GMS economic cooperation program.
In its capacity as Co-Chair and Regional Coordinator of the GMS Knowledge Network, MI aims to leverage its position to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among stakeholders. This includes fostering joint research initiatives and policy dialogue to ensure innovative solutions are developed to address pressing challenges in the region. Key focus areas include sustainable agriculture and food security, climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability, digital and advanced technologies, and ensuring inclusive and equitable development efforts for vulnerable groups.
This summit, hosted and chaired by China, is particularly significant as it marks the first in-person GMS Summit since 2018 and was attended by leaders from all six member countries: China, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
Themed “Towards a Better Community Through Innovation-driven Development,” the summit brought together GMS leaders to discuss strategies for enhancing regional cooperation and sustainable development. The event culminated in the endorsement of key outcome documents, including the “Joint Summit Declaration” and the “GMS Innovation Strategy for Development 2030”.
Organized every three years, the GMS Summit serves as a high-level forum for member countries to address shared challenges and opportunities. By actively participating in this summit, MI reinforces its dedication to promoting regional cooperation, integration, sustainable development, and innovation in the Mekong region.
