On March 23, 2023, Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Mekong Institute (MI)’s Executive Director, together with other senior staff, attended the “Launching Ceremony of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Week in Yunnan 2023 and Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Serial Events” in Yunnan, P.R. China. The event was hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Yunnan Province (FAOYN). 

In his speech to the gathering, the Executive Director underscored MI’s role in supporting the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries’ capacity building and human resource development (HRD) efforts, adding that in partnership with the FAOYN, MI is proud to work closely to contribute to the advancement in HRD in the Lancang-Mekong countries. He also highlighted how evidenced-based policies and innovative partnership are key to success. Aside from working with the government in Yunnan, MI also collaborates with research and academic institutes, state enterprises and the private sector to enhance capacities of the people. Among them are Yunnan University, and China Southern Power Grid Co., Ltd. (CSG). 

The Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Yunnan Province is the current Chair of MI Council.