The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), comprising Cambodia, China (Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region), Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam, has emerged as a recognized fast-growing economic block. It is driving and sustaining socioeconomic progress throughout the region while fostering connections with development partners in ASEAN, Asia, and the rest of the world. 

However, the subregion has also been confronted with emerging challenges, including transboundary environmental issues, natural disasters, and social and political tensions. Consequently, poverty and hunger have surged, exposing unforeseen vulnerabilities across various sectors. Unfortunately, the poorest and most vulnerable populations have borne the brunt of these effects.

As the GMS continues to work towards achieving meaningful change, it is crucial to reaffirm its roles and recalibrate its mechanisms in pushing for a robust regional development agenda while supporting the priorities of member countries. With its focus on regional integration, promoting sustainable growth, and addressing shared challenges, the GMS has gained the support of critical actors and partners in international development.

In doing so, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) continue to serve as the compass for development, mobilizing concerted global efforts even in dire circumstances. Likewise, to help global communities chart a higher and more sustainable growth trajectory, P.R. China launched the Global Development Initiative (GDI) in 2021 to foster stronger, greener, and healthier global development. The SDGs and the GDI remain all the more relevant in advancing recovery amidst an uncertain economic, political, and social future.  

As an intergovernmental organization founded and owned by the GMS countries, Mekong Institute (MI) has been collaborating with governments, development partners, and stakeholders to build and enhance human resource capacities and facilitate policy implementation across regional cooperation frameworks. MI’s focus areas include food and agriculture, trade, logistics, energy, environment, innovation, and social inclusion.

This year, the Mekong Forum has as its theme “Driving Transformative Change in the GMS” and will shine a spotlight on the GMS, showcasing its transformative potential in driving sustainable economic growth and reclaiming its position as a growth center. With the support of China, the Mekong Forum 2023 will be held in person in Kunming City and is co-hosted by the People’s Government of Yunnan Province and MI.

1. Reaffirm the GMS’s Purpose through the Lens of Stakeholders. The event aims to delve into how key stakeholders and development partners perceive the GMS to reaffirm its roles and comprehensively define the transformative change it needs moving forward.
2. Foster Regional Cooperation. The forum aims to promote regional cooperation among the GMS countries by facilitating dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. It seeks to strengthen wider partnerships and encourage collective action to address the challenges and opportunities faced by the subregion.
3. Share Best Practices and Tools. The forum will serve as a platform to showcase best practices, practical tools, and successful initiatives that have proven effective in fostering recovery and sustainable development in the GMS. It aims to disseminate knowledge, experiences, and lessons learned to inspire and guide policymakers, stakeholders, and practitioners in their efforts.
4. Explore Opportunities for Accelerating Recovery. The forum will explore opportunities for recovering lost progress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain shocks. It will focus on identifying areas of growth and development, leveraging innovation, and harnessing the potential of sectors such as agriculture, trade, logistics, energy, environment, and social inclusion.
5. Facilitate Multi-Stakeholder Engagement. The forum will provide a safe space for diverse stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration. It aims to foster inclusive decision-making processes and partnerships that lead to actionable insights and impactful solutions.
6. Strengthen Capacities and Policy Implementation. The forum will seek to enhance the capacities of policymakers, institutions, and individuals in the GMS countries. It will focus on facilitating the implementation of policies, initiatives, and regional cooperation frameworks in various sectors, aiming to ensure effective and sustainable outcomes.

The forum is expected to be attended by approximately 300 participants made up of representatives from the GMS countries, government officials, development practitioners, particularly those working at the regional (GMS/ASEAN) level, and intergovernmental, non-government/civil society, and non-profit organizations, businesses, as well as research and academic institutes.

The main conference language is English with simultaneous translation to Chinese. The event format is onsite with the plenary session to be livestreamed on MI’s Facebook page.