Khon Kaen, Thailand, 27 May 2026 — The Mekong Institute (MI) welcomed officials from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea (RoK) in Thailand and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Thailand to discuss closer collaboration, including on new areas.

The meeting, held at the MI Secretariat, was hosted by MI Executive Director Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn and attended by Minister Kim Nam-hyuk of the RoK Embassy and Ms. Jiheh Chun, Country Director of KOICA Thailand. Also in attendance were MI directors and staff, including Mr. Madhurjya Kumar Dutta, MI’s Director of Special Projects and Resource Mobilization, who also serves as Director of the Mekong–RoK Cooperation Fund (MKCF).

The meeting began with a video presentation by the MI team highlighting the progress and achievements of MKCF. Discussions then covered upcoming regional events involving the Republic of Korea, as well as opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Minister Kim weighed in on potential areas for collaboration and possible avenues for regional engagement. Ms. Chun, meanwhile, suggested looking into working together in the areas of AI and digitalization.

Mr. Suriyan noted how the discussions opened promising opportunities for future collaboration with the RoK Government. “We are grateful to the RoK Government for being a long-standing partner of the Mekong region in advancing sustainable development through regional cooperation. We look forward to continuing our partnership in support of inclusive regional progress,” he said.

Khon Kaen, Thailand, 22 May 2026 — Government officials, technical experts, researchers, and development practitioners from across the Lancang–Mekong (LM) region gathered in Northeast Thailand for a five-day Regional Learning Visit on Flood and Drought Risk Management for Climate-Resilient Agriculture to strengthen practical capacities on climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and sustainable water resources management. 

The learning visit was jointly implemented by the Mekong Institute (MI) and Lancang–Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Center (LMWRCC) with support from the Government of China.  

A total of 30 participants and experts from Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam joined the programme, representing government agencies, irrigation and water resources authorities, agricultural institutions, research organizations, and civil society organizations working on flood and drought risk management, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture. 

In their remarks, LMWRCC Secretary-General Mr. Wang Hongming and MI Executive Director Mr. Suriyan Vitchilekarn emphasized the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and practical knowledge exchange to address growing climate-related risks affecting agriculture, water resources, and local livelihoods across the LM region. 

“Climate is not only an environmental issue but also a challenge linked to food security, livelihoods, and human security, requiring stronger local preparedness and adaptive capacity,” said Mr. Suriyan. 

Mr. Wang noted that 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of Lancang–Mekong Cooperation (LMC), with water resources continuing to serve as a key area of collaboration delivering practical benefits to communities across the region. 

The learning visit formed the second component of a broader regional capacity development programme. Participants had previously completed an online foundation course covering technical concepts and analytical tools related to flood and drought risk assessment, including drought indices, flood mapping, and climate risk analysis applications. 

For this second component, technical sessions focused on climate forecasting, rainfall variability, drought index interpretation, and modelling applications for climate-resilient agriculture. Participants also engaged in group discussions and practical reflections on how the tools and approaches could be adapted within their own institutional and local contexts. 

The field visits featured climate adaptation and water management sites in Khon Kaen and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces, including the Soil-Cement Check Dam Project, the Nong Raeng Thao Monkey Cheek Area, the Mun Bon Operation and Maintenance Project, and the Khok Nong Na Model Learning Center. They demonstrated practical approaches to water retention, irrigation management, sustainable agriculture, integrated farming systems, and community-based climate resilience. 

Participants exchanged experiences directly with local authorities, irrigation officers, technical experts, and community representatives managing flood and drought risks at the local level. They noted that the learning visit helped strengthen their understanding of practical local solutions and community-based approaches to support broader regional resilience efforts. 

On the final day, participants developed mini action plans to apply the knowledge and tools gained through the programme within their institutions and communities. Proposed activities included flood and drought analysis, installation of community-based weather monitoring systems, development of inclusive early warning systems, and strengthening local preparedness mechanisms for vulnerable communities. 

The representative from LMWRCC emphasized the importance of translating regional learning into practical local actions. He noted that LMWRCC, together with MI, would continue providing technical support and mentorship to participants in implementing their mini action plans and strengthening long-term climate resilience across the LM region.

Khon Kaen and Khon Buri Districts, Thailand, 19–21 May 2026 — The People’s Republic of China, through the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center / China-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Center (FECO/CAEC) under the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, is supporting flood and drought preparedness efforts in Thailand by distributing emergency kits to the northeastern provinces of Khon Kaen and Nakhon Ratchasima. Government agencies, regional organizations, and development partners witnessed the handover ceremonies that were facilitated by the Mekong Institute (MI) as part of ongoing South-South collaboration on climate resilience, environmental cooperation, and disaster preparedness in the Lancang-Mekong (LM) region.  

Participants attending the Regional Learning Visit on Flood and Drought Risk Management for Climate-Resilient Agriculture in the Lancang–Mekong Region joined the ceremonies alongside local stakeholders and representatives from relevant government and local authorities. 

In Khon Kaen, 600 climate emergency kits were distributed. Khon Kaen Governor Mr.Khajornkiet Rakpanichmanee graced the handover ceremony that was held on 19 May 2026 at the Khon Kaen Provincial Hall.  

“Climate-related disasters are becoming more frequent and increasingly complex. Strengthening preparedness, coordination among agencies, and community resilience is therefore essential to reducing risks and protecting local livelihoods. We appreciate China’s support in this area,” said Governor Kraison, noting the benefits the emergency kits bring to communities across Northeast Thailand. 

As part of the ceremony, Mr. Sophon Charoenporn, Head of the Khon Kaen Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, briefed participants on the flood situation in Khon Kaen Province and the growing need for adaptive disaster preparedness systems and effective emergency response mechanisms in vulnerable communities. 

Ms. Liu Guohua, Director of MI’s Sectoral Development and Integration (SDI) Department, noted that the climate emergency kits reflect a shared commitment to strengthening preparedness capacities and supporting communities exposed to increasing climate-related risks. 

Mr. Chen Tianyang, Senior Program Manager of FECO/CAEC, spoke about the importance of practical environmental cooperation and local preparedness in addressing shared climate and disaster challenges across the region. He also led the demonstration of the proper use of the emergency equipment and supplies included in the kits. 

A second handover ceremony was held on 21 May 2026 at the Mun Bon Operation and Maintenance Project in Khon Buri District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, under Regional Irrigation Office 8 of Thailand’s Royal Irrigation Department. During the ceremony, an additional 200 climate emergency kits were handed over to strengthen preparedness capacities in irrigated agricultural areas vulnerable to flood and drought impacts. 

The climate emergency kits were officially received by Mr. Narong Madthonglang, Director of the Mun Bon Operation and Maintenance Project. “These emergency kits will help strengthen preparedness and response capacity for communities and irrigation management areas facing increasing flood and drought risks. Climate resilience requires both infrastructure and preparedness at the local level,” Mr. Narong said, highlighting the benefits for agricultural areas. 

The handover activities formed part of broader regional cooperation efforts to strengthen climate resilience, disaster preparedness, sustainable water resource management, and community resilience across vulnerable agricultural areas in the LM region. 

Hanoi, Viet Nam, May 12, 2026 – To enhance the capacity of foreign service personnel in Mekong countries to navigate evolving regional development challenges and geopolitical shifts, the Mekong-Republic of Korea (RoK) Cooperation is supporting the “Mekong Diplomacy Capacity Building Project (Mekong CaB),” that will be implemented by the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam (DAV). Funded under Call 9 of the Mekong-RoK Cooperation Fund (MKCF), the regional program will bring together diplomatic institutions from Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam to enhance diplomatic capacity and advance regional cooperation.

During the program launch, DAV President, Dr. Nguyen Hung Son highlighted the profound changes taking place in the global development landscape, emphasizing that cooperation and collaboration are becoming increasingly crucial for countries in the Mekong region.

In his congratulatory remarks, Mr. Madhurjya Kumar Dutta, Director of MKCF at the Mekong Institute (MI), stressed the importance of development diplomacy in the current sensitive geopolitical environment and expressed optimism about the unique perspectives and comparative experiences that closer collaboration between Mekong countries and the RoK can bring to the Mekong diplomatic community.

The MDTP is designed to strengthen the professionalism, adaptability, and international engagement capacity of diplomatic officers through practical training, institutional exchange, and regional networking, particularly on emerging global issues such as digital diplomacy, cyber threats, artificial intelligence, and green growth. The program will enhance skills in crisis response, multilateral negotiation, and anticipatory decision-making, while promoting inclusive participation and institutional learning among participating countries.

The program will develop training curricula for trainers and foreign service officers that reflect country-specific contexts while fostering a shared understanding of regional issues. It also aims to reinforce the role of diplomacy in maintaining regional stability and promoting long-term peace and development.

For more information, please contact:

Mekong Institute

Email: info@mekonginstitute.org

Hanoi, Viet Nam, May 11, 2026 – The Mekong–Republic of Korea (RoK) Cooperation is leveraging regional collaboration to address shared legacy and environmental challenges that continue to shape the future of the Mekong region, beginning with a mine action project that will explore climate-adaptive and environmentally responsible approaches to clearing landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW). Funded under Call 9 of the Mekong-RoK Cooperation Fund (MKCF), the “Clearing the Past, Greening the Future in the Mekong Region (CPGFM)” project will be implemented by the Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Viet Nam, and the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC).

At the project launch, KDS Vice President Mr. Hongmin Andrew Chun spoke about the importance of strong collaboration among partners to achieve the project’s objectives, including integrating sustainability into demining activities and broader regional mine action efforts.

Ms. Francesca Nardini, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Viet Nam, emphasized how the project works at the intersection of the legacy of explosive ordnance (EO) contamination and emerging climate risks, noting its importance in building safer and more resilient communities.

Ms. Han Younghee, Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, commended the partnership and highlighted RoK’s continued support for regional cooperation in addressing shared development and resilience challenges while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mr. Madhurjya Kumar Dutta, Director of MKCF at the Mekong Institute (MI), emphasized the importance of partnership-based implementation and the need to ensure tangible, practical results that can be effectively used by stakeholders and communities.

EO contamination threatens community safety and limits land use, while climate change intensifies risks by increasing the frequency of floods and erosion that can displace unexploded ordnance (UXO). Demining activities may also cause environmental damage and GHG emissions if not carefully managed.

The CPGFM project, which will primarily be implemented in Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Lao PDR, aims to address these challenges by introducing sustainable practices into mine action. The project will strengthen risk-informed decision-making and enhance the capacities of national authorities, practitioners, and affected communities. It also seeks to promote regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing through partnerships with regional stakeholders, supporting coordinated implementation across the region.

For more information, please contact:

Mekong Institute

Email: info@mekonginstitute.org

Yangon, Myanmar, May 7, 2026 — Yangon Technological University (YTU) is once again receiving support through the Mekong Institute (MI)-managed Mekong–Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF), this time for an initiative to improve water resources management and mitigate water-related disasters linked to climate change.

Under MKCF’s 8th Call for Proposals, YTU will implement the project, “Strengthening Capacity on Water Resources Management under Climate Change Aspect in the Mekong Countries.” The initiative aims to promote regional collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and technical capacity development to address water sector challenges and improve water governance. Supported activities will include training and research related to climate change analysis and flood inundation mapping.

During the project launch, YTU Rector Dr. Hla Myo Htun stressed the importance of strengthening technical cooperation and knowledge exchange to address growing climate-related challenges such as droughts and flooding.

Dr. Win Win Zin, Project Leader, and Dr. Zin Mar Lar Tin San, Project Coordinator, meanwhile provided an overview of the project objectives, implementation framework, and budget guidelines, while explaining planned activities including workshops, study visits, training programs, and pilot case studies.

In his remarks, MKCF Director Mr. Madhurjya K. Dutta underscored the importance of expanding partnerships for water-related cooperation across the Mekong region and emphasized the need to ensure that knowledge and skills gained through trainings are effectively applied in the workplace and contribute to practical development outcomes.

Previously, YTU piloted a small-scale rural community wind energy project also supported by the MKCF under Call 2. This new collaboration on water resources management demonstrates the strong partnership between MI and YTU, as well as the university’s capacity to deliver results.

To further support practical outcomes, a Project Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting followed the project launch, during which implementation arrangements were discussed, including pilot sites where new water resources management and climate change adaptation strategies will be tested.

For more information, please contact:

Mekong Institute

Email: info@mekonginstitute.org

Yangon, Myanmar, May 6, 2026 — Myanmar’s University of Veterinary Sciences, Yezin (UVS) is getting a shot in the arm for advancing livestock development and animal and public health as lead implementor of a new Mekong–Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF) project tackling food safety risks and animal-to-human diseases linked to raw milk.

The project, “Advancing Myanmar’s Livestock Sector: Integrated Zoonotic Management and Improving Food Safety through Digital Tools and Stronger Networks for Rural Prosperity,” is a 36-month initiative aimed at improving zoonotic disease management, food safety, and rural livelihoods through digital surveillance tools, laboratory capacity building, and farmer-led community-based interventions across Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam.

At the project’s launch program, Dr. Thant Nyi Lin, Project Manager and Head of the Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology at UVS, explained that the project will undertake surveillance and research activities related to brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis (bTB), two major zoonotic diseases that can spread to humans through the consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products derived from infected animals.

Brucellosis can cause fever, fatigue, and joint pain, while bTB may lead to lung disease as well as infections affecting the neck bones and kidneys. While the consumption of raw milk is a major source of infection, both diseases may also spread through close contact with infected animals, including exposure to bodily fluids and respiratory droplets. bTB infection among livestock herds also results in major economic losses due to lower milk production, reduced animal fertility, discarded meat, and trade restrictions, putting both farmers’ health and livelihoods at risk.

As such, beyond disease surveillance and laboratory capacity building, the project seeks to improve awareness and promote safer farming and milk-handling practices among livestock farmers and local communities. Vocational and technical trainings will be provided to farmers, veterinary professionals, and laboratory personnel to improve regional preparedness and cross-border collaboration. It is also expected to contribute to knowledge-sharing among veterinary and public health institutions across participating countries.

In his congratulatory remarks, MKCF Director Mr. Madhurjya K. Dutta emphasized the importance of ensuring that the project’s impact extends beyond academic outcomes by deepening engagement with markets, businesses, and related development project. He added that ensuring the practical application of the project results would be important to improve their long-term sustainability and scalability.

For more information, please contact: Mekong Institute

Email: info@mekonginstitute.org

Yangon, Myanmar, May 5, 2026 – Under its ninth call, the Mekong-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF), managed by the Mekong Institute (MI), marked a new milestone with the launch of its first-ever project specifically focused on benefiting persons with disabilities (PWDs), reflecting its commitment to inclusive regional progress.

The project, “Empowering Futures: Sustainable Disability Resource Development in the Mekong Region,” will be implemented by Shwe Minn Tha Foundation Myanmar (SMTF Myanmar), a Yangon-based organization advocating for the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of PWDs. The project aims to promote inclusive employment opportunities, vocational skills development, accessibility improvement, and economic empowerment for PWDs across the Mekong region.

At the project launch’s opening session, SMTF Myanmar President Mr. Myat Thu Winn, a PWD himself, spoke about the importance of collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and development partners in generating opportunities and creating accessible and supportive working environments for the disability sector.

Meanwhile, MKCF Director Mr. Madhurjya K. Dutta highlighted the importance of regional and business partnerships in supporting sustainable vocational training and employment initiatives for PWDs. He also underscored the growing relevance of AI and emerging technologies in preparing PWDs for future employment opportunities.

GEDSI, or gender equality, disability, and social inclusion, has always been a key consideration embedded across MKCF calls and throughout all phases of project implementation. The launch of the Myanmar disability inclusion initiative represents a further step toward greater inclusivity.

The project will support around 200 persons with disabilities through vocational training and job-matching services across various sectors based on market demand and employment needs. In addition, 25 disability entrepreneurs will receive customized advanced business management training and professional consultation to strengthen enterprise resilience and promote inclusive economic growth.

Following the project launch, a Project Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting was held to discuss policy support mechanisms and opportunities to strengthen inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainable employment systems for PWDs. Participants, including government representatives, business partners, development organizations, and disability advocacy groups, actively exchanged views on implementation strategies, sustainability, and regional cooperation.

For more information, please contact:

Mekong Institute

Email: info@mekonginstitute.org