Bangkok, Thailand – June 13, 2025 – The Mekong Institute (MI) successfully convened its Regional Consultation, bringing together development partners, government representatives, and regional experts to collectively review and provide insights on the draft MI Strategic Plan 2026–2030.
The consultation marks a key milestone in MI’s participatory strategic planning process, which includes internal reviews, national consultations, and expert analysis across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). The new strategy is being designed to ensure MI’s continued relevance and effectiveness in responding to evolving regional needs, particularly in areas such as climate resilience, digital transformation, sustainable trade, and inclusive development.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of the MI Steering Committee, emphasized the complexity of long-term planning amidst growing global uncertainties.
“We are planning for the next five years in what I call a period of super uncertainties. Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, with humans and machines becoming deeply connected, while the global order we once relied upon — liberalism, globalization, multilateralism — is now under attack. This dual reality presents both opportunities and serious risks for our region.”
The consultation featured a presentation by the strategic planning consultant team from Chiang Mai University, who provided an overview of national and regional development trends, strategic challenges, and preliminary elements of the results framework and theory of change for the new plan. Participants engaged actively in structured feedback sessions and contributed additional perspectives through an online survey to further refine MI’s strategic direction.
In his welcome remarks, Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director of the Mekong Institute, underscored the importance of collaborative input in shaping MI’s path forward.
“What’s most important is that you are here to help shape how MI’s strategic direction will look. This is the only way we can ensure that what we do matters to the countries and to our development partners. We focus on identifying capacity gaps so that policies can be translated into real implementation. This is where MI helps countries bridge policy and practice.”
As the consultation concluded, Dr. Narongchai reflected on MI’s progress and the expectations ahead as it approaches its 30th anniversary.
“MI has made significant contributions as a convener of training programs and dialogues. However, to stay relevant and deliver greater impact, we must go beyond convening. Our impacts have so far been limited due to both internal and external factors, and these must be addressed to strengthen MI’s effectiveness.”
He also stressed the need to enhance collaboration and innovation amid resource constraints.
“As resources become increasingly limited, deeper engagement and partnerships will be essential. One area that holds great potential is the utilization of advanced artificial intelligence to improve subregional cooperation and development outcomes. This must be integrated into our work if we are to remain effective in the years ahead.”
The new Strategic Plan 2026–2030 builds on MI’s legacy as an intergovernmental organization recognized for strengthening regional cooperation through capacity building, policy dialogue, and cross-border project implementation. MI’s achievements from the 2021–2025 period include reaching over 70,000 stakeholders, expanding impact in agriculture, trade, and the environment, and enhancing institutional systems in digitalization and financial management.
The final draft of the new strategy will be submitted to the MI Governing Board for approval later this year.
