The Mekong Institute (MI) recently held its biannual Governing Board Meeting graciously hosted by Lao PDR in Luang Prabang View Hotel at Luang Prabang, Lao PDR. The Governing Board Meeting was conducted in two days, the Steering Committee Meeting and the Council Meeting held on December 7 and December 8 respectively. The Steering Committee Meeting was chaired by Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, the Minister of Energy of Thailand; and the Council Meeting was chaired by Mr. Virasac Somphong, the Deputy Director-General from the Economic Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR. 

The Governing Board Meetings are essential in guiding MI as it is nearing the end of its 17th year. There are a lot of changes that need to be addressed to pave a clear path for the future of MI in order to equip itself to address the ongoing and emerging issues of the Greater Mekong Sub-region. Composed of representatives from each country of the Greater Mekong Sub-region as well as representatives from MI’s development partners, the Governing Board members discussed and addressed the key issues of MI performance to make sure it fulfills its mission. Apart from reporting the activities for the second half of the year of 2014, the topic highlights of the meeting include the MI Operational Plan and Budget 2015, the formulation of the Strategic Plan for 2016-2020, the organization operations manual revision, and the fund raising activity for new MI building. 

At the end of the meetings, the MI Council and Steering Committee members expressed their appreciation to MI for its valuable contribution to human resource development and capacity building in the GMS region. They also acknowledged the development and progress of MI. 

The next Governing Board Meetings will be held in July 2014, at Khon Kaen, Thailand.