Khon Kaen, Thailand, January 27, 2026 — The Mekong Institute (MI) and RECOFTC are strengthening their collaboration to advance sustainable and inclusive development across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), following a strategic exchange held recently at MI’s headquarters.
The exchange brought together senior leaders and technical teams from both organizations, led by Dr. Orn-uma Polpanich, Director of MI’s Agricultural Development and Commercialization (ADC) Department, and Dr. David J. Ganz, Executive Director of RECOFTC. The exchange focused on strengthening institutional collaboration and aligning efforts to respond to shared regional priorities.
During the exchange, both organizations underscored the strong complementarity of their respective mandates. MI’s strengths in regional convening, policy engagement, and capacity development align closely with RECOFTC’s long-standing technical expertise in community-based forestry, sustainable forest landscape management, and inclusive, rights-based approaches. Together, the two organizations see strong potential to bridge policy, knowledge, and practical implementation, while ensuring that local communities remain at the center of development efforts.
The two organizations explored how closer collaboration could strengthen sustainable livelihoods, build resilient landscapes, and create more inclusive development outcomes, particularly for communities whose lives and incomes depend on forests, agriculture, and natural resources. Key areas of interest included urban forestry and climate resilience, clean air and air quality, and the development of sustainable and responsible supply chains that enable micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to access higher-value markets.
MI and RECOFTC also discussed ways to ensure that economic development initiatives, such as Special Economic Zones (SEZs), deliver tangible benefits for local communities while advancing green growth. This includes expanding inclusive green job opportunities linked to forestry, agriculture, renewable energy, and nature-based enterprises. The exchange further underscored the growing need for integrated approaches such as One Health and climate-health frameworks that connect human well-being with healthy agriculture, environment, and forest systems.
University networks and academic institutions were identified as valuable partners in strengthening regional learning, applied research, and stronger links between policy and practice. In addition, digital transformation was recognized as a key enabler for expanding knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation across countries in the Mekong region.
This strategic exchange marks an important step in deepening the partnership between MI and RECOFTC. Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue and joint action, with a shared goal of delivering practical, inclusive, and scalable solutions that strengthen regional cooperation and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable Mekong region.
