Bangkok, 14 March 2025 – Key stakeholders from across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) have outlined strategic recommendations to address critical regional challenges during a consultation workshop organized by the Mekong Institute (MI) with support from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO). Discussions were built upon the initial findings of MI’s Study on Strategic Directions in Addressing Global Issues Impacting the GMS funded by FCDO.
Bringing together 46 representatives from government agencies, NGOs, think tanks, and international organizations including foreign missions and UN agencies, the workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss key challenges, validate research findings, and develop key recommendations for collaborative action.
Mr. David Thomas, Chargé d’Affaires of the British Embassy in Bangkok, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting a resilient and sustainable Mekong. He emphasized the role of green transition and increased connectivity through trade, infrastructure, and digital transformation as key drivers of regional stability and prosperity. He also expressed support to MI as it embarks on its new Strategic Plan, noting that the outcomes of the regional workshop could help inform its direction.
Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, MI’s Executive Director, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of fostering regional collaboration for inclusive growth.
The workshop featured an overview of UK initiatives in the Mekong Region by Mr. Ed MacDonagh, Deputy Head of Economic and Sustainable Development, British Embassy in Thailand. Potential areas for UK engagement and partnership development were also discussed.
Mr. Madhurjya K. Dutta, Director of the Trade & Investment Facilitation Department at MI, and Dr. Sreejith Balasubramanian, MI Consultant, led the presentation on MI’s study, which aligns with the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-United Kingdom Dialogue Partnership 2022-2026.
The discussions focused on pressing challenges such as disruptions in supply chains, uneven economic recovery, biodiversity and habitat loss, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, persistent gender inequality, and public health risks. Participants explored the contributing factors to these challenges, measures taken to mitigate their negative impacts, and identified gaps and opportunities within existing frameworks and mechanisms for addressing these issues.
Key recommendations from the expert-moderated breakout sessions of the workshop emphasized four major areas: economic resilience, climate adaptation, digital transformation, and social development. These recommendations aim to enhance regional collaboration and promote sustainable growth in the GMS.
1. Strengthening Economic Resilience
Participants underscored the importance of strengthening the resilience of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and closing infrastructure gaps to support trade development. A key focus was on investing in digital infrastructure to improve access, reliability, and affordability of services in underserved areas, ensuring that the digital divide does not hinder growth. Upskilling and reskilling initiatives, especially for women and youth, with hands-on training and access to digital tools, were highlighted as essential for building a future-ready workforce.
2.Advancing Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability
A strong emphasis was placed on nature-based solutions such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and sustainable land management. Participants also called for regional cooperation to implement effective climate adaptation strategies. Collaborative efforts across countries were seen as critical to building the region’s capacity to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts.
3.Promoting Digital Transformation and Technological Innovation
Recommendations for AI infrastructure investment and establishing governance frameworks to manage technological advances responsibly were central to the discussions. These frameworks should ensure data privacy, cybersecurity, and ethical AI use, while also fostering innovation in sectors crucial to regional development.
4.Enhancing Social Protection and Health Systems
Strengthening healthcare systems and expanding social protection for marginalized communities were prioritized. It was stressed that these efforts should include adopting effective social protection design tailored to country-specific contexts and leveraging digital transformation to enhance their effectiveness and access to health services.
Research Findings and Workshop Output: Tools for Shaping GMS New Strategic Direction
The research and insights generated during the workshop will serve as a reference for strategic programming of key partners and stakeholders in GMS development, outlining key focus areas to guide initiatives and collaboration. The actionable recommendations developed during the discussions will also be utilized for MI’s strategic initiatives, providing a roadmap for addressing regional challenges effectively.
By fostering collaboration and proactive policy engagement, the workshop set a clear path forward, equipping stakeholders with the tools and strategies needed to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable GMS.
