Mekong Institute (MI) was awarded the Aziz-Ul Haq Rural Development Medal by the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) in recognition of its contribution to integrated rural development by achieving related SDGs and advancing sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region and its recognition to CIRDAP as its Network Centre of Excellence on June 6, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand.
At the award ceremony, Mr. Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, presented the medal and Dr. Cherdsak Virapat, Director General of the CIRDAP, presented the certificate to Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, MI Executive Director.
Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, MI Steering Council Chairman, who was unable to attend the award ceremony, shared the importance of the award. He said, “This esteemed recognition not only honors MI’s commitment to integrated rural development but also reaffirms the critical importance of our collective efforts in advancing livelihoods, reducing poverty, and enhancing food security across the Asia-Pacific region.”
“Mr. Aziz-Ul Haq, the namesake of this esteemed award, was a respected government servant whose dedication to rural development continues to inspire us all. His vision of creating pathways out of poverty and enhancing the well-being of rural communities resonates deeply with the core mission of the Mekong Institute,” added. Dr. Narongchai.
Since its establishment in 1996, MI has been dedicated to fostering regional cooperation and integration through capacity development, dialogue, and advocacy. At the core of the institute’s mission lies a deep understanding of rural communities’ vital role in our society.
Additionally, other distinguished awardees were also present, including H.E. Dr. Plodprasop Suraswadi, Former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, H.E. Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, and representatives from the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), Kuwait City, State of Kuwait, including H.E. Dr. Pornchai Danvivathana, Secretary General.
