Pakse, 9 December 2025 — The Council of the Mekong Institute (MI) convened its Meeting No. 2/2025 in Pakse, Lao PDR, reaffirming MI’s strategic direction and institutional priorities to advance regional cooperation and integration as well as sustainable development across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). The meeting was hosted by the Government of the Lao PDR and chaired by H.E. Mr. Somboun Sihanath, Director-General of the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR.

The Council endorsed the MI Strategic Plan 2026–2030, marking a key milestone in positioning MI to respond to evolving regional challenges and opportunities. Informed by the evaluation of the Strategic Plan 2021–2025, the new strategy reinforces MI’s mandate as an intergovernmental organization supporting capacity development, multi-stakeholder partnership, knowledge exchange, and cross-border collaboration for inclusive and resilient growth in the GMS.

In support of effective implementation, the Council also endorsed a five-year program framework (2026-2030), alongside a revised organizational structure and MI’s Work Plan and Budget for 2026, to enhance institutional efficiency, coherence, and development impact. Discussions further underscored the importance of strengthening governance and partnerships, including measures to broaden development partner engagement and reinforce evidence-based programming to ensure MI’s continued relevance and credibility at the regional level.

Council Members and development partners reaffirmed their collective commitment to supporting MI’s vision and mission, emphasizing the Institute’s role as a trusted regional platform for cooperation, dialogue, and sustainable development in the Mekong region.