MI Executive Director Represents at GMS 8th Summit

Kunming, Yunnan Province, November 6-7, 2024Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director of Mekong Institute (MI), participated in the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit held in Kunming, China on November 6-7, 2024. Mr. Suriyan’s attendance underscores MI’s strategic role in capacity development for regional cooperation and integration. As one of the few development partners invited to the summit, MI’s participation highlights the recognition of its contributions to the GMS economic cooperation program. 

In its capacity as Co-Chair and Regional Coordinator of the GMS Knowledge Network, MI aims to leverage its position to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among stakeholders. This includes fostering joint research initiatives and policy dialogue to ensure innovative solutions are developed to address pressing challenges in the region. Key focus areas include sustainable agriculture and food security, climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability, digital and advanced technologies, and ensuring inclusive and equitable development efforts for vulnerable groups.

This summit, hosted and chaired by China, is particularly significant as it marks the first in-person GMS Summit since 2018 and was attended by leaders from all six member countries: China, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam. 

Themed “Towards a Better Community Through Innovation-driven Development,” the summit brought together GMS leaders to discuss strategies for enhancing regional cooperation and sustainable development. The event culminated in the endorsement of key outcome documents, including the “Joint Summit Declaration” and the “GMS Innovation Strategy for Development 2030”.

Organized every three years, the GMS Summit serves as a high-level forum for member countries to address shared challenges and opportunities. By actively participating in this summit, MI reinforces its dedication to promoting regional cooperation, integration, sustainable development, and innovation in the Mekong region.

 

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Mrs. Guohua Liu

Director, Sustainable Energy & Environment (SEE) Department

Mrs. Liu Guohua is the Director of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Department at the Mekong Institute. Prior to this role, she worked in the Department of International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, where she played a key role in shaping and implementing China’s cooperation strategies with UN development agencies. During this time, Mrs. Liu was actively involved in advancing initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on climate change and green development. Additionally, she contributed to the evaluation of projects funded by various Chinese initiatives, such as the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund, etc.

In addition to her work in the Department of International Economic Affairs, Mrs. Liu has an extensive diplomatic background. She spent 7 years in the Department of African Affairs, followed by a 4-year tenure at the Chinese Embassy in Lao PDR, where she gained deep expertise in both Southeast Asian and African affairs. These diverse experiences have played a crucial role in shaping her approach to sustainable development and international collaboration, particularly in building regional partnerships and tackling global challenges like climate change.

She holds a Master’s degree in Economics, with a specialization in Finance, from the Central University of Finance and Economics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, specializing in International Economics and Trade, from the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics.