Bangkok, November 26, 2025 – Mekong Institute (MI) reinforced its role as a key driver of regional cooperation during the 27th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Ministerial Conference (MC-27), held from November 26–28, 2025, under the theme “Fostering Inclusive Growth, Balanced Development, and Prosperity through Integrating Local Government and Private Sector in the GMS.”

As part of MC-27, MI actively participated in the Development Partners’ Meeting (DPM) on November 26, which convened senior officials, development partners, and private sector representatives to strengthen partnerships for innovation, knowledge, and investment in the GMS.

In its capacity as the Regional Coordinator of the GMS Knowledge Network (GMSKN), MI, led by Executive Director Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, presented updates on the platform’s progress and upcoming priorities. Endorsed by GMS Senior Officials, the GMSKN advances knowledge-based solutions and capacity building across strategic sectors. MI also highlighted the Knowledge for Innovation (KFI) Program 2025, which fosters collaboration among knowledge institutions to support sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems transformation. Key milestones include:

• Launch of the KFI Program engaging nearly 100 participants from all six GMS countries.
• A certification course on knowledge and innovation management for agrifood systems transformation.
• Identification of seven priority policy brief topics, including climate-smart agriculture and cross-border trade facilitation.

MI also reaffirmed its strategic alignment with the GMS-2030 agenda through its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, positioning the Institute as a regional technical convener and long-term knowledge partner. Through this strategic direction, MI committed to translating policy into implementation and addressing real-world development challenges, advancing initiatives in climate-smart agriculture, special economic zones, and digital trade facilitation, and promoting inclusive participation through platforms such as the GMS Business Forum and targeted capacity building for local governments. MI further emphasized the role of its flagship Mekong Forum as a key intersessional platform supporting continuity between GMS Ministerial Conferences. MI committed to:

• Translating policy into implementation and addressing real-world challenges.
• Advancing initiatives in climate-smart agriculture, special economic zones, and digital trade facilitation.
• Promoting inclusive engagement through a GMS Business Forum and capacity building for local governments.
• Leveraging MI’s flagship Mekong Forum as an intersessional platform between GMS Ministerial Conferences.

“The GMS has always been strongest when we combine financial resources, technical expertise, and knowledge capital. MI stands ready to contribute to this shared effort and believes the next phase of GMS-2030 implementation can be a period of renewed ambition and collaboration,” said Mr. Suriyan.

The MC-27 also featured the Local Governments’ Forum, Business Forum, and a High-Level Dialogue between Government and Business Leaders, reinforcing the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships for regional integration.

For more information on MI’s initiatives and the GMS Knowledge Network, visit www.mekonginstitute.org. and www.greatermekong.org/g/knowledge-network