Steadfast in its commitment to advancing regional cooperation, fostering development, and implementing impactful projects across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), Mekong Institute (MI) convened its Governing Board meetings from December 7 to 8, 2023, in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Bringing together high-level representatives from GMS countries, the assembly, which included both Steering Committee and Council Meetings, marked the second regular bi-annual meeting of the Governing Board for the year 2023.

The Council Meeting presided over by Secretary-General H.E. Mr. Chea Chantum of Cambodia’s Ministry of Planning – General Secretariat for Population and Development, covered key strategic matters related to MI’s operations, including the review of MI’s achievements throughout the past year.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the deliberation of the results of the Midterm Review of MI’s Strategic Plan 2021-2025, with subsequent discussions focusing on recommendations to enhance the institute’s operations. The Board also reached a consensus on MI’s improved organizational and salary structure, in addition to hearing from the MI Secretariat about proposed work plans for the years 2024 and 2025.

The successful completion of MI’s Promoting Safe Food for Everyone (PROSAFE) Project was one of the key topics tackled in the meeting. Insights into the project’s impacts and outcomes were shared, paving the way for discussions on future initiatives and opportunities to continuously uphold food safety culture in the GMS.

The Steering Committee, playing a crucial role in guiding MI’s policy, strategy, and funding, reported on its activities and deliberations. Its comprehensive appraisal of the institute’s performance and management directions informed the Council’s endorsements.

The Council, serving as the decision-making body of MI, assumed its responsibilities by endorsing strategic recommendations submitted by the Steering Committee. Under the chairmanship of Cambodia, the Council continued its commitment to guiding MI in performing its mandates and achieving its advocacies.

To learn more about MI’s Governing Board and its members, please visit https://mekonginstitute.org/about/governance/