Priority needs for policy and partnership towards strengthening Mekong transboundary cooperation

The Mekong Region has been facing sustainability challenges related to water, energy and changing climates. There are also inequities in the rapid development in the region, in which the poorest and most vulnerable group of people are bearing the brunt of these changes due to their close connection to, and dependence on, natural resources. To address these challenges, there is a need for clear and actionable evidence-based policy options along with tangible solutions that would support a just and equitable future for people and ecosystems. Such changes would be possible through enhanced transboundary cooperation across the region.

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit will take place in Lao PDR during 3-5 April. At this event, SEI will host this side event to formulate recommendations to the MRC Summit on the need to enhance existing alliances/networks among different organizations and initiatives.

Meaningful engagement of key stakeholders including policy/decision makers in the whole knowledge co-production process will ensure the relevancy of new knowledge to be generated and future solutions to be proposed.

This session will engage high level governmental officials from several Mekong countries, development partners and other MRC Summit participants to exchange views on knowledge gaps for policy and practice. The session will focus on highlighting keys areas for undertaking future research (this will inform Mekong flagship studies under our program) that would inform current gaps in knowledge and thinking at the intersection of water energy and climate change issues for the Mekong region.

Please note that this is an in-person event.