(Mekong Institute (MI) August 28, 2016) - On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, Mekong Institute (MI) is looking back on its major achievements over the past years, and forward to its future as a knowledge center and a catalyst for change for the betterment of the whole Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS).
At MI’s anniversary celebration today, MI Executive Director Dr. Watcharas Leelawath noted, “For 20 years, MI has been working on the development frontier, connecting the GMS countries to the knowledge, experience, and resources they need to help people build better lives.”
MI was formed by New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Thai Department of Technical and Economic Cooperation on August 28, 1996 to promote economic development and cooperation in the GMS. Since 2009 under the Royal Decree signed by the King of Thailand, MI has grown into a recognized inter-governmental organization. It provides training, conducts research, and consults on policy across the region. MI has played a transformational role in capacity development in the region, focusing on human resource and capacity development learning programs to enhance regional development, cooperation, and integration.
As a GMS-based Think Tank helping to build a better GMS, MI is committed to providing continued service as a knowledge center of excellence, connecting the GMS countries as a regional hub, and advancing development on all fronts. MI’s goal is for a prosperous GMS where societies are more inclusive, and economic development is shared among countries.
More than 120 representatives will attend MI’s 20th anniversary celebration today, including former New Zealand Prime Minister Rt. Hon. James Bolger, and former Minister of Energy of Thailand Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee.
Background Information about Mekong Institute:
Mekong Institute (MI) is an intergovernmental organization (IGO) founded by members of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS). We serve the GMS countries, namely Cambodia, P.R. China (Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region), Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam by providing, implementing, and facilitating integrated human resource development (HRD), capacity building programs, and development projects related to regional cooperation and integration.
Managed by GMS national and international staff, and supported by international academics, subject-matter experts, and consultants, we work with and through various local government authorities, development partners, and local organizations to deliver and implement standardized and customized learning programs, workshops, seminars, policy consultations, and research and development projects.
MI is working on the mission of contributing to the acceleration of sustainable economic, social development, and poverty alleviation in the GMS through human resource development, and the promotion of regional cooperation and integration.
For more information, please contact us:
Website: www.mekonginstitute.org
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