SEI and the Mekong Institute renew partnership for research and policy engagement in the Mekong Region

Since 2018, SEI and the Mekong Institute (MI) have been collaborating under a shared institutional Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Over the past eight years, this partnership has delivered impactful research, facilitated policy engagements, established cooperation frameworks, and created capacity building opportunities across the Mekong Region.

However, the challenges facing the region are more complex, interconnected and more urgent, from climate resilience to transboundary water management. These challenges call for greater environmental cooperation, community-based research and capacity development, and more.

Marie Jürisoo, Centre Director of SEI Asia:

SEI warmly welcomes the renewal of our partnership with Mekong Institute. Over the years, we have built a strong foundation of trust and collaboration through joint research, policy engagement, and capacity development across the Mekong Region. We share a common commitment to sustainable development and look forward to deepening our cooperation to address the region’s evolving challenges together.

A significant milestone in this partnership was the joint research on partnership models for nexus-based regional cooperation. This study opened new doors in identifying intersectional challenges while leading us to question whether our collaborative approach is effective, what sort of capacity developments or involvements are needed in the region, and what our partnership can offer. Through this work, we explored the integrated nexus challenges involving food security, just energy transition, and sustainable social and economic growth within transboundary water cooperation and climate resilience.

Using these findings, SEI and MI have reflected on how best to use both of our platforms of knowledge, expertise and networks. Our goal is to address these challenges while supporting local livelihoods and environmental well-being.

Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director, Mekong Institute:

MI is delighted to renew and strengthen our partnership with SEI. This renewed MoU marks an important step in our shared journey to support sustainable development in the Mekong Region. By combining our complementary strengths, we can help bridge knowledge, policy, and practice. Ultimately, the value of this partnership lies not in the signing itself, but in what we can achieve together for the people of the Mekong Region.

The renewed five-year MoU builds on the knowledge and lessons gained from previous years. This continued agreement helps us to address the integrated problems in the region as a transboundary effort. 

In addition to our ongoing focus on climate resilience, resource management, and sustainable development, we are placing greater emphasis on community-based approaches and social inclusion. We recognise that bringing about lasting change requires the genuine participation of everyone at different levels.

The outcomes of our collaborative efforts and programmes will engage directly with a wide range of actors in the region and beyond, from governments, academia, and civil society and think tanks to youth, young professionals, private sector, media, and regional cooperation mechanisms.

Reflecting on the MoU signing, Dr. Chayanis Kittasudthacheewa, Deputy Director of SEI Asia and lead of the SUMERNET and MTT programs, said: "The challenges facing the Mekong Region cannot be addressed by any single organization alone. Through this renewed partnership, we look forward to continuing to work with MI to connect knowledge with action, strengthen regional cooperation, and co-produce practical solutions. Together, we aim to support evidence-informed decision-making and advance a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Mekong Region."