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Climate change

Mekong Dialogue Convenes in Vientiane, Laos for Critical Crossroads Discussion

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Mekong Dialogue, co-convened by the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whý½tau Tʽhono and Thailand's Institute of Security and International Studies (ISIS Thailand), has brought together senior foreign relations, trade, defence, and climate change specialists from New Zealand and the Mekong region to discuss pressing regional issues. The event, held in person for the first time since 2019, aims to deepen relationships and foster cooperation on geopolitics, ASEAN, Myanmar's crisis, and other regional challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Mekong region is at a critical crossroads, facing geopolitical rivalry, rising protectionism, and weakening multilateralism, as well as extreme weather events and resource pressures.
  • The Dialogue will focus on discussions on geopolitical rivalry, the role of ASEAN, the implications of Myanmar's ongoing crisis, Thai-Cambodia border tensions, and broader regional cooperation.
  • The event will bring together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from both the Mekong region and New Zealand to discuss shared challenges and generate actionable insights and recommendations for governments and regional organisations.
  • The New Zealand delegation, led by Suzannah Jessep, includes senior experts in foreign relations, trade, defence, and climate change, as well as specialists in climate change and sustainability law.
  • The Dialogue is an opportunity to build on the progress made before the pandemic and ensure cooperation across the region continues to grow stronger.
  • The event will also include a day in Bangkok for local speaking events and meetings with experts, officials, and other senior contacts.

Statistics:

  • The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whý½tau Tʽhono has supported informal diplomacy with thinktanks in Asia on issues and challenges facing the region through its Track II programme since 1994.
  • The Foundation has delivered over 200 events and programmes, covering a range of topics including political, security, economy, trade, environment, climate change, energy, and social issues.
  • The Mekong Dialogue will be held in person for the first time since 2019, following a pause during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sources:

  • Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whý½tau Tʽhono, "Mekong Dialogue Convenes in Vientiane, Laos for Critical Crossroads Discussion"
  • Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whý½tau Tʽhono, "About the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whý½tau Tʽhono"
  • ISIS Thailand, "Institute of Security and International Studies"

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