Asia
Outline of the 6th Green Mekong Forum
July 18, 2019
- The Government of Japan and the Royal Thai Government co-hosted the 6th Green Mekong Forum in Bangkok, the Kingdom of Thailand, on July 8. The Forum was co-chaired by Mr. Kenichi Kobayashi, Deputy Director-General, Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Mr. Nikorndej Balankura, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.
- Participants from Japan and the Mekong countries (the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Mekong River Commission (MRC) attended this forum and exchanged views and experiences.
- In session 1, participants discussed "Challenges and approaches to achieve SDGs" and pointed out the importance of achieving “No one left behind”, by utilizing various schemes including Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Private Sectors such as NGOs, following “Best Practices”. Also, they stressed that a comprehensive approach is required to achieve each goal. In session 2, three students from universities in Thailand discussed their roles in achieving SDGs as youth and pointed out the importance of raising awareness of SDGs among their generation and taking action individually. In session 3, they discussed “Marine Plastics Litter” especially on issues related to the Mekong River and pointed out responsibility and cost should be taken by all the Mekong countries. In session 4, participants from the Mekong countries and Chief from MRC discussed and introduced their efforts towards “Water Resources Management”. While they raised issues in data collection, human resources, and water pollution, they also showed much appreciation and expectation for Japan’s continuous support.
- The outcome of this Forum will be reported at the 12th Mekong-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting this year.