Mekong Environmental Resilience Week 2024

Background

Southeast Asia stands on the front lines of climate change, confronting an array of threats, including rising sea levels, biodiversity loss, and climate-induced migration. These challenges jeopardize the livelihoods of millions, with vulnerable communities bearing the brunt. The region’s deeply interconnected environmental issues call for urgent, coordinated action that prioritizes equitable and just solutions to strengthen resilience for both people and ecosystems.

Now in its second year, the Mekong Environmental Resilience Week (MERW) 2024 will highlight experiences from the Mekong region, connecting them to the broader Southeast Asia. The event aims to address shared environmental resilience concerns, promote dialogue, and foster collaborative solutions for regional sustainability. 

Hosted by the Stockholm Environment Institute Asia Centre (SEI Asia), in collaboration with institutional partner Chulalongkorn University’s Social Research Institute (CUSRI), and with funding support from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Swedish Embassy through the Sustainable Mekong Research Network (SUMERNET), MERW 2024 will convene policymakers, researchers, civil society representatives, and development practitioners from across the Mekong region and Southeast Asia.

This year’s MERW 2024 will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Stockholm Environment Institute in Asia, showcasing SEI Asia’s impact, fostering dialogue on sustainable policies, and reinforcing regional and international partnerships. 

Event objectives  

The Mekong Environmental Resilience Week 2024 aims to:  

• Raise awareness about the environmental challenges facing the communities in the Mekong region and broader Southeast Asia.  
• Promote and share sustainable practices and policies to protect the Mekong ecosystem.  
• Facilitate collaboration among Mekong policy actors, NGOs, local communities, and international organizations to enhance environmental resilience.  
• Share knowledge and best practices for building environmental resilience in the Mekong region and Southeast Asia.  

Target participants

• Government officials and policymakers  
• National and regional knowledge-based policy influence organizations (KBPIOs) in the Mekong.  
• Civil society organizations  
• Academic and research institutions  
• Leaders and/or representatives of socially marginalized communities in the region  
• International organizations and development agencies  
• Private sector stakeholders involved in water, energy, climate change and more