The School of Social Innovation, Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), organised a four-day international training programme titled "Exploring Pathways Towards Sustainable Agriculture in the Mekong Basin: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach" from 16-19 March 2026 at General Sampao Choosri Building (E4). A total of 23 students participated in the programme, which was held under the annual Co-Creation for Shaping Future-Ready Students project.
The programme received academic support from the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) and Chulalongkorn University. It aimed to equip students with interdisciplinary skills bridging environmental science with the social dimensions of sustainability. The training introduced participatory and practical methodologies for stakeholder engagement and environmental management in the Southeast Asian context, and fostering academic networks among research institutions and partner organizations in the region.
The project was led by Mr. Krit Khanabsakdi, Assistant to the Dean of the School of Social Innovation, together with guest speakers from MFU, Chulalongkorn University and IRD, including Assoc. Prof. Dr.Pongchai Dumrongrojwatthana of the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, and Dr. Jean-Christophe Castella, Senior Researcher at IRD.
The training adopted a blended format combining theoretical lectures in the morning with hands-on practical sessions in the afternoon. Activities centered on the Companion Modeling (ComMod) approach, a participatory and adaptive learning process that uses conceptual modelling, role-playing games, and multi-stakeholder workshops to build shared understanding of complex socio-ecological systems.
Case studies addressed key issues including common resources management, stakeholder engagement in research, multi-stakeholder negotiation processes, and transboundary environmental risk management. Examples were drawn from northern Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
