Shaping GMS Sustainability: MFU Joins KFI Conference 2026

On 21 – 22 July 2026, Asst. Prof. Dr.Romyen Kosaikanont, Vice President of Mae Fah Luang University and the GMS Knowledge Network Steering Committee Member, along with Assoc. Prof. Dr.Saowapa Chaiwong, lecturer at the School of Agro-Industry, participated in the Knowledge for Innovation (KFI) Conference 2026 in Bangkok. Organised by the GMS Knowledge Network (GMSKN), the Greater Mekong Subregion Program, and the Mekong Institute (MI), the event was organised in conjunction with the Mekong Forum 2026.

The GMSKN, endorsed by the GMS Ministerial Conference in 2022 and supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is a multi-stakeholder platform that facilitates systematic knowledge sharing, joint research, and coordinated policy advocacy.

The conference brought together 60 representatives from GMS working groups, task forces, government agencies, GMSKN Steering Committee members, policy briefs authors, universities, think tanks and research institutions, development partners and international organisations, private sector, and GMS business councils. 

Serving as a strategic platform to evaluate regional knowledge products, reinforce regional ownership, and mobilise transformative partnerships, the conference integrated high-level consultations, network development, and regional dialogues designed to shape the future of GMS cooperation.  

Strategic consultation sessions engaged regional leaders, policymakers, and experts to refine policy recommendations for building resilient and sustainable agrifood systems throughout the Greater Mekong Subregion. Discussions focused on optimizing premium rice value chains and promoting a methane-smart transformation of the agricultural sector, delivering practical, actionable solutions for the region.

Embedded within the Mekong Forum 2026, the Regional Dialogue and Partnership Forum highlighted knowledge networks as key drivers for integrated, cross-sector solutions. Participants emphasised the importance of bridging research, policy, innovation, partnerships, and investment to tackle the region’s shared social, economic, and environmental challenges, laying out actionable priorities to reinforce regional knowledge ecosystems, build new partnerships, and advance GMSKN Workplan.

Ultimately, MFU’s active role underscores its unwavering commitment to driving regional well-being and sustainable future across the GMS by supporting evidence-informed policymaking, accelerating the translation of knowledge into action, and fostering deep cross-sector collaboration.