Mekong International Forum 2024: Shaping a Sustainable Energy Future for the Mekong Sub-Region
Hanoi, Viet Nam – September 27, 2024 - The Mekong International Forum 2024, themed "Energy Transition for a Sustainable Mekong Sub-Region," was successfully convened today at the Sheraton Hotel in Hanoi. Co-organized by the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), the event attracted over 100 in-person participants.
The Forum brought together 18 international speakers, alongside over 100 participants from various sectors including government departments, ministries, local authorities, universities, research institutes, as well as embassies and international organizations in Viet Nam. Focused on addressing energy transition challenges in the region, the Forum generated significant interest among participants, highlighting the critical need for fostering collaboration and driving innovative solutions for sustainable energy development in the Mekong Sub-Region.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Pham Lan Dung, Acting President of the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam, emphasized that, in the context of climate change and increasing energy demands, energy transition is one of the critical topics attracting widespread attention from the international community. According to Dr. Pham Lan Dung, energy transition is more than just a shift in economic development strategies. It reflects a major transformation in development mindset that evolved from economic efficiency to a holistic one, embracing not only economic successes but also environmental sustainability, social equity, and the people’s well being. For the Mekong Sub-Region, the energy transition has become an urgent necessity, within the ongoing global trends.
Sharing Dr. Pham Lan Dung's insights, Mr. Florian C. Feyerabend, Resident Representative of KAS in Viet Nam emphasized that the Mekong Sub-Region remains highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In the face of rapid industrialization and escalating energy demands, the need for sustainable energy solutions is more urgent than ever. Despite having great potential with abundant energy sources, the Mekong Sub-Region needs to continue developing innovative solutions and strengthening international cooperation to ensure an effective transition process.
During the morning session, experts delivered engaging presentations and participated in lively discussions on the geopolitical context and energy security of the Mekong Sub-Region. The speakers addressed geopolitical challenges, shared practical experiences, explored cooperation potential, and proposed sustainable solutions. While the Mekong region holds significant potential for energy transition, many argued that water sovereignty poses as one of the critical hurdles that hinder the regional energy transition progress.
The speakers also highlighted additional hurdles, such as great power competition, technological, infrastructure, and financial challenges. Within this context, they emphasized the critical importance of trust, dialogue, and policy synergies to foster collaboration among nations, improve energy efficiency, and advance sustainable development in the region. This collaboration would pave the way for actionable strategies that will ensure a resilient and sustainable energy future for the Mekong Sub-Region.
The afternoon session began with an engaging quiz moderated by Dr. Vu Le Thai Hoang, which infused the atmosphere with enthusiasm and heightened awareness of critical energy issues facing the region. Participants were challenged with thought-provoking questions. This engaging activity not only strengthened connections among attendees but also deepened their insights on the topic, fostering a greater understanding of the collaborative efforts needed for sustainable energy development in the Mekong region.
Following the quiz, the 4th Session focused on the crucial role of partners and multi-stakeholders in facilitating a successful energy transition. Participants engaged in collaborative discussions on how various actors - including governments, private sector players, and civil society organizations - can work together to create an enabling environment for sustainable energy initiatives. The groups identified strategies for enhancing cooperation, sharing resources, and leveraging expertise, ultimately aiming to foster a more integrated and effective approach to energy transition across the region.
The Mekong International Forum 2024 concluded with a series of impactful recommendations on sustainable energy collaboration throughout the Mekong region. All participants agreed that a successful energy transition in the Mekong Sub-Region will not only contribute to global climate goals but also enhance energy security, drive economic growth, and improve the quality of life for millions of citizens.