Report.2017

Towards a Multi-Stakeholder Platform in the Mekong Basin

The UNDP Shared Waters Partnership (SWP), hosted by SIWI, undertook a broad survey and analysis of relevant non-state actors to identify opportunities and entry points to improve engagement between state and non-state stakeholders in the Mekong River Basin. The results indicate an overwhelming interest to form a new Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) that complements existing institutions and networks to directly enhance regional intergovernmental processes, stakeholder engagement and regional cooperation.

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The UNDP Shared Waters Partnership (SWP), hosted by SIWI, undertook a broad survey and analysis of relevant non-state actors to identify opportunities and entry points to improve engagement between state and non-state stakeholders in the Mekong River Basin. The results indicate an overwhelming interest to form a new Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) that complements existing institutions and networks to directly enhance regional intergovernmental processes, stakeholder engagement and regional cooperation.

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Conclusion

Recommendation

The results of the survey and the discussion with stakeholders in the meeting in Bangkok in November 2016 indicate that a Mekong Basin MSP could take on the below priorities and structure:

Priorities

  • Improve dialogue, networking and cooperation
  • Coordinate activities and intervention
  • Capacity building
  • Provide regional dimension to national level consultation
  • Represent views from all countries in a shared vision
  • Promote shared benefits across the basin
  • Influence donor strategies
  • Facilitate learning and information sharing
  • Influence official platforms (MRC and LMC)
  • Knowledge dissemination to bridge policy and science
  • Establish neutral platform
  • Reconcile conservation and development agendas

Design

  • A small Secretariat, hosted by an existing legal entity
  • Broad outreach functions
  • Independent, neutral, impartial
  • Strong legitimacy and good relations with stakeholders, both non-state actors and official governments

Potential hosts

  • University or consortium of universities
  • SIWI, IUCN, WWF, CGIAR/WLE, SUMERNET/SEI, Save the Mekong, VRN, Save the Salween