Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation
The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono, in partnership with Thailand’s Institute of Security and International Studies (ISIS Thailand) will convene the Mekong Dialogue in Vientiane, Laos from 3-5 September, as part of the Foundation’s Track II programme.
The Foundation’s chief executive Suzannah Jessep will lead the New Zealand delegation, which includes senior foreign relations, trade, defence and climate change specialists.
“The Mekong region stands at a critical crossroads. Geopolitical rivalry, rising protectionism, and weakening multilateralism are reshaping the region’s economic, political and security environment. Extreme weather events, natural disasters and resource pressures are adding further complexity,” says Jessep.
“At the same time, Myanmar’s civil conflict, alongside pressing transnational challenges such as trafficking, demand thoughtful, collective responses,” she adds.
The Dialogue is being held in person for the first time since 2019, after a pause during the Covid-19 pandemic. Jessep says bringing people back together in person allows relationships to deepen in a way that only face-to-face engagement can achieve. Resuming these dialogues is an opportunity to build on the progress made before the pandemic and ensure cooperation across the region continues to grow stronger.
The delegation will join their regional counterparts in discussions on geopolitical rivalry, the role of ASEAN, the implications of Myanmar’s ongoing crisis, Thai-Cambodia border tensions and broader regional cooperation.
“The Dialogue is an important opportunity for scholars, policymakers and practitioners from both the Mekong region and New Zealand to come together, discuss shared challenges and generate actionable insights and recommendations for governments and regional organisations,” says Jessep.
In addition to the dialogue in Laos, the New Zealand delegation will spend a day in Bangkok participating in local speaking events and holding meetings with a range of experts, officials and other senior contacts.
The Foundation’s director of research and engagement, Dr Julia Macdonald, says: “This is a timely trip, particularly in light of recent events in the region. It provides us with a first-hand view of both the challenges and opportunities, and the chance to share those insights back home when we return.”
Delegation includes:
- Suzannah Jessep – chief executive, Asia New Zealand Foundation
- Dr Tracey Epps – trade law specialist
- Dr Julia Macdonald – director of research and engagement, Asia New Zealand Foundation
- John McKinnon – chair, New Zealand China Council
- Mike Swain – visiting fellow, Centre for Strategic Studies, Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka.
- Simon Watt – barrister and specialist in climate change and sustainability law
Track II Programme
The Foundation’s Track II programme supports informal diplomacy with thinktanks in Asia on issues and challenges facing the region. Our ‘informal diplomacy’ dialogues mostly have an international relations focus – with agendas touching on political, security, economy and trade. Some dialogues may have specific themes relating to other areas of shared interest – such as environment, climate change, energy or social issues, for example.
Established in 1994, the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is New Zealand’s leading provider of Asia insights and experiences. Its mission is to equip New Zealanders to excel in Asia, by providing research, insights and targeted opportunities to grow their knowledge, connections and experiences across the Asia region. The Foundation’s activities cover more than 20 countries in Asia and are delivered through eight core programmes: arts, business, entrepreneurship, leadership, media, research, Track II diplomacy and sports.
