The Second Urban Mekong Corridor Dialogue wrapped up on 6 December 2024 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, bringing together over 60 participants, including city leaders, ministries, civil society, and international partners.
Under the theme "Connecting Rapidly Growing Towns and Cities for Inclusive Green Development," the event spotlighted the urgent need to tackle shared challenges along the Mekong River. Part of the Urban Mekong Corridor Initiative (UMCI), implemented by Cities Alliance and funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the dialogue was held in partnership with United Cities and Local Governments – Asia Pacific (UCLG-ASPAC) and showcased the power of collaboration to drive sustainable growth.
Transforming urbanization into opportunity
Opening the event, Brigitte Hoermann of Cities Alliance highlighted the UMCI's potential to shape the future of Mekong cities. 'This platform fosters collaboration across stakeholders to ensure that rapid urbanisation in Mekong towns and cities translates into sustainable and inclusive growth', she said.
Reto Grüninger, SDC’s Head of Cooperation, stressed the transformative role of cities as drivers of progress:
Urban migration and development present immense opportunities, but also significant challenges. Collaborative efforts like the UMCI are essential for fostering resilience and inclusivity.
Reto Grüninger, SDC Head of Cooperation
Supporting local solutions: First UMCI city grant awarded
A key moment of the dialogue was the awarding of the first UMCI city grant to a Cambodian-led consortium. This partnership comprising the Samatapheapkhmom Organization, Cambodia’s Women Crisis Centre, the Secretariat of Associations of Sub-national Administration Councils, and the youth-focused NGO Taramana, marks a milestone in empowering local communities to address urban challenges.
The grant aims to:
- Provide essential public services to over 31,500 residents.
- Strengthen local governance through enhanced Commune Investment Plans (CIPs).
- Deliver health services and counseling for vulnerable migrant families.
- Introduce AI-based education for children.
Reinforcing Regional Cooperation
Technical presentations on nature-based flood management solutions and solid waste management using circular economy principles captivated city leaders from Kaysone and Pakse in Laos as well as Kampong Cham, Kratie, and Stung Treng in Cambodia. These discussions highlighted systematic and cost-effective strategies for tackling urban challenges.
The event attracted significant media attention in Cambodia, boosting public awareness of the UMCI’s goals and regional importance. Participants praised the dialogue for fostering meaningful exchanges and actionable strategies.
I have never attended an event like this, where cities across four countries along the Mekong River are convened to exchange ideas and solutions.
Lim Ymeng, Director, One Window Service Office, Battambang
Vietnam is at the end of the Mekong River; what happens upstream directly affects us downstream.
Ngo Trung Hai, Secretary General, Association of Cities of Vietnam
Looking ahead, the UMCI will continue its mission of fostering regional collaboration, with Lao PDR and Vietnam set to host the next dialogues in 2025.
