Sustainable Development Strategy for Greater Mekong Sub-region
The Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) comprises of six countries that share the Mekong river Cambodia, the people’s Republic of China (Yunnan and Guangxi Province), Lao People ‘s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Myanmar ,Thailand and Vietnam. The sub-region’s countries have already committed to Agenda 21, Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and the Johannesburg plan of Implementation (JPOI) from the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD). The degree and nature of progress for sustainable development varies across the six GMS countries, influenced by the different political, economic, institution and cultural circumstances. As the countries of the region move towards more open economies and greater regional integration, the social and economic effects become more widespread and more prominent for the region. Issues of poverty and inequality have come to the forefront in effort to realize sustainable development practices, while the environment plays a key role in the economic stability of the GMS and the livelihoods of its members. Most countries in the GMS have formulated a range of plans and strategies to take their own challenges. However, these plans exhibit limited consideration of the plans of other (neighboring) nations and thus lack a coordinated effort-especially in addressing those trans-boundary issues which are better dealt with jointly. The common challenge facing the GMS is to balance the three pillars of sustainable development: economic development, environmental protection and social fairness. The GMS sub-regional sustainable development strategy is therefore vital to the region.
Meeting Reports
Documents
