On 13 March 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, organised the 2^nd Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Forum, under the Mekong-Japan Cooperation framework, in Bangkok. The forum was co-chaired by Ms. Prangtip Kanchanahattakij, Deputy Director-General of Department of International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and Mr. KASHIWABARA Yutaka, Deputy Director-General of Department of Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

On this occasion, the co-chairs emphasised the importance of sustainable development in the Mekong subregion and the cooperation between Mekong countries and Japan to ensure the region’s safety and prosperity, as well as its ability to address critical and urgent challenges. The forum was divided into two sessions, featuring experts from Mekong countries and Japan who delivered presentations on two key topics, including (1) ‘Water Resources Management’ and (2) ‘Transboundary Haze and Pollution.’ During the discussions, participants exchanged views and experiences in related fields to explore potential areas of cooperation that can help drive the subregion towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The forum attracted interest of over one hundred participants from government agencies, the private sector, academia, the media, and the public attending both in person and via video conference.