The Third Urban Mekong Corridor Initiative Dialogue: Connecting Rapidly Growing Towns and Cities for Inclusive Green Development
UCLG ASPAC continued its support for sustainable urban development in the Mekong Region through the convening of the 3rd Urban Mekong Corridor Initiative (UMCI) Dialogue, held on December 3rd and 4th, 2025, in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Hosted by the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat and Vientiane Capital Administration, and co-organised with Cities Alliance, with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Dialogue built on the momentum of the first and second UMCI Dialogues convened in 2024, further strengthening regional collaboration and shared learning among Mekong cities.
The Dialogue gathered more than 120 participants, including governors, mayors, representatives of national and local governments, academia, civil society organisations, and development and financial partners. Discussions centred on circular economy approaches, solid waste management, and nature-based solutions (NbS) to address water and heat challenges, alongside people-centred strategies to enhance resilience in rapidly urbanising cities.
Day 1: Enabling Conditions for Inclusive Green Urban Development
The first day focused on the structural and systemic conditions needed to support inclusive green urban development. While many cities in the Mekong region are already piloting innovative solutions, participants emphasised that scaling impact requires strong partnerships, enabling policy frameworks, and access to sustainable financing
Partnerships in Action: Turning Collaboration into Results
This session highlighted how collaboration between cities, national governments, and international partners can translate shared goals into concrete outcomes. Leaders from Phnom Penh, Nong Khai, and Vientiane, alongside representatives from the MRC Secretariat, shared long-term development visions grounded in circular economy principles, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. At the same time, discussions acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly infrastructure gaps and limited institutional capacity for long-term operation and maintenance.
Official Launch: Strengthening Regional Cooperation on Waste and Plastic Pollution
A key milestone of the day was the launch of The Urban Mekong Corridor: Strengthening Regional Cooperation on Waste and Plastic Pollution in the Mekong River System, a joint report by Cities Alliance and the Mekong River Commission. The report highlighted the direct link between unmanaged urban waste and the health of river systems, livelihoods, and regional resilience, calling for stronger alignment between city-level waste management and regional environmental governance.
Circular Economy in Practice: From Local Action to Regional Impact
Participants examined concrete examples of circular economic initiatives across the region, demonstrating how waste can be transformed from a growing liability into a source of economic opportunity and social value. Case studies from Vang Vieng, Kampong Cham, Pursat, and Indonesia demonstrated successful, locally driven circular economy initiatives
Designing Scalable Circular Projects
An interactive co-creation session shifted the focus from identifying funding gaps to strengthening project design. Participants discussed the importance of institutional capacity, long-term viability, and credible planning in making urban projects scalable and investment-ready, reinforcing that strong project foundations are essential before mobilising finance
Day 2: People, Place, and Nature at the Centre of Urban Resilience
The second day placed people and place at the centre of discussions, recognising that inclusive urban development depends on empowering communities, addressing inequalities, and working in harmony with natural systems.
Building Community Resilience Through Nature-Based Solutions
Discussions then focused on nature-based solutions as practical responses to flooding, urban heat, and environmental degradation. Examples from across the Mekong region illustrated how integrating nature into urban planning can create cooler urban environments, improve water management, and strengthen community cohesion.
The day concluded with parallel group discussions on gender-responsive approaches and nature-based solutions, emphasising their importance in shaping cities that are resilient, inclusive, and responsive to migration dynamics.
Conclusion: Forging a Common Vision for Inclusive and Green Urban Development
The 3rd UMCI Dialogue provided a valuable platform for cities and partners across the Mekong Corridor to reflect, exchange knowledge, and align on shared priorities. Discussions reinforced the importance of community engagement and the integration of nature-based solutions into urban planning as key drivers of inclusive and resilient development grounded in local realities.
As cities in the Mekong region continue to navigate rapid urbanisation and migration pressures, the partnerships and insights generated from the Dialogue are expected to guide future actions and strengthen regional cooperation. These efforts will carry forward into the 4th UMCI Dialogue in 2026, which is scheduled to take place in Vietnam.
