Transformative Change for People, Land, and Climate in the Mekong
17 - 19 September, 2025
Bangkok, Thailand* and Online
*In person participation is by invite only
Join us at the Mekong Regional Land Forum 2025 - a three-day regional platform bringing together governments, civil society, the private sector, and communities from across the Mekong and the world. Building on the momentum of the previous Forums and the past decade of the Mekong Region Land Governance Project’s work, this year’s event will tackle three interconnected challenges reshaping the region: climate change, the agrarian transition, and policy reform.
Climate Change & Land Rights
As governments commit to net-zero targets, protection of the Mekong forests becomes vital. To achieve these targets, the communities who live and depend on these forests must contribute to and benefit from protection initiatives. We’ll explore the topics of:
- Secure land tenure as a climate solution,
- REDD+, the carbon economy & responsible investment,
- Indigenous peoples and local communities’ inclusion in decision-making around land use and management.
The Agrarian Transition
Commercial farming is expanding into natural forest areas, transforming landscapes, creating new economic opportunities and impacting social and environmental dynamics. How can we balance food production, environmental protection, and social equity? We’ll dive further into topics of:
- Agribusiness models and contract farming,
- Agroecology for sustainable farming,
- Using policy to incentivise results at scale.
Policy in Action
From high-level ASEAN frameworks to national legislation - how are policies on land and forests being shaped, implemented, and scaled? We’ll ask questions like:
- Can policy keep pace with on-the-ground realities?
- What reforms are working, and why?
- How do we ensure communities are at the center of rural development?
For over 10 years, The Mekong Region Land Governance Project (MRLG) and its partners have collaborated with governments and national stakeholders to drive evidence-based policy reforms that put people and forests first. By championing inclusive dialogue and smarter governance, MRLG has helped ensure that vulnerable groups benefit from fairer access to land and natural resources. The 2025 Mekong Regional Land Forum is a key moment to reflect on this journey - and to build stronger alliances among governments, civil society, communities and investors for the road ahead.
With a global online audience joining the conversation, the Forum extends its reach beyond the region - bringing in fresh perspectives, sharing local lessons on a global stage, and building international momentum for more just and sustainable land systems.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage and collaborate on the future of land governance in the Mekong Region. Let’s shape policies that work - for people, industry, and the planet.
