Launched in September 2021 by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) of the Republic of Korea (RoK), the Mekong River Commission (MRC), and the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), the “Triangular Cooperation on Sustainable Development in the Lower Mekong Basin based on the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus” [RoK-UNOSSC Facility Phase 3; Project ID:127005] aims to promote integrated WEF Nexus solutions through South-South and triangular cooperation in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam. The project aligns with the MRC’s Basin Development Strategy (BDS) 2021-2030, the Mekong Institute Strategic Plan 2021-2025, the UNOSSC Strategic Framework 2022-2025 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It emphasizes innovation, local ownership, and inclusive development to foster sustainable livelihoods in the region.
In 2024, the project advanced from pilot co-design to full implementation in all four countries, with official launches and technical pilot rollouts in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Thailand—built on earlier baseline studies and technical assessments by local and Korean experts. In Viet Nam, the pilot remains in national approval due to ongoing government restructuring, with continued efforts to secure both national and local endorsement under the country’s ODA protocol.
The year also marked a significant expansion of the project’s advocacy and knowledge sharing reach. P-LINK was featured in high level events such as ESCAP’s 80th Commission Session, the 8th International Meeting on Triangular Cooperation, and the 2024 Mekong Forum. Through these platforms, the project highlighted the role of digital innovation, integrated resource management, and South-South and triangular cooperation in advancing sustainable development in the Mekong region.
Capacity building was enhanced through the second Training of Trainers (ToT) programme, organized as a structured learning visit to the Republic of Korea. This facilitated peer learning and technology exchange, promoting the use of adaptable Korean solutions in national development contexts.
Despite institutional transitions and coordination delays, steady progress was made. In line with Steering Committee recommendations, the results framework was revised to improve relevance and accountability, introducing specific indicators tailored for the technical pilots. Output 3, was updated with country-specific indicators to better track clean water access, energy efficiency, and food production—disaggregated by gender and beneficiary type.
The project further advanced a public-private partnership model, sourcing innovative Korean technical solutions customized to local contexts, with active engagement from national and local stakeholders, including logistics and civil works providers. It exemplified triangular cooperation and South-South cooperation by leveraging Korean expertise alongside local and regional actors, fostering mutual learning, resource-sharing, and sustainable development partnerships.
Looking ahead, the report outlines key recommendations for timely delivery, stronger coordination, and achieving sustainable and scalable outcomes in 2025.