The Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) is a multinational effort to foster integrated sub-regional cooperation and capacity-building among Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Under the LMI Education Pillar, the United States is working to improve the adaptability of academic, technical, and vocational skills development training in LMI to prepare youth, young professionals, and women for the 21st century workplace and ASEAN integration. The Education Pillar is co-chaired by Thailand and the United States.
The Education Pillar promotes sustainable growth through capacity-building activities, establishing platforms for dialogue, and facilitating opportunities for exchange of expertise and best practices. The pillar has three strategic goals:
1. Strengthen institutional links for cooperation among LMI countries
2. Advance English language opportunities by incorporating the goals of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration.
3. Prepare Youth, Young Professionals, and Women for the 21st Century Workplace:
Activities under the LMI Education Pillar include:
USAID Connecting the Mekong through Education and Training (COMET) - The project leverages technology, private sector partnerships, and leading pedagogy practices to help universities and vocational centers increase the number of skilled workers in high-growth industries including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, accounting, and tourism (STEM+AT) fields in the Lower Mekong countries. Through the MekongSkills2Work Network, launched in 2016, COMET helps to bridge the gap between the private sector, universities and vocational centers to ensure the supply of skilled workers meets the demands of local employers.