The workshop on Effective Facilitation and Communication Skills was launched today (31 January). Dr. Suchat Katima, MI Director welcomed the participants and formally opened the program. He emphasized the importance of facilitation and communication skills in working together toward regional development and cooperation.

This workshop is organized by the Mekong Institute in collaboration with German International Cooperation (GIZ) from 31 January to 4 February 2011 at the Mekong Institute, Khon Kaen, Thailand. The program is a ?Skills Studio? type of workshop for fifteen junior and middle levels professionals from public and civil society sectors, trainers, program facilitation and development practitioners who are involved in development work in Cambodia and Lao PDR and eight staff of MI from France, Myanmar and Thailand. Twenty three participants are expected to gain knowledge and skills on effective facilitation, communication and presentation necessary for successful project implementation and in promoting regional management and rural development.