Khon Kaen University Logo

Khon Kaen University

Master of Arts Program in Mekong Studies

SDG Alignment for Master of Arts Program in Mekong Studies

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Arts Program in Mekong Studies is a deeply interdisciplinary curriculum designed to foster a comprehensive understanding of the social, cultural, economic, political, and environmental dynamics of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Its philosophy is rooted in producing graduates who can critically analyze and conduct research to promote inclusive and sustainable development across the region. This holistic approach ensures a strong alignment with multiple Sustainable Development Goals. The program's core focus on governance, regional cooperation, and cross-border issues makes it a powerful contributor to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By critically examining issues of ethnicity, gender, and economic disparities, it directly addresses SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Furthermore, its dedicated study of natural resource management provides a solid foundation for tackling challenges related to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). As a research-intensive master's degree, it is a clear embodiment of SDG 4 (Quality Education) and supports the creation of sustainable economic pathways under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 4 Icon SDG 4: Quality Education

Alignment Summary: This program epitomizes quality education by providing advanced, interdisciplinary training and fostering critical research skills. It is designed to create experts and researchers who can generate new knowledge about the Mekong region, thereby promoting inclusive and equitable advanced education and lifelong learning opportunities.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
221702Research Methodology in Social SciencesDirectly supports Target 4.4 by equipping students with advanced research skills that are essential for high-level employment and academic pursuits.
221891Seminar in Mekong Studies 1Promotes lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by requiring students to engage with, analyze, and present on the latest research concerning the Mekong region.
221892Seminar in Mekong Studies 2Enhances lifelong learning (Target 4.3) and develops superior technical and critical thinking skills (Target 4.4) through sustained engagement with complex, interdisciplinary topics.
221898 / 221897Thesis / Independent StudyRepresents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research, create new knowledge, and acquire advanced skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4).

SDG 5 Icon SDG 5: Gender Equality

Alignment Summary: The program directly addresses gender equality by providing a dedicated course on Gender and Development. This allows for a critical examination of gender roles, power dynamics, and policies within the Mekong region, empowering graduates to advocate for and implement gender-responsive development initiatives.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
221714Gender and Development in the GMSDirectly supports the elimination of discrimination against women and girls (Target 5.1) and ensures their full participation in leadership and public life (Target 5.5) by critically analyzing gender issues in development.

SDG 8 Icon SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Alignment Summary: The curriculum supports inclusive and sustainable economic growth by analyzing the economic dynamics, trade, investment, and development policies of the Mekong region. Graduates are equipped to contribute to policy-making that fosters economic productivity while addressing social and environmental concerns.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
221701Theories and Concepts in DevelopmentContributes to policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, and entrepreneurship by critically examining various development theories (Target 8.3).
221704Economics and Politics in the Greater Mekong SubregionAligns with achieving higher levels of economic productivity (Target 8.2) by analyzing the economic systems, trade, and investment policies that drive growth in the region.

SDG 10 Icon SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Alignment Summary: This program is strongly focused on understanding and addressing the root causes of inequality within and among countries in the Mekong region. Courses on ethnic groups, multiculturalism, and border studies provide a deep analysis of the social, political, and economic factors that contribute to inequality, preparing graduates to develop policies that promote social inclusion.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
221701Theories and Concepts in DevelopmentDirectly addresses the need to empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all (Target 10.2) by analyzing development models and their impact on inequality.
221703Social and Cultural Dynamics in the Greater Mekong SubregionContributes to reducing inequalities by fostering an understanding of the diverse social and cultural groups in the region, which is essential for creating inclusive policies (Target 10.2).
221711Ethnic Groups and Multiculturalism in the GMSDirectly addresses the need to empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of origin (Target 10.2), by focusing on the dynamics of ethnic minorities.
221712Border StudiesExamines inequalities that arise from cross-border dynamics, such as migration and trade, contributing to policies that ensure safe and responsible migration (Target 10.7).
221714Gender and Development in the GMSFocuses on reducing inequalities by analyzing how gender intersects with other forms of discrimination, supporting the empowerment of women and girls (Target 10.2).

SDG 11 Icon SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to the creation of sustainable communities by focusing on community development and the management of natural and cultural heritage. It equips graduates with the skills to engage in participatory planning and strengthen the links between urban, peri-urban, and rural areas, fostering resilient and inclusive settlements.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
221703Social and Cultural Dynamics in the Greater Mekong SubregionSupports efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage, which is a key component of sustainable communities (Target 11.4).
221713Community DevelopmentDirectly supports inclusive and sustainable urbanization through participatory community development planning and management (Target 11.3), and strengthens links between different areas (Target 11.A).

SDG 13 Icon SDG 13: Climate Action

Alignment Summary: The curriculum addresses climate action through its dedicated course on natural resource and environmental management. This provides a critical platform for analyzing climate change impacts, adaptation strategies, and the integration of climate change measures into national and regional policies within the Mekong Subregion.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
221705Natural Resources and Environmental Management in the Greater Mekong SubregionDirectly contributes to climate action by educating on the integration of climate change measures into policies and planning (Target 13.2) and improving education on climate change mitigation and adaptation (Target 13.3).

SDG 14 Icon SDG 14: Life Below Water

Alignment Summary: The program supports the conservation of aquatic ecosystems through its focus on natural resource and environmental management. It provides the knowledge base to understand the impacts of land-based activities on marine and riverine environments and to develop policies for the sustainable management of these vital resources.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
221705Natural Resources and Environmental Management in the Greater Mekong SubregionContributes to the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources by addressing land-based pollution and promoting integrated coastal and river basin management (Target 14.1, 14.2).

SDG 15 Icon SDG 15: Life on Land

Alignment Summary: The curriculum is strongly aligned with the protection of terrestrial ecosystems. The course on natural resource and environmental management provides a comprehensive framework for understanding issues such as deforestation, land degradation, and biodiversity loss, and for developing policies that promote sustainable forest management and ecosystem restoration.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
221705Natural Resources and Environmental Management in the Greater Mekong SubregionDirectly supports the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems (Target 15.1) and promotes sustainable management of all types of forests (Target 15.2).

SDG 16 Icon SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Alignment Summary: This program is fundamentally aimed at building strong institutions and promoting peace and justice in the Mekong region. By analyzing political systems, regional cooperation, and border issues, the curriculum prepares graduates to contribute to the development of effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions and to foster responsive and participatory decision-making.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
221704Economics and Politics in the Greater Mekong SubregionContributes to building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions by analyzing the political systems and governance structures within the region (Target 16.6).
221706ASEAN StudiesDirectly supports the development of strong institutions by studying the role of ASEAN in promoting regional peace, cooperation, and the rule of law (Target 16.8).
221712Border StudiesAddresses the need for effective governance and strong institutions to manage cross-border issues, promoting legal and orderly migration and cooperation (Target 16.A).

SDG 17 Icon SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Alignment Summary: The program strengthens the global partnership for sustainable development through its interdisciplinary research and its focus on regional cooperation. The curriculum requires students to engage with a wide range of academic and policy-oriented literature, fostering the knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder collaborations that are essential for achieving the SDGs.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
221706ASEAN StudiesEnhances the global partnership for sustainable development by studying a key regional institution, promoting policy and institutional coherence (Target 17.14, 17.16).
221891Seminar in Mekong Studies 1Promotes partnerships (Target 17.16) by requiring students to engage with and present on the latest global and regional research, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing.
221892Seminar in Mekong Studies 2Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development by having candidates present and discuss cutting-edge research, contributing to the international body of knowledge (Target 17.6).