On the morning of August 1, 2025, Can Tho University held a solemn ceremony to announce the Resolution on the establishment of the Mekong Institute, based on the merger of the Institute for Climate Change Research and the Institute for the Mekong Delta Development Research. As part of the ceremony, the university also announced and presented the Decision on the appointment of the new administrative personnel for the newly established unit.

The establishment of the Mekong Institute is a strategic move that demonstrates Can Tho University's vision and commitment to building a strong research unit with interdisciplinary training, meeting the demands for scientific and technological development in the context of climate change and global environmental challenges.

The Mekong Institute will play a central role in implementing large-scale research programs, fostering international cooperation, providing graduate education, and transferring knowledge for the sustainable development of the Mekong River Basin. This is not only an organizational merger but also the convergence of intellectual resources, experience, and aspirations for innovation, aimed at spreading the academic and research values of Can Tho University more widely within the region and internationally.

Regarding the organizational structure, according to the Decision announced at the ceremony:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Dang Tri has been appointed as the Director of the Mekong Institute;

• Dr. Vo Van Tuan has been appointed as the Deputy Director of the Mekong Institute.

The ceremony marks an important milestone in the university's development journey, opening a new phase for research activities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and training linked to sustainable development in the Mekong Delta region and the Mekong River Basin.