Les Journées
du Mékong

The event

Les Journées du Mékong (Mekong Days) is an inter-university meeting held within the framework of the Francophonie. Its first edition, devoted to the theme “Law, Governance and Economic Transitions: Cross-Perspectives from the Asia-Pacific”, will take place on 7 October 2026 at the Royal University of Law and Economics in Phnom Penh.

It is organised by the University of French Polynesia (UPF) and the Royal University of Law and Economics (URDSE), under the patronage of the Embassy of France in Cambodia and with the support of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF).

Four panels

1. Panel 1The Mekong at the Heart of Regional Governance: International Law, Geopolitics and Dispute Settlement
2. Panel 2The Rule of Law Tested by Institutional and Territorial Change
3. Panel 3The Social and Solidarity Economy: Drivers of Innovation and Territorial Dynamics
4. Panel 4Between Digital Currencies and Legal Integration: New Horizons in Business Law

Programme

Provisional programme · Wednesday 7 October 2026

Welcome

1. 08:00
   Arrival and registration of students, professors and guests
2. 08:15
   Arrival of national and international guests

Opening ceremony

1. 08:30
   Opening of the ceremony and National Anthem
2. 08:35
   Welcome address by H.E. Dr LUY Channa, Rector of the Royal University of Law and Economics
3. 08:40
   Address by Ms TRAN Thi Anh-Dao, Embassy of France in Cambodia (tbc)
4. 08:50
   Address by Mr Nicolas MAINETTI, Regional Director, Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie, Asia-Pacific Office (or Mr IM Kravong, Representative, Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie, Cambodia) (tbc)
5. 09:00
   Address by H.E. OM Romny, Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport
6. 09:10
   Presentation of the Journées du Mékong: objectives and perspectives, by Dr Antonino TROIANIELLO, University of French Polynesia (UPF)
7. 09:20
   Launch of the first edition of the Journées du Mékong by Prof. Jean-Paul PASTOREL, President of the University of French Polynesia (UPF)
8. 09:30
   Group photo
9. 09:35
   Coffee break

1. 09:55 – 10:40
   Prof. Florence POIRAT and Ms MEAS SomawatteyThe Mekong River at the Crossroads of Geopolitical Dynamics and International Law: Perspectives on the Role of the MRC and the Challenges of Dispute SettlementGeopolitics and international status: Prof. Florence POIRATInstitutional aspects, PNPCA and effectiveness of remedies: Ms MEAS Somawattey
2. 10:40 – 11:00
   Discussion among panellists and with the audience

1. 11:00 – 11:20
   Prof. Alain MOYRANDCan the transfer of powers from the State to a French Pacific territory (New Caledonia) call into question the legal ties between this overseas collectivity and the French Republic?
2. 11:20 – 11:55
   Prof. Jean-Paul PASTOREL and Dr THANG Vong SovityeaThe Evolving Role of Parliament: France / Cambodia Perspectives
3. 11:55
   Discussion among panellists and with the audience
4. 12:15
   Lunch break

1. 13:30 – 13:50
   Prof. Damien MOUREYGovernance of Social and Solidarity Economy Organisations
2. 13:50 – 14:10
   Ms Sarah KOLBENSTETTERCircular Economy and Solidarity Models in Cambodia: Lessons Learned and Field Levers for the Ecological Transition
3. 14:10
   Discussion among panellists and with the audience
4. 14:20
   Break

1. 14:45 – 15:15
   Dr Antonino TROIANIELLO and Dr RA SotheavireakCentral Bank Digital Currencies: Which Model for Cambodia?
2. 15:35 – 16:10
   Prof. Sandrine CHAILLÉ DE NÉRÉ and Mr Sakda SAULegal and Financial Harmonisation of Business: European Union / ASEAN PerspectivesEuropean perspective: “The Driving Role of Conflict-of-Laws Rules in the Harmonisation of Contract and Business Law” (Prof. Sandrine CHAILLÉ DE NÉRÉ)Regional / ASEAN perspective: “Dynamics of Financial Integration and Legal Harmonisation within ASEAN” (Mr Sakda SAU)
3. 15:55
   Discussion among panellists and with the audience

Closing

1. 16:10
   Closing remarks for the first edition of the Journées du Mékong, Dr Antonino TROIANIELLO, Vice-President for Francophonie, UPF

Venue