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.

In November 2026, Phnom Penh will host the 20th Francophonie Summit, placing the city at the heart of French-speaking current affairs. This first edition of the Journées du Mékong reflects a conviction shared by the University of French Polynesia and the Royal University of Law and Economics: the Francophonie is not only a linguistic space, it is a laboratory of governance, a framework for legal cooperation and a field of educational innovation.

The Mekong and the Pacific, two regions long kept apart on scholarly maps, nevertheless share common challenges: consolidating the rule of law, structuring university systems, linguistic plurality, the digital transition and the skills of French-speaking youth. The conference aims to create an unprecedented space for scholarly dialogue between these two poles of the French-speaking Global South.

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

Wednesday 7 October 2026 · 8:30 – 17:00

Opening ceremony

1. 08:30
   Opening of the ceremony and National Anthem
2. 08:35
   Welcome address by Dr HAP Phalthy, Vice-Rector of the Royal University of Law and Economics
3. 08:40
   Address by Mr Frédéric BEREYZIAT, Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs, Embassy of France in Cambodia
4. 08:50
   Address by Mr IM Kravong, Representative, Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie, Cambodia
5. 09:00
   Address by H.E. OM Romny, Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
6. 09:10
   Presentation of the Journées du Mékong: objectives and perspectives, by Dr Antonino TROIANIELLO, Vice-President for Francophonie, 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 MOYRANDTransferring Powers without Weakening the State: The French Example of Autonomy
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 – 15:20
   Dr Antonino TROIANIELLO and Dr RA SotheavireakReflections on Digital Currency in CambodiaDr Antonino Troianiello: Central bank digital currencies — what about Cambodia?Dr RA Sotheavireak: “Digital currency: Bakong, Cambodia's digital payment system”
2. 15:20 – 15:55
   Prof. Sandrine CHAILLÉ DE NÉRÉ and Mr SAU SakdaLegal 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 SAU Sakda)
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