MRC Council reaffirms commitment to regional cooperation

Amid the increasing pressures of climate change, development, and transboundary impacts, the Council stressed the urgency of continued collaboration to ensure a sustainable future for Southeast Asia's largest waterway.

Bounkham Vorachit, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Lao PDR and Chairperson of the MRC Council for 2024, underlined the importance of collective action. "The Mekong River Basin faces increasing challenges from climate change and development pressures. We must unite in our efforts to safeguard the river that sustains the livelihoods of millions," she said.

The meeting marked a historic moment for the MRC, with the Council appointing Ms Busadee Santipitaks of Thailand as the incoming 9th Chief Executive Officer for the MRC Secretariat. She will serve from 2025 to 2027, becoming the fourth Mekong riparian official and the first woman to hold the post. Ms Santipitaks succeeds Dr Anoulak Kittikhoun, whose leadership and achievements over the past three years were widely praised.

Dr Kittikhoun's tenure saw the MRC solidify its role as a key knowledge hub and elevate regional cooperation, achieving significant milestones, including the agreement on the application of the transboundary EIA Guidelines, expansion of the Core River Monitoring Network and enhancing forecasting, establishment of several cooperation mechanisms with China and with ASEAN, and the historic agreement on real-time dam operational data sharing among the Mekong countries, among others. 

Council members from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam all acknowledged the significant achievements made in 2024, particularly the completed expansion of the MRC's Core River Monitoring Network, which has enhanced real-time river monitoring and flood and drought forecasting, supported impact assessments of development projects, and improved data sharing across the Basin. However, the Council also noted the growing urgency of addressing regional challenges.

Thor Chetha, Cambodia's Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, said the challenges we face require balancing competing demands while ensuring equitable and sustainable use of the river's resources. "Our ability to build stronger partnerships, deepen connectivity, and enhance cooperation will determine our success in safeguarding the Mekong as a source of life and prosperity for generations to come," Mr Chetha said.

Chanthanet Boualapha, Vice Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Lao PDR  reinforced the call for deeper regional cooperation: "The challenges of climate change, transboundary impacts, and increasing water use require that we continue to strengthen our cooperation. The MRC is our platform for coordinated efforts, and we must focus on shared benefits for all Mekong communities."

Prasert Jantararuangtong, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to promoting integrated collaboration at all levels to ensure a secure and sustainable future for the Mekong River Basin: "In managing the Mekong River, it is crucial to prioritise the mutual interests of member countries to achieve sustainable development, while also mitigating and minimizing transboundary impacts."

Le Minh Ngan, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Viet Nam highlighted the ongoing issues in the Mekong Delta and called for more equitable development.

"In light of growing challenges in the basin, the MRC must help Member Countries respond more effectively to natural disasters and crises, ensure water use activities do not disrupt natural flows, and promote development that supports the stability, safety, and prosperity of riverine communities across all countries," Le said.

The Development Partners in attendance also praised the MRC's progress in 2024, especially in data sharing, emergency response coordination, international partnership and stakeholder engagement. In their joint statement, they underscored the importance of continued transparency and cooperation in managing the Basin's water resources and addressing the impacts of climate change.

"Climate change and development pressures are straining the Basin's ecosystem. The MRC plays an increasingly critical role in promoting and coordinating sustainable management and development of water and related resources for the countries' mutual benefit and the people's well-being," said Christina Laun, Head of Division, Germany's BMZ, representing the Development Partners.

The Council also approved the 2025–2026 Multi-Year Work Plan, which will contribute to the implementation of the Basin Development Strategy, strengthen climate resilience, and improve water resource management across the region.

As the MRC moves into the final year of its current Strategic Plan (2021–2025), the Council's message is clear: the Mekong River requires urgent protection. With continued collaboration, enhanced data sharing, and a commitment to sustainability, the MRC will lead efforts to ensure the future of the Mekong River Basin for generations to come.