Vientiane, Lao PDR, 23 April 2025 – The Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat welcomed the United Kingdom’s Minister for Indo-Pacific, the Honourable Catherine West MP, during her official visit to the Lao PDR. The visit highlights the growing cooperation between the United Kingdom and the MRC in support of climate resilience and sustainable water management in the Mekong River Basin.

The UK has played a key role in advancing innovation and digital transformation within the Commission’s work. Most notably, the UK has contributed a total of £350,000 (approximately USD 456,000) to the development of the MRC’s One Mekong mobile application – an innovative platform that brings real-time river data, water forecasting, and community reporting tools to the fingertips of Mekong citizens, decision-makers, and researchers.

During her visit, Minister West met with the MRC Secretariat’s leadership team and technical experts to discuss ongoing cooperation in water diplomacy, climate resilience, and the sustainable management of transboundary water resources. She also received a briefing on the One Mekong app and its potential to empower communities and enhance regional cooperation through open data and digital tools.

“The Mekong River is vital for nature and biodiversity, as well as jobs and livelihoods across this region. The UK is proud to support the Mekong River Commission in providing real-time, accurate weather data to communities which depend on the Mekong to live,” said Minister West.

The MRC Secretariat expressed its appreciation for the UK’s continued support and acknowledged the importance of international partnerships in addressing the growing pressures on the Mekong River, including hydropower development, climate variability, and increasing water demands.

“We are pleased to welcome Minister West and to showcase how collaboration with partners like the UK is helping us harness technology for the benefit of the basin’s people,” said Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Chief Executive Officer of the MRC Secretariat. “Our strategic directions focus on cooperation, innovation, and inclusivity – and this partnership exemplifies how we can turn those principles into impact.”

Note to Editors

The One Mekong mobile app was officially launched on 23 December 2024 during the inauguration of the MRC’s Education and Visitor Center in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The app provides real-time data on river levels, rainfall, and water quality, aiding communities and authorities in preparing for and responding to flood and drought events. A key feature of the app is Nong Nam, an AI-powered chatbot that offers users climate insights and river water level information, enhancing public access to the MRC’s extensive knowledge base.​

Photos can be download here: https://bit.ly/44cMtNv

About the Mekong River Commission

The MRC is an intergovernmental organization established in 1995 to boost regional dialogue and cooperation in the Lower Mekong River Basin. Based on the Mekong Agreement among Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam, the MRC serves as both a regional platform for water diplomacy and a knowledge hub – to manage water resources and support sustainable development of the region.

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For more information, please contact:

Ms. MAO Chandaly
Communications Officer for Press
Mekong River Commission Secretariat
Email: chandaly@mrcmekong.org