Opportunities and challenges are shaping the health of the Mekong River basin.  The new wave of infrastructure development, population growth and climate change heighten cooperation among the countries.  

We warmly invite you to join us for the LIVE streaming of the 3rd State of the Mekong Address, presented by CEO Anoulak Kittikhoun.

Time: 4pm, 5 April 2024

On the MRC Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn

Background

The Mekong River, home to over 70 million people, is one of the largest and most biodiverse rivers in the world. It runs through China, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand, Cambodia, and Viet Nam. The river plays a crucial role in providing food, energy, transport, tourism and other income-generating development opportunities for the local communities.

As the region develops rapidly, the river basin is facing challenges due to population growth, industrialization and climate change. Issues such as dam construction and diversions, sand mining, navigation enhancements, floods, droughts, and poverty have further threatened the Mekong's sustainability.

Building on cooperation since 1957 under the Mekong Committee, the Mekong River Commission was established through the 1995 Mekong Agreement, when the four signatory countries agreed to cooperate in developing, managing, using and conserving water resources in areas such as fisheries, flood and drought, agriculture and irrigation, hydropower, and navigation.