In the heart of Southeast Asia, the Mekong River winds its nearly 5,000-kilometer course through China, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This mighty river is the lifeline for over 60 million people along the Lower Mekong Basin, a vital artery that provides livelihoods, transportation, and energy. Its waters sustain diverse cultures and economies, connecting communities and countries that rely on its resources.

In recent years, the Mekong has captured the attention of policymakers, scholars, and development practitioners both within and beyond the region. Its strategic importance has made it a focal point for international cooperation and sustainable development efforts. Economic growth in the Mekong countries has been impressive, fuelled by developments in sectors like hydropower, rice production, tourism, navigation, and aquaculture, which collectively generated USD 63 billion in 2020. However, growing hydropower development and other infrastructure developments including navigation have sparked debates about balancing economic benefits with preserving the river’s ecology and the sustainable livelihoods of its communities.

Recognising the need for collaboration and global partnership, the Friends of the Mekong (FOM) initiative was established. This multinational effort aims to foster integrated sub-regional cooperation among Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States, with additional participation from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the European Union, the Asian Development Bank, and the World Bank. Observers include the ASEAN Secretariat, India, and the United Kingdom. The FOM provides a platform for improving partner coordination and programming development assistance in the Mekong sub-region.

 

At the Mekong River Commission (MRC) headquarters in Vientiane, Laos, the Friends of the Mekong Senior Officials Meeting convened to discuss priorities for 2024-2025. This is the first time the MRC Secretariat hosted the meeting after joining the FOM as a member in 2021. CEO Anoulak Kittikhoun emphasised the MRC’s role as a treaty-based organization that facilitates cooperation among riparian countries, helps resolve disputes, and promotes mutually beneficial solutions. Co-chaired by Deputy Assistant Secretary Melissa Brown from the U.S. Department of State and USAID Assistant Administrator Michael Schiffer, the meeting highlighted the importance of synergy, transparency, and inclusive growth in the region.

The meeting addressed various key topics, including enhancing coordination and cooperation, capacity building for local organizations, and the ongoing Mapping Exercise, which aims to share data and leverage technical expertise and financial resources for better support to Mekong countries. Representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, India, and the United Kingdom attended as observers, underscoring the broad international interest in the sustainable development of the Mekong River.

Ms. Brown reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to fostering synergy and complementarity between the Mekong-U.S. Partnership (MUSP) and other Mekong+1 mechanisms through the FOM, guided by principles of openness, sustainability, and inclusive growth. USAID Assistant Administrator Schiffer discussed USAID programs in the region and opened discussions on a strategic vision for future engagement in the Mekong subregion.

 

 

The FOM operates through two main tracks: Donor Dialogue, which focuses on expanding information sharing, strengthening partner country ownership of programs, and supporting emerging donors in the region; and Annual Policy Dialogue, which addresses non-traditional security issues, such as gender equality and technical capacity of the Mekong River Commission. Through these activities, the FOM promotes broad cooperation and coordination among donors, international financial institutions, and multilateral organizations, aiming to increase efficiency, identify and address programmatic and resource gaps, and avoid redundancy in development efforts.

The collective efforts of the Friends of the Mekong and other international partners highlight a shared commitment to preserving the ecological integrity of the Mekong River while fostering sustainable economic growth and development in the region. As the challenges and opportunities continue to evolve, the Mekong’s role as a vital economic and environmental resource will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of regional and global development agendas.