Greetings!

I am deeply honored to take up this role since as the ninth and first female CEO of the Mekong River Commission Secretariat, since 17 January 2025.

I am very pleased to lead this regional inter-governmental organization which has made significant progress over the years in water resources management. The active leadership of previous CEOs, particularly my predecessor, Dr. Anoulak Kittikhoun, former CEO, has strengthened the MRC’s role, contribution, and relevance to this incredible international river.

This year, as we celebrate 30 years since the signing of the 1995 Mekong Agreement, we must appreciate the amazing journey we have made. For the past three decades, the MRC, the only agreement-based organization on the Mekong River Basin, has worked together with the Dialogue Partners and international Development Partners to protect and manage sustainably the Mekong River, a natural wonder that has been supporting the lifeline for millions of people across our region. As often cited, the Mekong River has been a source of biodiversity, home to thousands of species of plants and fishes. We must cooperate closely to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Mekong River Basin. I am committed to continuing the legacy of regional cooperation and external partnership towards sustainable development in transboundary water management cooperation.

But today, the river is facing several challenges – be it climate change, floods and droughts, water scarcity, and environmental concerns that put a strain on this vital resource.

Looking back to late 2024, when Typhoon Yagi swept through several countries in Southeast Asia and China, Vietnam, thousands of families were displaced, houses were lost, livelihoods were destroyed, and communities were left to rebuild amidst uncertainty. Those images of devastation linger in our minds as a reminder of the vulnerability and the critical need for resilience. We can and must work together to be better prepared and minimize such future losses of lives and properties.

With economic growth across Southeast Asia as well as in China, there is increasing demand for water and energy, as well as infrastructure projects and hydropower developments. Unavoidably, further downstream impacts on water flow, fisheries, sediment, and agriculture would be exacerbated.

Strategic outlook

My vision for the future is one of strengthened cooperation, innovation and inclusivity.

I will focus on reviewing our achievements and making constructive plans in line with the Basin Development Strategy 2021-2030. As we approach the conclusion of our current Strategic Plan 2021-2025 this year, it is also timely to set a new direction for the next five years (2026-2030).

Cooperation

Cooperation and partnerships will continue to be key as we move forward. Whether it is about working with respective governments, local communities, or international partners, we need to strengthen our connections and intensify our collaboration. The challenges we face are too big for any one country or organization to handle alone.

I have been discussing our priorities with the MRCS team. Among other things, we highlighted the Proactive Regional Planning (PRP) initiative. By the end of last year, we have identified a number of joint projects under the PRP framework, including hydropower initiatives and projects outlined in the National Indicative Plan, like those in the Mekong Delta. This is where I see the role of the MRC to bring countries together to address shared concerns and find win-win solutions for everyone.

Next is on innovation. We have to think bigger, bolder, and smarter. My predecessor has indicated that while we may not be able to prevent floods entirely, we can mitigate their impacts through innovative approaches. By embracing artificial intelligence technology and machine learning, we can enhance our predictive capabilities and be better prepared for natural disasters.  Our river monitoring systems will be enhanced.

That being said, our One Mekong App will continue to evolve by integrating more advanced features to serve our communities more effectively. Our Flood and Drought TV will expand its reach, providing timely, crucial and useful information to more communities. Additionally, our river monitoring system will be enhanced to deliver real-time data and actionable insights, ensuring that we stay ahead of emerging challenges.

The last point would be on inclusivity. The voices of the people who live along the Mekong are essential. Their insights should guide us as we plan for the future.

Our 15th Regional Stakeholder Forum this year will be focusing more on the communities. This time, we’ll be bringing more community members in the discussions. Their views, concerns, and ideas will help to shape the future of our work.

So, as we look ahead, I’m filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the coming months and years.

The 1995 Mekong Agreement showed us that much can be achieved when we unite on a common goal. Let us build on the One Mekong One Spirit, face the future with confidence and through dialogue because the Mekong demands it, and the people deserve it. Let us achieve this together through conservation, close consultation, cooperation and communication. Thank you.