News and Events

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.
The Power of Diplomacy and Development: The Mekong Demands it. The People Deserve it By Dr Anoulak Kittikhoun, CEO of the Mekong River Commission Secretariat Three years ago, I stepped into the role as CEO of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat, with a belief that has only grown stronger with time: the power of diplomacy and development can overcome even the most complex challenges. It is diplomacy and development that foster regional cooperation and respond to the needs of the people.
4 April 2023
Vientiane, Lao PDR

The 14th MRC Regional Stakeholder Forum (RSF) is a platform where stakeholders can stay updated on the latest developments concerning the Mekong River—which is vital to millions of people in the region.


23 February 2023
The first two pieces in this issue cover riverine plastic in the Mekong following the publication of the MRC’s first-ever report on the topic in December last year. The first article identifies 19 fish species affected and the second looks at a novel technique for removing plastic that’s been deployed in the Mekong Delta in Viet Nam. We also examine priorities for protecting and restoring fish habitats in the Lower Mekong, an unprecedented series of dolphin deaths in Cambodia and recent developments in green finance.
30 December 2022
This edition looks at possible measures to address sinking land in the Mekong Delta, environmental monitoring around the Xayabouri and Don Sahong dams, and a three-year initiative to promote fishways in the Lower Mekong Basin. We also examine the odds of a late and disorderly energy transition, and efforts to find a genetic solution to the tilapia lake virus.

The Mekong River Commission has opened registration for the 13th MRC Regional Stakeholder Forum, a platform for interested parties to hear updates about hydropower and other developments along Southeast Asia’s largest river, which affects tens of millions of people.


3 August 2022
In this edition, we highlight recent captures of a giant stingray from the Mekong — since confirmed as the world’s largest freshwater fish — and a rare giant salmon carp from a Mekong tributary. We also look at the monitoring of water quality and fisheries near hydropower projects, plans to develop a green hydrogen plant in the Mekong Delta and the latest global review of inland fish catches.
27 June 2022

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) is planning to organize its 12th Regional Stakeholder Forum (RSF) on 29 June 2022 in Bangkok, Thailand, as a hybrid event. The one-day RSF will be open to any interested stakeholders who wish to keep abreast of the latest development within the context of the MRC’s work and cooperation.


27 October 2021

The Mekong River Commission will convene its 11th Regional Stakeholder Forum on 29–30 November 2021 to discuss responsible hydropower operation and management, and to provide the latest information and solicit public feedback on the proposed Sanakham hydropower project.


© 2024 Mekong River Commission

Mr. Yasunobu Matoba

Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

Dr. Olivier Cogels

Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

Mr. Kristensen Joern

Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

Mr. Jeremy Douglas BIRD

Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

Mr. Hans Joakim GUTTMAN

Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

Mr. Pham Tuan Phan

First Riparian Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat

Dr. An Pich Hatda

Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat