News

24 June 2026
A new model of river guardianship is developing along the Lower Mekong, powered by citizen science, youth innovation, and local knowledge. Can we scale it up?
As concerns over water quality continue to emerge in parts of the Mekong and its tributaries, students from across the region are gaining firsthand experience in how scientific monitoring helps support informed decision-making, regional cooperation, and sustainable river management.
21 April 2025
Mitigating climate change and development impacts in the Lower Mekong Basin by enhancing regional cooperation.
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.
21 April 2025
For the past three decades, the 1995 Mekong Agreement has been the foundation of regional cooperation in the Mekong River Basin. The agreement is a commitment made by Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam to manage and share this mighty river responsibly.
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.
24 December 2024
The devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi in the Mekong Region, and Mississippi River flooding from Hurricane Francine in 2024, underscored the urgent need for both Mekong countries and the United States to be better prepared for water-related disasters and to cooperate with stakeholders on water management.
21 July 2026
When you flip a light switch or charge your phone, you’re tapping into an intricate energy web that’s quietly transforming across Southeast Asia. With electricity demand projected to more than triple by 2050, the Mekong region is standing at a crossroads: continue relying on carbon-heavy sources or leap toward a greener, more flexible future.
18 September 2024
This week, the ASEAN and MRC will kick off our 2nd ASEAN-MRC Water Security Dialogue – one of a kind platform tackling the pressing issues of water scarcity, pollution, and water-related disaster risks in the Mekong from the perspective of a connected and resilient Southeast Asia.

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