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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.
As the Mekong River flows through Southeast Asia, it shapes the region’s life, culture, and landscape. But in 2024, the river’s familiar presence has taken a more daunting turn. Torrential rains fueled by Typhoon Yagi, combined with a relentless monsoon season, have unleashed severe flooding across Southeast Asia, forcing communities to grapple with an unpredictable, intensifying flood crisis. Talking about floods, they are nothing new to the Mekong Basin. But last year, following half a decade of drought, the flood left villages in Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and northern Laos submerged, with vast farmlands and homes swept away.
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.
18 Sep 2024
The Mighty Mekong River links 70 million people and six countries – China, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam – in shared destiny. Anything each of us does affects the others – for better or worse. Yet, countries have and are continuing to develop national projects on the transboundary river – from hydropower and irrigation to flood control and navigation – affecting one another for better and worse. Understandably this is to meet their national interests and needs. But it is also putting the environment and people out of balance. Without enough information and consultation on some major national undertakings, misperception spreads, trust is eroded, and ill feelings and water tensions loom.
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.
08 August 2024
In the heart of South America, the Itaipu Hydropower Project stands as a model of international cooperation and shared prosperity. Standing nearly 200 meters high and 8 kilometers long, Itaipu dam is the third largest in the world with an installed capacity of 14,000 MW. This colossal joint project between Brazil and Paraguay does more than generate electricity; it symbolises how two nations can transcend borders to achieve common goals. A jointly invested and operated project signifies one of the highest levels of cooperation between nations sharing a transboundary river. 
14 June 2024
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.
22 March 2024
Dr Kittikoun, CEO of the Mekong River Commission Secretariat, discusses the organisation's priorities, the changing landscape of the Mekong River & the future of water cooperation in the region
17 October 2023
The Mekong River Commission and its four Member Countries voiced support to not only expedite gender mainstreaming across all activities that help safeguard Southeast Asia’s most important waterway, but to also encourage male riverine officials to become “champions” who advocate for involving more women, according to a recent MRC worksho

© 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