Vientiane: The Mekong River Commission (MRC) hosted Mekong Day 2025 in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 25 April 2025, marking the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Mekong Agreement. This event gathered representatives from MRC Member Countries, development partners, diplomatic corps, regional stakeholders, youth, and the public to reflect on three decades of achievements and reaffirm commitments toward a sustainable Mekong Basin.
According to Lao News Agency, Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, CEO of the MRC Secretariat and the fourth riparian leader to hold the position since January 2025, delivered the State of the Mekong Address. In her speech, she assessed the condition of the river, outlined key challenges, and set forth the MRC's forward-looking strategic directions. She noted that while positive developments have occurred, some areas require careful consideration and collaborative action.
Water-related sectors in the Lower Mekong River Basin contribute significantly to the region's economy, generating nearly $63 billion annually, with key industries like rice, fisheries, and hydropower playing vital roles. The broader GDP linked to energy, agriculture, navigation, and fisheries is estimated at $133.7 billion. Over the past two decades, living conditions have improved with better access to clean water, sanitation, electricity, and food security.
However, climate change is accelerating risks, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, sea-level rise, and declining sediment and mangrove forests. These threaten communities and ecosystems. While water quality remains generally good, La Ni±a may bring hotter temperatures and less rain, increasing drought risks in 2025. Ms. Busadee highlighted the urgency of climate adaptation, citing financing gaps and institutional challenges.
She further stressed that the MRC's strategic directions must be underpinned by adequate resources to ensure the organisation can effectively carry out its mandate. As the MRC concludes its 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, it is setting a bold course for the next Strategic Plan of 2026-2030, focusing on deepening cooperation, driving innovation, and strengthening inclusivity.
Looking ahead, the MRC aims to continue and deepen collaboration with Development Partners, enhance regional and global partnerships, and advance joint projects. Emphasizing cutting-edge technology, the MRC will improve early warning systems and data access, while promoting inclusive decision-making and mainstreaming gender equality.
As part of the 30th anniversary celebration, the MRC announced the winners of its Mekong Song Competition, a regional music contest that brought together artists from the Lower Mekong Basin to express their connection to the river through music. Over 70 entries were received, featuring a variety of genres. The winning song, 'Never Run Dry', performed by Seathencity, moved the judges with its poetic lyrics about unity and resilience. Second place went to 'Every wave, we all belong' performed by the WAVE, while AF Production's 'Carried by the Mekong' and 4Brothers' 'Mekong, our common future' both earned third place.
Ms. Busadee remarked, 'Music has the power to connect hearts and inspire action. Through this competition, we saw how deeply the Mekong touches people's lives and how youth can lead the way in redefining our relationship with nature.'