The prime ministers of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam will discuss developments, opportunities and solutions to “unprecedented challenges” facing the Mekong River in April, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) says.

In a statement released in Vientiane Tuesday the MRC Secretariat said the summit of leaders and an international conference in the Lao capital from April 2 to 5 would “deliberate the fate of the Mekong River Basin.”

The summit is also expected to be attended by high-level representatives of China and Myanmar, the MRC’s dialogue partners.

“The Mekong is undergoing tremendous transformations,” said Dr. Anoulak Kittikhoun, the secretariat’s Chief Executive.

“We need to innovate constantly — in policy, approach and technology — to make the management and development of the Mekong River Basin more responsible and sustainable,” Dr. Anoulak said.

The statement said about 400 people were expected to attend the international conference on innovation and cooperation for a water-secure and sustainable Mekong on April 2 and 3.

“This global event will cover reflections on critical developments, prospects, and issues in managing the Mekong River Basin,” it said.

Panel sessions are expected to focus on how technology and cooperation are transforming transboundary water management, and how responsible financing and gender inclusiveness are affecting water resource management.

Recommendations will be conveyed to the summit where leaders are expected to determine the “future and strategic direction” of the Mekong, the statement said.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press