MRC Public Forum to Spotlight Info Sharing for Transparency and Trust Building

Vientiane, Lao PDR, 03 May 2025 - The Mekong River Commission will host a major public forum to share latest updates on several hydropower projects along the Mekong mainstream and tributary and garner stakeholders' opinions in tackling many pressing issues facing Southeast Asia's largest waterway.

The 14^th Regional Stakeholder Forum (RSF), taking place on 12 June 2024 in Lao capital city Vientiane, will focus on the theme of information sharing for transparency and trust, carrying on from the last forum. The RSF is an MRC's public engagement mechanism where stakeholders can stay updated and voice their opinions on the latest developments concerning the Mekong River Basin-which is vital to millions of people in the region.

"Transparency isn't just a buzzword; it's a commitment to accountability," said Dr Anoulak Kittikhoun, Chief Executive Officer of the MRC Secretariat. "When stakeholders-whether they represent the government, local community, international organisation, or themselves-share information openly, it fosters cooperation and reduce the risk of conflict. Our role is to facilitate that."

A major highlight of the Forum will be the updates on four hydropower projects: the Pak Beng, the Pak Lay, the extension of Don Sahong, and the Sekong A, all are located in Lao PDR. Attendees will hear about the progress made by these projects, especially how developers have incorporated recommendations from the MRC's Technical Review Reports. This segment will allow stakeholders to evaluate the impacts of these developments on the region's environment and communities.

At the forum, the MRC is also set to release findings from the State of the Basin Report (SOBR) 2023, the fourth of its kind. This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the Mekong River Basin, examining environmental, social and economic conditions, climate change, and cross-border cooperation. Attendees are invited to provide thoughts on how stakeholders can collaboratively implement the recommendations outlined in the report.

Finally, the forum will showcase a preview of the upcoming MRC Mobile App, an innovative tool designed to enhance information sharing and user engagement within the Mekong River Basin. With features like real-time monitoring, customisable data layers, and community-based early warning systems, the app aims to provide stakeholders with a powerful resource for accessing and sharing information. Here, participants will have an opportunity to provide recommendations on how the app could effectively meet the needs of communities along the Mekong River, for its community-hydrology function.

The forum anticipates gathering some 120 participants representing a diverse spectrum of stakeholders. Attendees will include government officials from MRC Member Countries, representatives from the private sector (including hydropower dam developers), MRC Development Partners, as well as delegates from civil society organizations, riverine communities, and research institutes.

Participation is at no cost, yet registration is compulsory and open until 31 May 2024.

Recognizing the financial hurdles that some civil society or community-based organizations may face, the MRC and our partners will make some modest financial support available to those with a demonstrated need.

The forum will be in English, but to ensure broad participation and inclusivity, simultaneous translation into multiple Mekong languages will be facilitated.

Register here.

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