The meeting was attended by Mr. Vilayvong Bouddakham, Vice President of the Lao National Assembly; Han Jung-ae, Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and Chair of the AAWC; parliamentary representatives from member countries, ambassadors, diplomats, government officials, and development partners.
In his opening remarks, Vilayvong said Asia and the wider world continue to face mounting challenges, including armed conflicts, climate change, natural disasters, and energy shortages, all of which have had significant impacts on livelihoods and sustainable development.
He praised the AAWC for strengthening regional cooperation since its establishment in 2019, noting that the council has become an important platform for parliamentarians, governments, experts, and the private sector to exchange experience on legislation, policymaking, and best practices in water resource management and climate adaptation.
Mr. Vilayvong noted that about 90 percent of Laos lies within the Mekong River Basin, generating an estimated 334 cubic kilometers of renewable water resources annually. However, only about 11 percent of those resources are currently utilized for socio-economic development.
He said the Lao National Assembly has supported the implementation of the country's Vision 2040 and the National Strategy on Water Resource Management and Use to 2030, which promote sustainable water governance, clean energy, and responsible hydropower development. The legislature also continues to oversee the implementation of the Law on Water and Water Resources and related legislation to ensure the country's water resources are managed efficiently, equitably, and sustainably.
Addressing climate change, Vilayvong reaffirmed the Lao government's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with global efforts to combat climate change.
Participants are expected to exchange views on strengthening regional cooperation, improving water governance, and enhancing climate resilience through coordinated policies and legislative action.