(KPL) The Mekong River Commission (MRC) hosted Mekong Day 2025, in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 25 April 2025 – a milestone event commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Mekong Agreement. This celebration brought together representatives from the MRC Member Countries, development partners, diplomatic corps, regional stakeholders, youth, and the public to reflect on three-decade achievements and reaffirm commitments toward a sustainable Mekong Basin.

In today’s celebration, 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.

“Last year, we released the 2023 State of the Basin Report and the Mekong Atlas which have shown that the Mekong region has undergone notable evolution over the past decades. While there have been areas of positive developments, there remain some areas that will require careful consideration and collaborative action,” Ms. Busadee Santipitaks said.

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 US$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 – rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion, and declining sediment and mangrove forests threaten communities and ecosystems. While water quality remains generally good, La Niña may bring hotter temperatures and less rain, increasing drought risks in 2025.

“Basin countries recognise the urgency of climate adaptation, but financing gaps and institutional challenges persist,” Ms. Busadee emphasised. “Increased efforts are needed to strengthen disaster preparedness, particularly at the community level. Downstream areas also face the greatest environmental challenges, from sediment and wetland degradation to increased salinity levels. Sand mining and plastic pollution are ongoing concerns.”

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, promoting the sustainable development and management of the Mekong River.

As the MRC concludes its 2021–2025 Strategic Plan, it is setting a bold course for the next Strategic Plan of 2026–2030, aligned with the Basin Development Strategy, by 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, including with ASEAN and the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, while advancing joint projects under its Proactive Regional Planning initiative. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, such as AI and satellite systems, the MRC will improve early warning systems and data access through platforms like the One Mekong App and Flood and Drought TV. More emphasis will be given to inclusive decision-making by amplifying local voices and mainstreaming gender equality.

As part of the 30th anniversary celebration, the MRC also announced the winners of its Mekong Song Competition – a regional music contest, the first time ever, that brought together aspiring and popular artists from across the Lower Mekong Basin to express their connection to the river through music.

The competition invited participants from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam to submit original songs that celebrate the Mekong River’s cultural, environmental, and economic importance. Over 70 entries were received, featuring a wide range of genres from traditional folk to contemporary pop, hip-hop, and fusion styles.

The finalists performed live at the Mekong Day ceremony in Vientiane, where their performances captivated the audience with heartfelt lyrics, local instruments, and powerful storytelling. The winning song, “Never Run Dry”, performed by Seathencity, moved the judges with its poetic lyrics about unity, resilience, and shared responsibility for the river's future. 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.

“Music has the power to connect hearts and inspire action,” said Ms. Busadee. “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 and appreciating our lifeblood.”

KPL