new_logo
Search Here
    Edit Template

    This a History Page

    Regional cooperation over the Mekong River goes back more than 60 years, making it one of the first transboundary rivers governed by an international river body and according to the principles of equitable use.

    In 1957, the Committee for Coordination of Investigations on the Lower Mekong River Basin – often referred to as the Mekong Committee – was set up under auspices of the United Nations, with membership of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam.

    In 1957, the Committee for Coordination of Investigations on the Lower Mekong River Basin – often referred to as the Mekong Committee – was set up under auspices of the United Nations, with membership of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam.

    In 1957, the Committee for Coordination of Investigations on the Lower Mekong River Basin – often referred to as the Mekong Committee – was set up under auspices of the United Nations, with membership of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam.

    At the time, it was the largest single development project the United Nations had undertaken. No international river body had ever attempted to take on such encompassing responsibilities for financing, management and maintenance of water resources. The Mekong was considered one of the world’s greatest untamed rivers and riparian countries were keen to explore the potential for hydropower, irrigation and flood control development in order to capitalise on the river’s economic potential.

    In 1977, Cambodia left the organisation because of the unstable political climate in the country, resulting in the establishment in 1978 of the Interim Mekong Committee, comprising Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam.

    On 5 April 1995, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam signed the Agreement on Cooperation for Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin (the 1995 Mekong Agreement), in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

    The Mekong Agreement, which established the Mekong River Commission (MRC), was a coming-of-age for the river basin agency. No longer under the umbrella of other organisations, the Commission has since then been in the hands of its four Member Countries.

    Knowledge Hub

    Research and knowledge gathering has formed an important part of the organisation’s work from the very beginning. In the 1950s, teams of scientists and researchers travelled across the basin by boat, jeep and even on elephant back in order to record, measure and catalogue the wealth of natural resources along the river and its tributaries.

    These early surveys and studies formed the basis of a comprehensive data archive, which the MRC built upon to enhance a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the basin. To date, no other organisation within the region or beyond has more comprehensive or detailed data about the Mekong River Basin than the MRC.

    Cooperation

    As a platform for regional cooperation, the MRC has made progress towards implementation of the 1995 Mekong Agreement. The process of basin development planning that started in 1997 took into account the needs of all people in the basin, particularly the poor and those who relied on water resources for food and income.

    The MRC also developed a consultative process allowing the riparian countries to contribute to the elaboration of different development scenarios, for example in the domain of hydropower and climate change. The activities of the MRC were defined through an Integrated Water Resources Management strategy that shaped a common transboundary understanding of the evolution of long-term planning.

    The MRC Member Countries has cooperated under a set of five water-related procedures for exchanging and sharing data and information; monitoring water use; notifying and consulting with other members about diversions and uses of Mekong waters; maintaining flows along the Mekong mainstream; and water-quality rules. The procedures determined how Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam should develop, use, conserve and manage the resources of the Mekong River as the economies of the region has become more integrated in the 21st century.

    Timeline: highlights of Mekong cooperation

    1957

    The Mekong Committee was set up under a statute endorsed by the United Nations.

    1970

    Mekong Committee released the Indicative Basin Plan.

    1978

    Thailand, Lao PDR and Viet Nam signed Interim Mekong Committee Statute.

    1987

    Interim Mekong Committee revised the Indicative Basin Plan.

    1995
    1995 Mekong Agreement

    MRC Member Countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam signed Agreement on Cooperation for Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin.

    1996

    China and Myanmar became MRC's Dialogue Partners.

    1998

    MRC Secretariat relocated from Bangkok to Phnom Penh.

    2000
    2001
    • MRC Council adopted Procedures for Data and Information Exchange and Sharing (PDIES).
    • MRC Council adopted MRC Strategic Plan 2001-2005.
    2002
    • MRC Technical Paper series launched.
    • MRC won Thiess International Services Riverprize for excellence in river management.
    2003
    • MRC Council adopted Procedures for Water Use Monitoring (PWUM) and Procedures for Notification, Prior Consultation and Agreement (PNPCA).
    • China signed agreement to provide hydrological data during flood season.
    • MRC Secretariat relocated from Phnom Penh to Vientiane.
    2005

    MRC established the Regional Flood Management and Mitigation Centre.

    2006
    • MRC Council adopted the MRC Strategic Plan 2006-2010.
    • MRC Council adopted Procedures for the Maintenance of Flows on the Mainstream (PMFM).
    2008

    China signed agreement to extend provision of hydrological data during flood season.

    2009
    2010
    • First MRC Summit and Hua Hin Declaration issued.
    • MRC held prior consultation on the Xayaburi hydropower project.
    2011
    • MRC Council adopted Procedures for Water Quality (PWQ).
    • MRC Council adopted first the IWRM-based Mekong Basin Development Strategy for 2011-2015.
    2013
    • China agreed to extend provision of hydrological data.
    • Lao PDR notified MRC of the Don Sahong hydropower project.
    2014
    • Second MRC Summit and Ho Chi Minh Declaration issued.
    • MRC held prior consultation on the Don Sahong hydropower project.
    • MRC Council adopted the Roadmap for Reform and Decentralization.
    2015

    20th anniversary of the signing of the 1995 Mekong Agreement held.

    2016
    2017
    • MRC Member Countries decided on one Headquarters of the MRC Secretariat in Vientiane and the Regional Flood Management and Mitigation Centre in Phnom Penh.
    • MRC held prior consultation on the Pak Beng hydropower project.
    • MRC Council adopted the Mekong Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan.
    • MRC Council adopted the Mekong Basin-wide Fisheries Management and Development Strategy.
    2018
    • The MRC Regional Flood Management and Mitigation Centre upgraded to the MRC Regional Flood and Drought Management Center.
    • Third MRC Summit and Siem Reap Declaration issued.
    • MRC held prior consultation on the Pak Lay hydropower project.
    • MRC published the Council Study on Sustainable Management and Development of the Mekong River including Impacts of Mainstream Hydropower Projects.
    2019
    • MRC Audit Committee established.
    • MRC held prior consultation on the Luang Prabang hydropower project.
    • MRC published the State of the Basin Report 2018.
    • China agreed to extend provision of hydrological data for flood season.
    • MRC Council adopted the Drought Management Strategy 2020-2025.
    2020
    • 25th anniversary of the signing of the 1995 Mekong Agreement held.
    • MRC Joint Environment Monitoring of mainstream dams began.
    • MRC held prior consultation on the Sanakham hydropower project.
    2021

    MRC Council adapted the Basin Development Strategy 2021-2030 & the MRC Strategic Plan 2021-2025

    More
    Top
     Back
    Navigation
    Other MRC Sites
    GET INVOLVED

    © 2024 Mekong River Commission

    Dr. An Pich Hatda

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 2019 to 2021, Dr. Hatda, a Cambodian national, was appointed as the 2nd riparian CEO of the MRCS.   

    Dr. An is an accomplished leader with a great mix of leadership, inspiration, operational experience, technical breadth, and passion for a better Mekong, a track record of achievements having held various high-profile positions with Mekong related bodies over the past 20 years. ”

    Before taking the office as CEO Dr. Hatda served as director of Planning Division at the secretariat, where he led a multi-disciplinary team of different nationalities and expertise to deliver strategic outputs to the MRC’s Strategic Plan 2016-2020. He successfully completed the Prior Consultation process and Joint Action Plan for the Pak Beng hydropower project which gained him of trust from the first riparian CEO for being strategic, structured, results-oriented and neutral team player and leader.

    Prior to that, He worked as Operation Manager with the Regional Flood Management and Mitigation Center and National Specialist with the Basin Development Plan Program. He also served as Deputy Secretary General for 6 years at the Cambodia National Mekong Committee and Alternate JC Member for Cambodia. 

    Dr. Hatda holds a PhD in Development Studies from the University of Tokyo, Japan, and a Master of Science in Agricultural Planning and Management from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. He obtains a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia. 

    Hatda

    Mr. Pham Tuan Phan

    First Riparian Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat

    “From 2016 to 2019, Mr. Pham, a Vietnamese national and Mekong citizen, was appointed the CEO of the MRCS.  

    Before his tenure at the MRCS, Mr. Pham served as the CEO of a software development company in Vietnam for eight years, during which he expanded the company from a one-person operation to employing over 40 individuals. ”

    Prior to that, he held senior positions at Vietnam’s largest information technology company for three years. Preceding his time in Vietnam, from 2001 to 2004, Mr. Pham worked at the United Nations (UN) Secretariat in New York, USA, within the Department of Economic and Social Affairs. During his four-year stint, he conducted numerous missions to UN member states, focusing on economic and social affairs. Notably, he spearheaded the implementation of the Integrated Management Information System service in 2000, which facilitated the deployment of the Enterprise Resource Planning system across the entire UN network worldwide. 

    Before his UN tenure, Mr. Pham led the infrastructure and communications section at the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization in Vienna, Austria, from 1997 to 2000. His efforts led to the establishment of a groundbreaking global communications network, enabling the collection of monitoring data from 321 stations worldwide, including 13 in China. This network, initiated with a US$78-million contract, remains operational to this day. Mr. Pham’s career trajectory began with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) junior professional program in 1984, culminating in his rise to a directorial position at the UN in 2000. Notably, both the IAEA and the UN Secretariat received Nobel Prizes during Mr. Pham’s tenure, with the IAEA being recognized as one of the best-run UN organizations. 

    Educationally, Mr. Pham holds a degree in nuclear instrumentation from Belarus State University, former Soviet Union, earned in 1982. He also completed core courses for a Master of Business Administration from the UK Open University at Milton Keynes in 2000

    Mr. Hans Joakim GUTTMAN

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 2011 to 2015, Mr. Hans, a Swedish national, was appointed the CEO of the MRC Secretariat.   

    With his expertise as coordinator/manager and rich experience with over 18 years in the field of water resources development and management for sustainable rural development. He is no stranger to the MRC or its vision, having served as the head of the Environment Programme for six years from 2001-2007. His extensive technical expertise and inside knowledge gained from living in the region for almost two decades enabled him to lead the MRC during a period of change and growth within the MRC.”

    Before taking office as CEO, Mr. Hans held the position of Coordinator for the Wetlands Alliance (WA) Programme at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand, where he led the strategic development by securing funding for WA, and guided nearly 50 local government agencies and NGOs. He ensured these agencies received implementation support and contributed to the broader goals of the Alliance. Prior to that, he served as the Head of the Environmental Programme at the MRC Secretariat for six years, from 2001 to 2007. There, he oversaw a US$2 million annual budget for the programme, coordinated with National Mekong Committees (NMCs) and other relevant national agencies, and advised senior management on environmental matters while representing the MRC in these areas. 

    Prior to his tenure at the MRC, he served as a Programme Specialist at the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, where he managed rice field fisheries and other aquatic resource issues in Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. He raised awareness about the importance of these resources, built capacity to manage them, and developed strategies for sustainable use. 

    Before this, he was a Special Advisor at Tha-Ngone Aquaculture Development (TAD) in Vientiane, Laos. He assisted the manager in running a fish farm with over 30 employees, by planning, training, and managing fish and prawn production. He also helped improve the administrative section’s work. 

    Academically, Mr. Hans holds a Master of Science in Aquaculture from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, where he was recognized for his thesis specialization in water quality, and a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology/Geography from James Cook University in North Queensland, Australia. 

    Mr. Jeremy Douglas BIRD

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 2008 to 2011, Mr. Jeremy, a British national, was appointed as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat. 

    Mr. Jeremy combines his experience at the strategy and policy level with a solid practical background across multiple facets of water resources, including regulatory processes, conceptual design of water resources infrastructure, river basin management, irrigation, disaster risk management, knowledge generation, development finance, and stakeholder engagement.”

    Mr. Jeremy’s tenure as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat was marked by significant responsibilities and accomplishments, such as developing an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Strategy for the Basin and organizing the First MRC Summit of Prime Ministers in 2010, which raised the profile of the MRC and provided a high level of oversight for its activities. He also developed closer relations with China, formulated the MRC Climate Change and Adaptation Initiative, and represented the MRC at numerous international conferences and meetings. His successful negotiations among member countries resulted in a permanent location for the Secretariat and administrative arrangements for establishing a co-hosted headquarters. Mr. Jeremy’s tenure saw the implementation of institutional and administrative reforms and a new direction for the 5-year strategy for the MRC, focusing on the core functions of river basin management. 

    Before taking office as CEO, Mr. Jeremy worked as an Independent Water Resources Advisor from 2003 to 2008, providing consulting services on water resources management to various organizations, such as the Asian Development Bank, European Investment Bank, and the World Wide Fund for Nature. 

    Prior to that, he served as a Coordinator and Team Leader for the Dams and Development Project (DDP) at the United Nations Environment Programme, which aimed to promote dialogue for improved decision-making in water resources infrastructure. He coordinated national multi-stakeholder processes to identify priority issues for policy reform in South Africa, Nepal, Thailand, and Viet Nam, involving numerous stakeholders. Moreover, he expanded their stakeholder forum to include over 100 diverse organizations, initiated dialogue with Chinese agencies, and organized international meetings.

    Mr. Kristensen Joern

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 1999 to 2003, Mr. Kristensen, a Danish national, was appointed the CEO of the MRC Secretariat.   

    Before his tenure at the MRCS, he served as a Senior Programme Manager for the Eastern Europe, South and Eastern Asia, and the Pacific Operations Branch at UNDCP HQ in Vienna, Austria. In this role, he led efforts to secure EU funding, established a partnership between UNDCP and the EU for major drug-law enforcement in Southeastern Europe, and engaged in strategic planning for the elimination of opium poppy cultivation in Myanmar.  Educationally, Mr. Kistensen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from the University of Odense, Denmark, which he obtained in 1972. He also pursued postgraduate courses in Administration and Human Resources Management at the Institute of Public Management in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1984. ”

    Prior to that, he held the role of Country Director for UNDCP in two challenging environments: Vietnam from 1994 to 1997 and Myanmar from 1991 to 1994. In this role, he developed comprehensive drug control policies, facilitated cooperation among UN agencies, and raised significant funds – between US$6,000,000 and $7,000,000 – for key projects. 

    Before this, he was the Regional Director for the Danish Refugee Council in Denmark. He was entrusted with the reception, resettlement, and social integration of refugees (500 to 800 persons at any given time). He managed around 60 staff members and built extensive liaisons and cooperation with various groups. 

    Dr. Olivier Cogels

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 2004 to 2007, Dr. Cogels, a Belgian national, served as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat. Dr. Cogels‘ tenure as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat led the organization to substantial progress. He guided the MRC toward becoming an international river basin organization focused on developing its water resources for the economic benefit of the people and countries involved. This approach fostered improved cooperation with China and enhanced the MRC’s influence in the region. Under his leadership, the MRCS developed a more coordinated program structure, formulated an ambitious strategic plan, and introduced the concept of the Mekong Programme to the region – a development program owned by the member countries, which bolstered the MRC’s involvement with other regional initiatives.  ”

    Before assuming the role of CEO at the MRC, Dr. Cogels held the position of Programme Director of the International Program on Technology and Research in Irrigation and Drainage at the Food and Agriculture Organisation in Rome, Italy. 

    Prior to that, he had worked with organizations such as the European Commission, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), UNESCO, the World Bank, and the European Space Agency. 

    Educationally, Dr. Cogels holds a Master of Science in Land and Water Engineering and a PhD in Hydrodynamics and Water Resources Management from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, where he also served as a Professor. He also completed a post-doctorate at the University of California, Davis. 

    Mr. Yasunobu Matoba

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 1995 to 1999, Mr. Yasunobu Matoba, a Japanese national, was appointed as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat. 

    Mr. Yasunobu has an extensive career in agricultural and irrigation with various roles ranging from project planning, implementation, and supervision to personnel administration. He has worked in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. ”

    Prior to his tenure at the MRC Secretariat, he held the position of Director at the Construction Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), where he oversaw various agricultural projects, including those for agricultural production, land and water resource conservation, and the maintenance of water and land use facilities. 

    Before that, he held several key positions, including Director of the Overseas Operations Department at the Japan Agricultural Land Development Agency (JALDA) in 1992-1993, Director of the Planning

    Department at the Hokuriku Regional Agricultural Administration Bureau from 1990 to 1992, and Deputy Director in the Agricultural Administration Department of Kumamoto Prefecture from 1988 to 1990, where he managed land improvement projects. 

    In terms of education, Yasunobu holds a Bachelor of Agriculture in irrigation, drainage, and reclamation engineering, and rural planning from the University of Tokyo, which he obtained in 1967. 

    Page Title