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    Date
    Event
    Type / Venue
    September
    29 September 2021
    34th meeting of the EGEM on the 3rd draft of the detailed methodology and tools for long-term and cost-effective monitoring of riverine plastic debris pollution monitoring in the Mekong River
    Online
    29-30 September 2021
    Regional meeting on update and upgraded on HYCOS and DSMP projects
    Online
    27-28 September 2021
    10th meeting of the MRC Joint Platform
    In-person
    22 September 2021
    9th EGDMF on finalisation of design concept for PWUM implementation
    In-person
    16-17 September 2021
    52nd Joint Committee meeting and 25th Dialogue Partners meeting
    Online and In-person
    15 September 2020
    Handover Ceremony of Scientific Equipment from the Government of Germany to the MRC Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane)
    7-25 September 2020
    National consultations on Mid-Year Work Plan
    In-person
    19-20 September 2019
    8th ASEM Sustainable Development Dialogue Find out more information here.
    In-person (Siem Reap)
    20-21 September 2018
    5th MRC Regional Stakeholder Forum Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane )
    August
    26-27 August 2021
    Regional training on gender
    Online and In-person
    20 August 2021
    Regional meeting on the final draft guidance for planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of irrigation systems with transboundary implications
    Online
    12-13 August 2021
    ASEAN-MRC water security dialogue
    Online and In-person
    4 August 2021
    Final reporting and senior policy dialogue for 2nd knowledge sharing program
    Online and In-person
    27 August 2020
    2nd Joint Committee Working Group (JCWG) Meeting on the proposed Sanakham hydropower project
    Online
    16 August 2019
    Meeting of the MRC Expert Group on Strategy and Partnership Find out more information here.
    In-person (Phnom Penh )
    24 August 2018
    47th Meeting of the MRC Joint Committee Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane )
    8 August 2018
    Meeting of MRC Joint Committee Working Group for Pak Lay Project Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane )
    July
    30 July 2021
    Expert Group on Strategy and Partnership meeting on Basin Development Strategy implementation with Mekong-related frameworks and partners
    Online
    29-30 July 2021
    EGBP meeting on draft comprehensive concept note with TOR for proactive regional planning, and on the final draft report on experiences and opportunities for coordinated operating rules and cooperation
    Online
    26-27 July 2021
    11th Regional stakeholder forum
    Online and In-person
    21-22 July 2021
    33rd meeting of the EGEM on (1) the implementation plan for Chapter 4 "WQERM" and (2) 2020 regional water quality data assessment report
    Online
    14 July 2021
    Regional meeting on the final draft country report on the case study for the SGUMA-phase 2
    Online
    1-2 July 2021
    29th meeting of the EGEM on the first draft of the management plan methodology and template and resource mobilisation strategy and the concept notes for each of the PBAP/SBEM projects
    Online
    30 July 2020
    1st Meeting of the PNPCA Joint Committee Working Group for Prior Consultation Process for Sanakham Hydropower Project Find out more information here.
    Online
    17 July 2019
    MRC and China Renew their MOU on Water Data Sharing Find out more information here.
    In-person (Beijing )
    24 July 2018
    Vientiane Find out more information here.
    In-person (Awards Ceremony for MRC’s Writing Competition )
    June
    29-30 June 2021
    Regional workshop on 2019 regional water quality data assessment report back-to-back with a regional training on WQ data, assessment, and reporting
    Online
    28-29 June 2021
    Regional meeting on the socio-economic modelling concept and proposed tool and on the socio-economic database technical platform
    Online
    25 June 2021
    12th Budget Committee meeting
    Online
    24 June 2021
    9th Informal Development Partners meeting
    Online and In-person
    22 June 2021
    28th meeting of the Expert Group on Environmental Management on the first draft of the MRC riverine plastic monitoring programme
    Online
    16 June 2021
    51st Joint Committee meeting
    Online and In-person
    11 June 2021
    Regional meeting on the updated wireframe of the web shared vision planning (SVP) tool
    Online
    10 June 2021
    Regional meeting on first draft report on experiences and opportunities for coordinated operating rules and cooperation arrangements on dam operations
    Online
    10 June 2021
    Digital marketing training by Facebook in collaboration with MRC
    Online
    8 June 2021
    9th meeting of the Joint Platform
    Online
    7-8 June 2021
    27th meeting of the MRC EGEM on the first results of JEM pilot and concept of the MRC core river monitoring network
    Online
    30 June 2020
    Special Session of the MRC Joint Committee Find out more information here.
    Online
    4 June 2020
    Special Session of the MRC Joint Committee Find out more information here.
    Online
    21 June 2019
    Informal Development Partners Meeting Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane )
    6 June 2019
    MRC and Murray-Darling Basin Authority Renew their MOU
    In-person (Canberra )
    1 June 2018
    Planting Ceremony to Mark Tree Day Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane )
    May
    24 May 2021
    Training on Joint Environmental Management Pilots Chlorophyl-a
    Online and In-person
    20-21 May 2021
    Training on Joint Environmental Management (JEM) Pilot Fish Pass Monitoring
    Online
    18 May 2021
    KDI-MRC Policy Seminar on Flood and Drought
    Online
    17 May 2021
    9th Joint Platform Meeting
    Online and In-person
    12 May 2021
    Coordination of Hydropower Cascade Dam Operation
    Online and In-person
    12 May 2021
    Shared Vision Planning (SVP) Tool Regional Workshop
    Online and In-person
    11 May 2021
    1st Regional Gathering Working Session for Flood and Drought Forecasters and Data Senders
    Online
    10 May 2021
    Joint Committee Working Group Special Session on Sanakham Hydropower Project
    Online and In-person
    6-7 May 2021
    27th Meeting of Expert Group on Environmental Management on Joint Environmental Meeting (JEM) Pilots’ First Results and Proposal
    Online and In-person
    5 May 2021
    Regional Meeting on Update and Upgrade of HYCOS Project
    Online and In-person
    20-21 May 2019
    7th MRC Regional Stakeholder Forum Find out more information here.
    In-person (Bangkok)
    5 May 2019
    Mekong Day: Let’s Act Green for A Greener Mekong
    In-person (Vientiane)
    9 May 2018
    1st Meeting of MRC Expert Group Meeting on Strategy and Partnership Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane )
    April
    5 April 2021
    Launch of Basin Development Strategy (BDS) 2021-2030 and MRC Strategic Plan (SP) 2021-2025
    In-person (Vientiane)
    1 April 2021
    Training workshop on River Basin Organizations, Transboundary Water Resources Management And Water Diplomacy
    Online and In-person
    24-25 April 2019
    48th MRC Joint Committee Meeting Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vong Tau)
    4 April 2019
    Special Session of the MRC Joint Committee on Pak Lay Project Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane )
    5 April 2018
    3rd MRC Summit Find out more information here.
    In-person (Siem Reap)
    2-3 April 2018
    MRC Summit International Conference Find out more information here.
    In-person (Siem Reap )
    March
    30 March 2021
    Expert Group on Basin Planning (BGSP)/Expert Group on Strategy and Partnership (EGSP) meeting on NIPs progress including engagement with development partners and other regional cooperation mechanisms
    Online
    30 March 2021
    28th Meeting of EGEM on (1) progress of the implementtion of the pilot project of the MRC TbEIA Guidelines in Cambodia; and (2) the result of testing multi-panel mesh size gillnet and finalisation of fish abundance and diversity monitoring method/protocol
    Online
    29 March 2021
    MRCS Launch of Basin Development Strategy (BDS)/Strategic Plan (SP) + SIMVA
    Online and In-person (Lao PDR)
    25 March 2021
    9th Meeting of the MRC Joint Platform
    Online
    17 March 2021
    Regional meeting on first draft report on experiences and opportunities for coordinated operating rules and cooperation arrangements on dam operations
    Online
    16 March 2021
    27th Meeting of EGEM on Progress of the Joint Environmental Management (JEM) Pilots and Fish Pass Monitoring
    Online
    15 March 2021
    Regional meeting for Kick start Implementation PIP of Flood and Drought Management
    Online
    12 March 2021
    37th Joint Committee Task Force Meeting
    Online
    11 March 2021
    Regional workshop for national pilot studies FF in tributaries
    Online
    11 March 2021
    MRCS dialogue with civil society organizations
    Online
    10 March 2021
    MRCS working session on Gender Handbook
    Online and In-person (Lao PDR)
    5 March 2021
    MRC-UN Lao PDR Cooperation Day
    Online and In-person (Lao PDR)
    13 March 2020
    Signing Ceremony of Funding Agreement from the Government of Japan to the MRC to Support Flood and Drought Management in the Lower Mekong River Basin Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane)
    13 March 2020
    Signing Ceremony of Funding Agreement from the Government of Japan to the MRC to Support Flood and Drought Management in the Lower Mekong River Basin Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane)
    February
    25 February 2021
    25th meeting of Expert Group on Environemntal Management (EGEM) on the final draft LMB wetland classification, maps and database and regional report
    Online
    24 February 2021
    26th Meeting of EGEM on draft proposal for the piloting the TG for key fish habitats
    Online
    24 February 2021
    Regional traning workshop for case study implementation for the Sustainable Groundwater Use and Management for Agriculture (Phase 2)
    Online
    24 February 2021
    Regional training on WQ data, assessment and reporting
    Online
    22 February 2021
    7th Expert Group Meeting on Data, Modelling and Forecasting (EGDMF) on improve flood forcasting/res.assesment tool/AI&Big data/IS reinvigoration
    Online
    17 February 2021
    Regional meeting on extension of drought monitoring station and roadmaps
    Online
    16 February 2021
    Regional meeting for Project Implementation Plan (PIP) 2021-2024 for Flood and Drought Management
    Online
    11 February 2021
    MRCS Completion Report Outcome Reflection
    Online and In-person (Lao PDR)
    4-5 February 2021
    Common Coordination Meetings (MRCS divisions/office with NMCS)
    Online
    3 February 2021
    Regional meeting on the first draft guidance for planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of irrigation systems with transboundary implications
    Online
    3 February 2021
    Southeast Asia Regional Webinar on Uploading Mekong Cooperation for Present and Future Challenges: Data & Information Sharing
    Online
    2 February 2021
    Launching seminar of the 2nd Knowledge Sharing Program
    Online and In-person
    20-21 February 2020
    Environmental Management Exert Group Meeting on Joint Environmental Monitoring Pilot Inception Phase Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane)
    20-21 February 2020
    Environmental Management Exert Group Meeting on Joint Environmental Monitoring Pilot Inception Phase Find out more information here.
    In-person (Nong Khai)
    5-6 February 2020
    9th Mekong River Commission Regional Stakeholder Forum: 2nd Regional Information Sharing and Consultation on Luang Prabang Project, and Consultation on Basin Development Strategy and MRC Strategic Plan Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane)
    5-6 February 2020
    9th MRC Regional Stakeholder Forum: 2nd Regional Information Sharing and Consultation on Luang Prabang Project, and Consultation on Basin Development Strategy and MRC Strategic Plan Find out more information here.
    In-person (Luang Prabang)
    22 February 2019
    MRC Joint Committee Working Group Meeting for Pak Lay Project Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane )
    16 February 2018
    Launching Meeting for the GIZ-funded Joint Projects between Cambodia and Lao PDR, and Cambodia and Thailand Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane )
    January
    28 January 2021
    1st regional gathering workshop for for flood and drought forecasting and data senders
    Online
    15-15 January 2021
    2nd meeting of Joint Committee Working Group on draft Technical Review Report for Sanakham Hydropower Project Prior Consultation process
    Online
    11-11 January 2021
    Regional meeting on the draft guideline to prioritizing fish passage barriers and creating fish friendly irrigation structures in the Lower Mekong River Basin
    Online
    17 January 2019
    6th MRC Regional Stakeholder Forum Find out more information here.
    In-person (Luang Prabang )
    12 January 2018
    Knowledge Sharing Programme Policy Seminar Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane )
    December
    17 December 2020
    Expert Group Meeting on Data, Modelling and Forecasting (EGDMF) on Finalisation and Dissemination of LULC Map 2020 Project
    Online
    17-18 December 2020
    Regional Meeting on the Fish-Friendly Irrigation Project
    Online
    14-15 December 2020
    2nd Joint Committee Working Group Meeting on the Proposed Sanakham Hydropower Project and Site Visit
    Online and In-person (Vientiane)
    17 December 2019
    MRC Secretariat and LMC Water Center sign their first MOU for better upper-lower Mekong management Find out more information here.
    In-person (Beijing )
    13 December 2019
    Signing Ceremony for Funding Support from Germany Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane)
    November
    26 November 2020
    Regional Workshop on Hamonised MRC-Information System and National Information System
    Online
    26 November 2020
    27th MRC Council Meeting
    Online and In-person (Pakse)
    24 November 2020
    10th Regional Stakeholder Forum on Sanakham Hydropower Project Find out more information here.
    Online and In-person (Pakse)
    20 November 2020
    Regional Meeting on Navigation Safety and Anti-Pollution Rules and Regulations (Laos – Thailand part)
    Online
    18 November 2020
    Regional Meeting on Implementation of the Cambodia-Vietnam Navigation Agreement
    Online
    12 November 2020
    11th Budget Committee Meeting
    Online
    12 November 2020
    Workshop on Improving Flood and Drought Forecasting, and Forecaster and Data Sender
    Online
    10-11 November 2020
    Regional Capacity Building Workshop on MASAP Mainstreaming for Adaptation Planning
    Online
    5 November 2020
    10th Regional Stakeholder Forum on the Proposed Sanakham Hydropower Project
    Online and In-person (Vientiane)
    4 November 2020
    Regional Meeting on Socio-Economic Modelling Concept
    Online
    3-6 November 2020
    Regional Workshop on Tableau Desktop I and II: Accelerated
    Online
    25-26 November 2019
    MRC Council Meeting, Development Partners Consultative Group Meeting and Joint Committee Meeting Find out more information here.
    In-person (Phnom Penh)
    5-6 November 2019
    8th MRC Regional Stakeholder Forum Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane )
    28 November 2018
    Signing Ceremony of Funding Support from Germany and European Union Find out more information here.
    In-person (Ha Long City )
    28 November 2018
    25th Meeting of the MRC Council Find out more information here.
    In-person (Ha Long City )
    5 November 2018
    MRC Joint Committee Working Group Meeting on Pak Lay Project Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane )
    October
    30 October 2020
    Regional Meeting on the Update of National Indicative Plan (NIP) for 2021-2025
    Online
    28 October 2020
    Regional Meeting on Sustainable Groundwater Use Management for Agriculture
    Online
    28 October 2020
    Regional Working Session on Updated Knowledge Base and Updated Spatial Data
    Online
    26 October 2020
    2nd Meeting of Steering Committee of Joint Project for Flood and Drought Management Between Cambodia and Thailand
    Online
    22 October 2020
    24th Dialogue Partners Meeting
    Online
    21 October 2020
    Regional Meeting on SIMVA Report
    Online
    16 October 2020
    Regional Consultation Meeting on Cooperation for Operational Coordination and Management of Hydropower Cascades
    Online
    14-16 October 2020
    19th MRC Expert Group on Environmental Management (EGEM) Meeting on Development of Guidance on Restoration of Key Habitats and Transboundary Fisheries Management in the Lower Mekong River Basin
    Online
    7 October 2020
    8th Meeting of the MRC Joint Platform
    Online and In-person (Vientiane)
    2 October 2020
    24th Dialogue Partners Meeting
    Online
    1 October 2020
    50th Joint Committee Meeting
    Online
    22 October 2019
    Launch of State of Basin Report 2018 Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane)
    8 October 2019
    MRC Joint Committee Working Group Meeting on Luang Prabang Project Find out more information here.
    In-person (Vientiane )

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    © 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. 

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