Korea and five countries in the Mekong River basin have adopted a joint declaration on digital water management and climate crisis response. The plan aims to expand cooperation through joint research and pilot projects, while also specifying local water management needs that domestic companies can participate in.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced on October 1 that the '4th Korea-Mekong International Water Forum' will be held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. Approximately 200 attendees are expected, including Kim Han-seung, First Vice Minister of Climate, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Yoon Seok-dae, President of the Korea Water Resources Corporation, government representatives from the five Mekong countries, officials from international organizations, and domestic water companies.
During the forum, Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam will adopt the 'Korea-Mekong Water Cooperation Joint Declaration.' This declaration encompasses the cooperation directions discussed during three previous events and high-level dialogues since the first forum in 2022.
The declaration identifies key areas for cooperation, including digital water management, enhancing climate resilience, nature-based solutions, and integrated water management. The countries plan to continue collaboration through joint investigations, research, pilot projects, technology exchanges, and capacity building.
Discussions will also focus on connecting the water management needs in the Mekong region to actual projects. In the afternoon, a meeting of international development cooperation partners will take place, where the Cambodian government will present its national water resource development tasks and needs. Major development cooperation agencies will share ongoing water management projects in the Mekong region and discuss ways to align technologies and resources with local demands.
Domestic water companies will seek business collaboration opportunities in one-on-one meetings with government agencies from the five countries during the 'Mekong Business Roundtable.' A promotional booth showcasing domestic companies' technologies and products will also be set up at the venue.
The Ministry of Climate plans to continuously identify local water management needs through the Korea-Mekong Water Management Center (KOMEC) after the forum and connect domestic water companies with relevant institutions to promote follow-up cooperation projects.
Vice Minister Kim stated, "The cooperation established through the Korea-Mekong International Water Forum has advanced to a new level with the adoption of this joint declaration. We will continue to expand Korea-Mekong water cooperation to develop the directions outlined in this declaration into concrete projects and achieve tangible results."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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