Webinar: Strengthening governance of transboundary rivers in the Indo-Pacific

On 16 October 2020, the East-West Center (USA) organized an online seminar titled “Strengthening Governance of Transboundary Rivers in the Indo-Pacific.” The event was attended by officials, scholars, and civil society organizations from the U.S., Japan, the EU, Australia, Canada, South Korea, India, and Mekong countries. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State David Stilwell participated and delivered the keynote remarks. The workshop focused on the following topics: (i) Water security in the subregion; (ii) Cooperation for sustainable management of Mekong River water resources; (iii) The Mekong - U.S. Partnership mechanism, major-power competition, and related recommendations. During the webinar, participants engaged in open and candid discussions, sharing experiences on managing water resources in transboundary rivers in South Asia and Europe, and offering practical suggestions to enhance river governance, particularly for the Mekong River. Delegates emphasized that, to effectively govern international rivers, riparian countries should follow principles such as transparency, inclusiveness, and rules-based approaches. The seminar took place in a lively and open atmosphere.