MULTILATERAL COOPERATION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEKONG RIVER WATER RESOURCE FROM 2003 TO 2023

This article explores the historical evolution and institutionalization of water resources management cooperation in the Mekong River Basin. Beginning with the formation of the Mekong Committee in 1957, the region’s approach to water governance has undergone significant shifts, from fragmented, unilateral development strategies to cooperative mechanisms under the auspices of the Mekong River Commission (MRC). The article examines key milestones, including the 1995 Mekong Agreement and the introduction of the Procedures for Notification, Prior Consultation, and Agreement (PNPCA) in 2003, which formalized the cooperative framework. Additionally, it assesses the role of multilateral mechanisms and the involvement of major powers and international organizations in addressing regional water resource issues. The article argues that, despite geopolitical tensions and challenges, these developments reflect an evolving recognition of the strategic importance of water governance in the Mekong region, with implications for broader international cooperation on transboundary water management.