Lao People’s Democratic Republic, 2-7 April 2023 – As part of the ongoing process to enhance the institutional structure and legal framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), representatives of the Scientific Information Center of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (SIC ICSD) participated in a study tour of the IFAS Working Group to the Lao PDR.
The programme included participation in the International Conference of the Mekong River Commission (MRC), a field visit to the Nam Ngum hydropower plant, working sessions, and meetings with representatives of the MRC Secretariat and the Lao National Mekong Committee.
Group photo of the study tour participants. Photocredit to SIC ICSD.
The purpose of the mission was to familiarize participants with the MRC’s experience in transboundary water resources management, as well as to engage in the exchange of views and best practices in water diplomacy, institutional cooperation, and sustainable management.
On 2–3 April, members of the IFAS delegation attended the International Conference on “Innovation and Cooperation for a Water-Secure and Sustainable Mekong.” The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders – representatives of Mekong riparian countries, NGOs, academia, regional and international organizations, as well as the private sector. The discussions focused on two main themes: the role of innovative technologies in water resources management, and the importance of responsible financing and gender inclusivity in ensuring sustainable water governance.
At the opening ceremony, keynote addresses were delivered by leaders of the national committees of Mekong basin countries and the Chief Executive Officer of the MRC Secretariat. The IFAS delegation was headed by the Chairman of the IFAS Executive Committee, Mr. Sulton Rahimzoda, who presented an overview of the outcomes of the UN 2023 Water Conference held in New York, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in achieving globally agreed water-related goals.
On 4 April, participants undertook a field visit to the Nam Ngum hydropower plant, where they reviewed practical approaches to harnessing the hydropower potential of Lao PDR, flood protection measures, irrigation practices, and the development of related sectors.
Group photo of participants visiting the Nam Ngum hydropower plant. Photocredit to SIC ICSD.
On 5-6 April, the 10th meeting of the Working Group on the institutional and legal reform of IFAS was held in a hybrid format. Participants discussed possible approaches to reform, ways to enhance engagement with international partners, and preparations for the forthcoming IFAS Heads of State Summit. The meeting concluded with the adoption of an Outcome Document setting out the next steps for the Working Group.
10th meeting of the Working Group on the institutional and legal reform of IFAS. Photocredit to SIC ICSD.
On 7 April, the delegation held meetings with representatives of the MRC Secretariat and the Lao National Mekong Committee, during which the parties exchanged views on prospects for cooperation and further information-sharing.
The participation of SIC ICSD in the study tour contributed to deepening dialogue on strengthening IFAS activities and expanding opportunities for learning from and applying international best practices in the field of transboundary water cooperation.
The event supports the achievement of:
| Priority area No 6 of REP4SD dedicated to SDG 17: “Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development” |
| 6.3 Strengthening of legal, institutional and technical frameworks of the ICSD and its bodies to ensure the implementation of regional programmes and projects, organization of environmental monitoring in Central Asia, and cooperation with other regional and international organizations for the sustainable development of Central Asia. |