Indo-Pacific Virtual Conference on Strengthening Governance of Transboundary Rivers
Ambassador Michael George DeSombre’s Closing Remarks
Indo-Pacific Virtual Conference on Strengthening Governance of Transboundary Rivers
I would like to start by thanking Satu Limaye and the organizers at the East-West Center, Assistant Secretary Stillwell and my colleagues at the State Department, and of course you all – experts from across Asia and beyond – who have come together today to share your thoughts and help create a more prosperous future for the Mekong region. I was especially pleased to hear the important message from Secretary General Somkiat about making the Mekong a river of prosperity, connectivity, and sustainability.
Today’s discussions reinforced for me not only the challenges, but also the utmost urgency of strengthening our cross-border water management agreements and institutions. This year’s drought that Assistant Secretary Stilwell described is a call to action. As we witnessed here in Thailand and across the region – the livelihoods, prosperity, and indeed the very lives of millions of people who depend on the Mekong River hang in the balance.
U.S. Embassy Bangkok
