Remarks at Ministerial Meeting of the 4th Mekong River Commission Summit, “Innovation and Cooperation for a Water Secure and Sustainable Mekong”

As delivered by UN Resident Coordinator a.i., 

Ms. Ricarda Rieger, UNDP Resident Representative

Excellencies, Ministers,

Government and development partner representatives,

 Ladies and Gentlemen,

• On behalf of the United Nations in Lao PDR, I first wish to congratulate the Mekong River Commission for organising this 4th Summit.
• With over 50 million people in Lower Mekong Basin alone depending on the river for their livelihoods, the Mekong, like most mothers – is an invaluable riches, critical to the wellbeing of all women and men, boys and girls throughout the region …. 
• Yet, for all its might and importance, the Mekong is also a fragile shared resource, facing many threats – not least climate change and pollution.
• As time is limited, I will complement the words of my UNICEF colleague who on Sunday addressed the impacts of climate change on children more specifically, … 
• … and I would like to raise one broader issue: the UN’s concern over unsustainable hydropower projects, including the most recent Luang Prabang Hydropower Project.
  • Already in June 2020, the MRC’s Technical Review Report of the planned Luang Prabang project highlighted that baseline studies, impact assessment studies, and mitigation measures should be strengthened.
• Under the current plans, the project severely threatens:
  • The environment;
  • Local communities living in the area of the project, who depend on the Mekong River and the surrounding environment, and who might face loss of land and livelihoods if resettled – with women and girls disproportionately affected; and
  • The Historic Town of Luang Prabang World Heritage property – one of Lao PDR’s cultural gems, and a crucial asset for the tourism industry.
• The ICOMOS-UNESCO[1] Reactive Monitoring Report from April 2022 reached similar conclusions, and therefore recommends to “take the precautionary approach not to pursuing the LPHPP and relocate the project and other future and similar projects” until further studies can ensure that environment, communities and heritage will not be negatively impacted.
• It is therefore with some concern, despite these recommendations, that preparatory work has already begun. The UN urges all stakeholders, across the region, to adhere with the many constructive recommendations made.
• Suspending construction until further assessments and safeguards can be completed and implemented would be a truly innovative approach to sustainability.
• For States party to the Convention on Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, the UN also wishes to remind of their obligation under Article 6.3: not to take any measures which may damage heritage on the territory of other states.
• To this end, in the spirit of the long and strong UN-Lao PDR cooperation, the UN has approached the National Assembly, MoNRE, MEM, and MICT[2] with an offer of technical support to ensure that hydropower projects – in Luang Prabang and elsewhere – can best contribute all aspects of sustainable national development, without compromising communities’ livelihoods, environment, and heritage.
• The UN looks forward to further discussions, and to working with all stakeholders involved to ensure the sustainability of Mekong hydropower projects, for the benefit of all countries in the region.

Thank you.

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[1] International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)

[2] Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM), Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT).