The Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM) workshop on water and river basin
management will take place in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho from
March 20-23, with nearly 150 delegates from 51 ASEM member nations and
relevant organisations taking part.
Initiated by
Vietnam , the event is the first activity of a joint initiative of six
Mekong–Danube Cooperation Initiative member nations, and was adopted at
the ninth ASEM Summit in Vientiane in July, 2012, to establish a
periodic mechanism entitled “ASEM dialogue on sustainable development”.
It takes place at a time when countries are boosting
international efforts to cope with non-traditional security challenges,
with the protection of water resources being a priority.
Participants will discuss ways to enhance links in using and managing
water sources and river basins in combination with green growth,
ecological preservation, coping with climate change, food and energy
security, and the lives of locals.
On top of this, a
ceremony to mark the 2013 World Water Day themed “Water Cooperation”
will also be held, including activities such as a science seminar, a
photo exhibition and the awards ceremony of a painting contest featuring
the idea of water protection.
The day will offer
managers, scientists, students and communities a chance to share
initiatives on water cooperation, discuss issues regarding education,
diplomacy, trans-border water management, financial cooperation,
national and international policy frameworks, and the connection between
water resource management and the Millennium Development Goals.
The Mekong–Danube Cooperation Initiative member nations include
Hungary , Romania , Bulgaria , Laos , Thailand and Vietnam-VNA