Water Engineering and Management (WEM) students Ms. Phorntip Saensri and Ms. Yosita Boonyasat shares their experience participating in the youth engagement session of the “1st ASEAN–MRC Water Security Dialogue: Solutions for a Changing Region” organized by the ASEAN Secretariat and the MRC Secretariat, on 19-20 August, 2021. Phorntip and Yosita write:
“It was a great opportunity to be a part of the youth engagement session. The session aimed to engage young people in addressing water scarcity issues in the Mekong and broader ASEAN, focusing on 3 themes: water scarcity (balance between supply and demand), water pollution, and climate risks. Our discussion topic was the ‘Solution to Water Pollution: How to Improve Water Quality and Sanitation?’. We presented on expanding the pilot project of CountureMEASURE, which is to identify sources and pathways of plastic pollution in river systems and detect the main source in each country. Additionally, we highlighted the strong cooperation of SCG with AIT to create a smart litter trap to solve plastic pollution practically. Overall, the sessions consisted of a wide range of discussions on multiple solutions to eradicate the water scarcity issues in the Mekong region and also provided networking opportunities with participants from the region. We are delighted to know that all our inputs will facilitate authorized organizations in identifying issues and solutions to water insecurity in our region”.
The two-day ASEAN–MRC Water Security Dialogue was participated by more than 100 delegates joining in person in some countries and virtually in others. The dialogue featured panel discussions among senior officials, technical experts, and partners from the Mekong and wider ASEAN region. It also included an interactive session with youth to stimulate dialogue on youth-led, idea-driven advocacy for water security in the Mekong region.
WEM congratulates Ms. Phorntip Saensri and Ms. Yosita Boonyasat for successfully participating in the 1st ASEAN–MRC Water Security Dialogue and wishes both good luck in their future endeavors.
