The Lancang-Mekong Youth Water Resources Exchange and Mutual Learning Event was successfully held from September 21 to 26, 2025, co-hosted by the Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Center (LMC Water Center) and Hohai University in Nanjing and Wuhan. The event brought together 20 youth representatives from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Chen Hongsheng, Dean of the International School of Hohai University, and Gao Lihong, Director of the External and Communication Division of the LMC Water Center, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches.

During the event, youth representatives from the six Lancang-Mekong countries engaged in in-depth discussions centered on four key themes: “Empower the Youth and Forge a Foundation of Capability,” “Expand Horizons and Open Windows of Wisdom,” “Integrate Knowledge with Action and Share the Responsibility of Water Governance,” and “Connect Hearts and Minds and Celebrate the Culture of Water.” The representatives unanimously adopted the Lancang-Mekong Youth Water Exchange and Mutual Learning Initiative.

A select group of youth representatives also participated in the 4th Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Forum, where they delivered speeches on the topic of “Mutual Learning and Youth Engagement.” They collectively emphasized that youth should shoulder four major responsibilities—learning, advocating, promoting fairness, and fostering innovation—to become ambassadors of Lancang-Mekong cooperation and builders of the bridge of friendship. Their commitment is to contribute the strength of youth to regional water security and jointly safeguard the Lancang-Mekong River, which serves as a vital lifeline.

Furthermore, the youth representatives visited the Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute (CRSRI) and the Hankou Hydrological Station under the Hydrological Bureau of the Changjiang Water Resources Commission (CWRC). These visits provided them with a deeper understanding of China’s advanced scientific research achievements in areas such as flood control, disaster reduction, and integrated river basin management, thereby enhancing the understanding of Chinese water governance philosophies, technologies, and practices among the Lancang-Mekong youth.

The event also showed a vibrant display of cultural exchange, as the representatives from the six nations presented folk songs and dances with distinct national characteristics. The atmosphere of camaraderie was further elevated by a joint, heartfelt rendition of the song “Friends,” solidifying the bonds of friendship among the participants.