International Cooperation and Communication
MRC undertook a fundraising mission to
Japan.
International Cooperation and Communication functions of the MRC covers:
- Donor liaison
- Governance meetings
- Policy development
- External communications
Donor liaison includes fundraising activities, negotiation of new agreements, monitoring and amendments.
In 2006, policy dialogue between the MRC and its donor community was enhanced with the involvement of donors in the development of the MRC Strategic Plan 2006-2010. This has substantially improved the end product. Stronger links to regional initiatives such as the Asian Development Bank's Greater Mekong Subregion initiative, the World Bank's Mekong Water Resources Partnership Programme, ASEAN, and the general donor community are key objectives for this Strategic Plan and this was initiated in 2006.
Several fundraising missions were undertaken by the MRCS Chief Executive Officer including those to Japan and Europe and a comprehensive fund raising document, summarising funding needs for all MRC programmes and projects for the period 2006-2010 was produced to aid fundraising.
In 2006 the MRC concluded several major funding agreements which are illustrated on the chart on page 43.
The reporting system has been improved with a continuously updated overview of agreements under discussion, agreements and amendments recently concluded and other fund-raising activities. A reporting schedule system was launched as a support tool for the programmes to improve preparation of reports along with guidelines to programmes to standardise presentation and structure.
Donors met regularly to exchange views.
Regular meetings in 2006 included the 23rd and 24th Meetings of the MRC Joint Committee in Savannakhet and Vientiane, Lao PDR respectively, the Informal Donor Meeting held in Vientiane, and the 13th Meeting of the MRC Council and the Donor Consultative Group Meeting in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
Other outputs in 2006 included an expansion of the MRC's liaison activities with civil society and promotion of better coordination amongst programmes involved in managing transboundary issues. This will aid in monitoring implementation of the Strategic Plan 2006-2010.
Awareness of the work and achievements of the MRC was raised through the production of the quarterly MRC newsletter, an MRC Annual Report, as well as the production of many technical reports and information products for the MRC programmes and the distribution of news releases about important events. Participation in regional training workshops for journalists from the six Mekong countries and the fostering of a healthy relationship with the regional media, have added to this.
Public awareness raising included representation of the MRC's work at several international forums and conferences, including the 4th World Water Forum in Mexico City as well as at Joint Committee, Council and Donor Meetings. A redesigned MRC website www.mrcmekong.org featuring an educational sector - Mekong from Space - was launched in early 2006 and this website has been enhanced on a regular basis.
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