Through a combination of plenary sessions, technical modules, and case-based learning, the training highlighted that although many Asian countries share rivers, lakes, and aquifers, only a few have comprehensive agreements in place, underscoring the urgent need to enhance transboundary water governance and climate-resilient investment across the region.
On 9 December 2025, one of the highlights was the ASEAN Overarching Plenary Session, where Raymond Valiant, Regional Coordinator of GWP Southeast Asia, delivered a compelling presentation on Southeast Asia’s shared water challenges and opportunities. Raymond outlined how the region is uniquely shaped not only by shared surface and groundwater systems but also by powerful climatic pathways, which connect countries beyond physical borders. He emphasised that reporting on SDG Indicator 6.5.2 and progress under ASEAN water initiatives remain limited, demonstrating the need to accelerate collective action.
In his remarks, Raymond highlighted the strategic importance of enhanced cooperation within ASEAN. The region hosts 21 transboundary surface waters and 19 shared aquifers, linking both continental and archipelagic states in a complex web of interdependence. Yet despite these shared resources, Southeast Asia still experiences a “cooperation deficit”, with significant gaps in technical expertise, negotiation capacity, and data-sharing mechanisms. These shortcomings, he noted, directly hinder sustainable management and increase the risk of tensions. This concern is further amplified by a rising trend of water-related conflicts globally between 2000 and 2024.
Raymond further stressed that advancing cooperation requires deliberate investment in capacity building and knowledge sharing, particularly in international water law and structured governance processes. He argued that ASEAN must move beyond ad-hoc arrangements and work toward stronger legal and institutional frameworks, including more resilient regional mechanisms for water resource management. Although no Southeast Asian country has ratified the UN Water Convention, the region can still adopt its principles to guide equitable, inclusive, and people-centered approaches to transboundary water governance.
To Download Raymond’s material: Find the file in the right-side panel (desktop) or at the bottom of the page (mobile).