Steering Transboundary Water Cooperation in the ASEAN Region

This policy brief provides an in-depth exploration of transboundary water governance in the ASEAN region, highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with international water law and regional cooperation. We attempt to situate this assessment within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.5, emphasizing the importance of integrated water resources management and operational arrangements for water cooperation while outlining key elements of international water law, including substantive and procedural rules, institutional mechanisms, and dispute resolution frameworks. As we examine ASEANspecific practices, such as the “ASEAN Way,” and provide examples of existing agreements (e.g., the Mekong Agreement) and non-binding instruments that guide transboundary water governance, the document highlights both the progress made (e.g., Vietnam’s engagement with global water conventions) and the gaps in operational arrangements across the region.