This session discussed establishing river basin systems as foundations for food security, climate resilience, natural capital, and economic stability by framing scientific risks and value-creation opportunities across integrated basin systems and clarifying the macroeconomic stakes. It explored governance and cooperation on energy, water infrastructure, and basin management; identified financing and resilience pathways; developed a shared mission-oriented vision for Asia’s Resilient River Basins; and defined the roles of ADB, international financing institutions, regional bodies, and knowledge partners in advancing science-based, economically informed basin governance.
Introduction to the Session
Lance Gore, OIC-Director, SD2-AFNR, ADB
Opening remarks
Scott Morris, Vice President (Region 2), ADB
Keynote Address
- Aramazd Ghalamkaryan, Chairman, Water Committee, Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia
Topic: “Republic of Armenia’s Food Security and the Challenge of Cooperative Stewardship - Alue Dohong, Assistant Director General / Regional Representative, FAO
Topic: “River Basins – the Foundation of Food Security, Natural Capital and Economic Stability” - Henk Ovink, Global Commission for the Economics of Water
Topic: “Valuing Water Systems: Governance, Risk, and Financing for Basin Resilience”
High‑Level Panel — What Will It Take to Secure Asia’s River Basin Systems for Food and Economic Resilience?
Panelists:
- Aramazd Ghalamkaryan, Republic of Armenia Water Committee
- Henk Ovink, Global Commission for the Economics of Water
- Lifeng Li, Director, FAO
- Dale Whittington, Professor, University of North Carolina
- Hester Biemans, Professor, Wageningen University
- Cleo Kawawaki, Director General of Strategic Fundraising
Audience Q&A
Closing Remarks
Qingfeng Zhang, Senior Director, Sector Department 2 – Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development, ADB
