Excellencies, distinguished guests, respected international and local scholars, representatives of EAOs, CBOs, CSOs, political parties and all participants, Good afternoon
- It is with great honor and respect that I extend my warmest greetings to all of you who gather here today to this important ceremony and the associated workshop.
- I am Lieutenant General Min Naing, Secretary of the NSPNC. It is my honor to brief you today on the objectives and arrangements of this workshop.
- With the vision of safeguarding the non-disintegration of the Union, the non-disintegration of national solidarity, and the perpetuation of sovereignty while upholding freedom, equality, and justice, the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Ethnic Armed Organizations, who signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), was signed on 15 October 2015. This historic accord was intended to establish a Union based on democracy and federalism in accordance with the outcomes of political dialogue.
- As we look back over the past decade, we recognize both the progress achieved and the difficulties encountered. The experience of the NCA has taught us that peace cannot be achieved by force. True and lasting peace must be made at the table, through conversation, compromise, and the courage to find common ground. Every agreement, every discussion, and every small step toward understanding contributes to the larger journey of national reconciliation.
- Earlier this year, NSPNC organized the Peace Forum 2025 in Nay Pyi Taw from 25 to 27 June under the theme of integrating peace, elections, and development. The Forum gathered a wide range of stakeholders and experts who shared valuable insights on how to strengthen dialogue and advance peace in the evolving political landscape. The discussions from that Forum helped reaffirm the importance of inclusive participation, cooperation among all stakeholders, and continued adaptation of the NCA framework to meet current realities.
- Peace is the foundation of every aspect of our national life. Without peace, development cannot be sustained, democracy cannot flourish, and people cannot live with dignity or hope. Every community in Myanmar shares the same aspiration for stability, equality, and progress. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that the peace process continues to move forward and that all citizens can enjoy the benefits of a peaceful society.
- As the NSPNC,
– We have been providing Humanitarian Assistance to people in areas by NCA-signatory EAOs, as well as supporting Internally Displace Persons and local communities affected by armed conflict, in cooperation with international humanitarian organizations.
– Recognizing that economic development plays an essential role in the peace process, we have also brought forward economic perspectives in the dialogues, with the aim of improving the living standards of the people.
– We have emphasized the importance of enabling all citizens to gain proper political awareness and participation in the peace process, and have promoted education and advocacy in this regard.
– To prevent undesirable harm to society from the spread of disinformation, misinformation, fabricated news, and hate speech on social media platforms, we have been studying and addressing the vital role of the media in fostering understanding and responsible use.
- At this workshop, discussions will be conducted over three days: one day with international scholars and two days with domestic organizations.
- This workshop will be conducted in two parts: international and domestic. The international dialogue will primarily focus on the following:
(a) Exploring geoeconomic avenues to support Myanmar’s peacebuilding process with the assistance of regional and global partners.
(b) Reviewing the role of political parties in ensuring public participation in conflict resolution efforts and electoral processes.
- The domestic dialogue will mainly focus on the following:
(a) Enhancing the capacity of non-combatant communities, civil society organizations, civilian ethnic leaders, women, youth, and future generations for peacebuilding.
(b) Exploring geo-economic opportunities, promoting the economic sector and identifying ways to collaborate with neighboring countries, regional countries, and international organizations in peacebuilding and national reconciliation in Myanmar’s peace process.
(c) Identifying practical peace processes that should be pursued in line with the current situation of Myanmar to build a peaceful and prosperous future of Myanmar.
(d) Reviewing the implementation of the peace process, successes and lessons learned during the 10-year NCA, identifying short-term and long-term strategies to address the challenges and issues facing the peace process, and ensuring the full participation of ethnic armed organizations.
- The theme of this anniversary, “Identifying the Peace Process to Continue to Build a Peaceful Future of Myanmar” reminds us that the task of peace belongs to everyone. It cannot be carried out by one group or one institution alone. It must involve every stakeholder: signatories and non-signatories EAOs, political parties, civil society, women, and youth working together with trust and respect. Only through dialogue, understanding, and cooperation can we transform conflict into coexistence and division into unity.
- On behalf of NSPNC, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all peace partners, organizations, and individuals who have contributed to this long and challenging journey. Let this anniversary be not only a commemoration but also a renewal of our shared determination. Let us continue to make peace at the table, with sincerity and patience, and to build together a future where peace and democracy strengthen one another.
Thank you, and may our discussions in this commemoration be meaningful and inspiring for the next chapter of our nation’s peace journey.
To conclude, I believe the insights and recommendations gathered from this ceremony and the workshops will help to ensure continuity and meaningful follow-up in the period ahead, particularly after the upcoming general elections in December 2025.
Thank you all very much.
