By May

 

ON A cool morning in February, the people welcome a day of special significance that comes each year. The very name “Union Day” is regarded nation­wide as one of profound histor­ical importance. The pledges made on Union Day, along with the nation’s hopes, have re­mained alive for 79 years and counting.

 

Panglong in history

February 1947. Leaders from various ethnic groups had gathered together in the small town of Panglong. It can be imagined that General Aung San’s eyes reflected a mixture of enthusiasm and concern. On the face of Sao Shwe Thaik, some historic Panglong paint­ings depict the profound sense of responsibility he felt for the prestige of the Shan State. The Panglong Conference was not an ordinary meeting; here, dis­cussions were not only about independence but about a larg­er unity called the Union. The agreements reached on deci­sions that would shape the very structure of the nation became the historical date of Union Day.

 

To be precise, General Aung San and his delegation arrived in Panglong on 7 February 1947. Accompanying the General were U Aung Zeya, Thakin Tun Oak, Mahn Ba Khine, and Deedok U Ba Cho. The Shan ethnic group consisted of prominent leaders and representatives Sao Shwe Thaik, Sao Khun Cho, Sao San Tun, and Sao Khun Pan Sein. The Kachin ethnic group comprised Sama Duwa Sinwa Nawng, Sama U Hla Phae, Duwa Zaw Wan, and Duwa Zaw Tun. Likewise, U Wam Kaung (from No 2 Chin Hills District) and U Hal Khun (from Falam District) participat­ed in the Chin group.

 

The conference was held from 6 to 12 February 1947. Dur­ing the first few days, the confer­ence faced many difficulties. The Shan leaders were concerned that their rights would be lost after independence. The Kachin leaders also emphasized the need to secure guarantees for the rights of non-Bamar ethnic groups. General Aung San dis­cussed and mediated, pledging commitments and engaging in thorough negotiations.

 

Thus, on the afternoon of 12 February 1947, they signed the historic Panglong Agreement. The agreement included 12 main points, with key provisions cov­ering political, economic, and social equality. Among those who signed were General Aung San (representing the Bamar), Sao Shwe Thaik, Sao Khun Cho and Sao San Tun (representing the Shan), Sama Duwa Sinwa Nawng and Duwa Zaw Wan (rep­resenting the Kachin), and U Wam Kaung and U Hal Khun (representing the Chin).

 

“We should not emphasize our differences. We should only think about how to live togeth­er,” said General Aung San. This statement, the essence of the Panglong Agreement, became a guiding principle that deeply in­spired the ethnic groups. Thanks to the mutual trust, respect, and great wisdom of the lead­ers, the 135 ethnic groups were able to unite and exist together as the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. However, even after regaining independence, under­lying differences could not yet be fully resolved, and conflicts fuelled by ethnicity and ideology continued.

 

Thinking about this, I re­called the words of writer Min Thu Wun: “History does not just speak of the past; it directs the future.” Similarly, historian Dr Than Tun said, “The Panglong Agreement marks the beginning of a good future, not the end of the road.” The Panglong Agree­ment is more valuable than a single historical document, and it is a blueprint for the future for all of our people and citizens.

 

The Union Day and the Panglong Agreement represent efforts to achieve unity amid di­versity among diverse nation­alities. They embody the spirit of ensuring equality between the highlands and the mainland, and of sharing both warmth and hardship. The suspicions and difficulties in initiating unity caused by colonial divide-and-rule policies were overcome through the Panglong Agree­ment on the historic Union Day, fostering a shared sense of na­tional solidarity.

 

Integrity of Union Day

Union Day celebrations are held on 12 February every year. Union Day carries significance beyond that of a traditional com­memorative day. It is recognized as an annual reaffirmation of the principles of our Union, remind­ing us that Myanmar is not the nation of a single ethnic group but a Union of many ethnicities, cultures, and languages.

 

We will have a chance to lis­ten to the stories told by an el­derly Shan grandmother, feel the song of a young Kachin, and help ease the concerns of a Rakhine person. We must remember that unity is not simply speaking the same words, but understanding one another – a truth our an­cestors demonstrated through the Panglong Agreement. Like­wise, the teachers who teach Burmese in Shan villages, the cultural mentors who bring traditional Kayin “Frog Drum” dances to children along the Ay­eyawady basin, and the scholars who translate advanced science and technology books into the Mon language are all builders of the foundation for unity.

 

Act practically and move forward with purpose

What can we hope for on Union Day 2026? It is time to make a real effort to breathe life into the “spirit of the Union”. We should consider ethnic youth working together in practical ways, starting agricultural pro­jects, learning new technologies, and jointly protecting the natu­ral environment, so that unity is experienced through action.

 

For a Union that all ethnic groups can accept, the languag­es and traditional cultures of each group must be mutual­ly recognized and respected. Everyone should be supported in exercising their rights to edu­cation, healthcare, and employ­ment, regardless of region or ethnicity. True love for one’s own people is not enough; but it must also include respect for all other communities living alongside one’s own.

 

The future route with chal­lenges

Today’s Union Day is filled with questions for the people. Can we strive to revive the Pan­glong spirit? How can genuine peace and unity be established amid the country’s current po­litical conflicts and internal in­stability? It is not an easy task. However, Father of Independ­ence General Aung San him­self demonstrated that it was possible by bringing together the voices of the ethnic groups, and successfully concluded the signing of the Panglong Agree­ment as clear proof.

 

At the 2025 Union Day cele­bration, Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myan­mar and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commis­sion, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, stated, “While complying with the Constitution and laws of the State, all ethnic peoples must work together in unity to build a strong federal democrat­ic Union.” Moreover, he stressed that protecting the integrity of the Union is everyone’s respon­sibility, that trust among ethnic groups must be established, that the Panglong Agreement is a historic gift of unity, and that pri­ority must be given to promoting national unity and peace.

 

Currently, the path of elec­tions is seen by the people as a hopeful opportunity to revitalize the spirit of the Union. The 2025 multiparty democratic general election provides an opportu­nity for a nationwide dialogue involving all citizens to emerge prominently in each Hluttaw. Elections are a step along the journey toward this goal. From these elections, all ethnic groups should aim toward a new polit­ical system that genuinely rec­ognizes equality for everyone, moving forward with real and meaningful change.

 

Those who will initiate the historic Panglong in the new era

Walking the path of the same federal democratic system is a process that requires rebuild­ing deep-seated trust. It is not enough to simply put down arms or stop hateful speech. A func­tional political system must be established, based on practical plans, long-term cooperative ac­tions, and mutual respect. While the Panglong Conference was a gathering of senior leaders, it is now necessary for the voices of youth to shape and write the new Panglong history.

 

The success of elections will be meaningful only when all eth­nic groups have the opportunity to preserve their history with pride, and everyone accepts a system in which they can deter­mine their own future. The pres­ent time is no longer for mere imagination or speculation; it is a time to move forward together with practical and achievable aspirations. Let us demonstrate a genuine Union by building a political culture that recogniz­es the rights and dignity of all citizens.

 

Providing equal opportuni­ties in education, healthcare, and economic advancement for all ethnic groups is not only the responsibility of the government but also the duty of the entire society. It is time to ensure that, regardless of region, state, city, village, or ethnicity, every child has access to education based on their abilities, and that every­one, whether rich or poor, can receive essential rights such as medical care.

 

To help young people under­stand the essence of the Union, people have to disseminate the history and build hopes for the future together. The benefits of peace and the rule of law can be better appreciated by youth not only in the classroom but also through real-life experience.

 

The first step in eliminat­ing hatred arising from accu­sations and conflicts between ethnic groups is to remove the misunderstandings that cause division. Hatred must be uproot­ed by honouring and recognizing each other’s cultures and by pro­moting equality.

 

Instead of punishing young people who have gone astray, op­portunities must be created for them to reintegrate into society. Education, vocational training, and mental health support are key to helping them rebuild their lives. Every young individual is a valuable human resource for na­tion-building, and if their energy is guided toward creation rather than destruction, the Union will undoubtedly become stronger.

 

The Vow for Union Day

The meaning of Union Day is “Unity in Diversity”. This is not an easy responsibility. With patience, understanding, and mutual respect, the Union must be built not through rigid uni­formity but by valuing differenc­es and working together. We all need to be able to sing the song of peace together, even with dif­ferent words.

 

Union Day is not only a day to honour the pledge made in 1947, but also a special day that reminds us of our continuing re­sponsibility to strive for a peace­ful and just Union for future gen­erations. Union Day is not just a historical milestone; it is also a map for the future. On this map, the choice of which path to take rests with us. The ones who must answer that question are ourselves. We must cultivate the true “Panglong spirit” of mutual respect in the hearts of all citi­zens. On the day the Panglong Agreement was signed, General Aung San said, “We have decided to walk together.”

 

As we reflect on how quickly we can join hands and overcome challenges, it is a reminder that our progress depends on the effort of each citizen and the genuine spirit of the Union. With this in mind, we honour the 79^th Anniversary of Union Day.

Translated.