THE Peace Talk 2025 in accord with the motto “From Peace Talks to the New Peaceful Nation” took place at the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Centre in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning.
The peace talk aims to increase the participation and focus of prominent figures, scholars, and experts from various sectors in the peace process. It also seeks to raise public awareness that achieving peace through non-violent means is the only way to ensure long-term stability. Moreover, the peace talk will identify short-term and long-term initiatives that can help reduce internal conflicts as quickly as possible, thereby improving political and economic conditions.
The talk was attended by members of the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee, retired Tatmadaw officers, representatives from the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC), representatives from political parties, NCA signatory ethnic armed organizations, stakeholders in the peace process, intellectuals and intelligentsia, media, directors-general from ministries and organizations, officials, rectors of universities, representatives of organizations and observers totalling 118.
In his opening address, member of the State Administration Council Union Minister for Border Affairs Chairman of NSPNC Lt-Gen Yar Pyae said that it is necessary to collectively seek solutions to the challenges faced in the key areas of politics, security, peace, and the economy. Efforts should be made to reduce conflicts, implement both short-term and long-term plans for economic and social development, and build a federal democratic union. The peace talk aims to generate constructive recommendations from the political, security, economic, and national development sectors to use them to further achieve the success of the peace process.
UPWC Vice-Chairman and Union Minister (Retd) U Thein Zaw extended greetings while Secretary of NSPNC Lt-Gen Min Naing explained the aims of the talks and agenda, raising public awareness that the peace process requires greater involvement and focus from prominent figures, experts, and professionals across various sectors and that achieving peace through non-violent means is the only way to ensure long-term stability as well as the important role of media to disseminate true information in the peace process. Speakers then extended greetings.
At the talk, Secretary of NSPNC Lt-Gen Min Naing presided over the political and security sector and Lt-Gen Khin Zaw Oo (Retd) discussed the emergence of a process to reduce conflict and ensure ceasefire. Member of the NSPNC Lt-Gen Win Bo Shein headed the economic and State development sector whereas Deputy Minister (Retd) Daw Lei Lei Thein talked about the important role of economic development in efforts to ensure peace and development. Attendees exchanged views about the talks. Relevant representatives gave suggestions, held discussions and raised questions during the talks and speakers presented clarifications.
Trust and collaboration among peace participants will be strengthened by understanding and acknowledging the perspectives and recommendations of various stakeholders in the peace dialogue. This will help develop peace and national development processes that align with the political landscape emerging beyond 2025. The peace talks will last for three days from 24 to 26 March. — MNA/TTA
