Students Attend Model Peace Conference

The opening of the five-day Model Union Peace Conference was attended by senior officials of the Yangon regional government, leaders of armed ethnic groups, political parties and civil society organisations at a hotel in Yangon.

U Phyo Min Thein, chief minister of Yangon Region, told the students that the biggest challenge the government faces is peace, adding that social improvement and business investments depend on the success of the ongoing peace process.

“This model peace conference is aimed at hearing the diverse voices of youth and submitting their ideas to those involved in the peace process, he said in his opening speech.

“I appreciate the youths’ interest in the national peace effort,” U Phyo Min Thein said.

The conference is a student-led initiative aimed at strengthening youth participation in Myanmar’s peace effort. The initiative is designed to improve their awareness about the ongoing negotiations and strengthen their understanding of the diverse positions, interests, and needs of those involved in the talks.

“I urge all students to make their voices heard to the authorities and related organisations,” said Myo Win, vice chairperson of the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front.

Their interest and participation could lead to a better outcome at the talks, he added.

The first three days of the conference, which continues through Friday, are devoted to training for the students, and group discussions will be held on the last two days.

The average age of the students is 20. The Myanmar Institute for Peace and Security and Plan International are supporting the conference.