Peace Forum 2025: SAC Chairman delivered the opening remarks

The Peace Forum 2025, a discussion and review meeting on “Towards a new nation of peace and prosperity through the integration of peace, elections and development”, was held at the hall of Mingalar Thiri Hotel in Union Territory Nay Pyi Taw, in the morning on June 25.

Attending the Peace Forum were Chairman of the State Administration Council, Prime Minister, Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services, and Chairman of National Solidarity and Peacemaking Central Committee Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, SAC Vice Chairman, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services, Vice Senior General Soe Win; SAC members, the Chairman of National Solidarity and Peace Negotiation Committee, Lt-Gen. Yar Pyae, and Committee members, Union ministers, union-level organizations, senior military officials, foreign and local think tank scholars, JMC representatives, political party representatives, representatives of ethnic armed organizations, peace actors, foreign ambassadors and specially invited guests.

First, artists from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, including ethnic groups, performed a peace-themed theatrical musical entitled "Fresh Thoughts for Peace."

Following that, ten scholars from abroad attending the forum and two foreign scholars participating via the federal system were introduced.

Then, SAC Chairman, Chairman of the State Administration Council, Prime Minister, Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services, and Chairman of National Solidarity and Peacemaking Central Committee Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, delivered the opening remarks.

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the State Administration Council, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, stated that the Peace Forum, commencing today, is a unique historical milestone in peace efforts because it involves the direct participation and discussion of international experts, relevant organizations, and individuals.

He expressed his belief that this forum will contribute to achieving long-lasting peace in the country, as it will facilitate discussions, negotiations, problem-solving, analysis, and recommendations regarding the essential need for peace. He acknowledged that, alongside independence, the issue of internal armed conflict has always been present in the country.

He noted that successive governments have attempted to resolve this issue in their own ways, to the best of their abilities. The Tatmadaw, upon the emergence of the 2015 Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) document, established six peace policies and has been adhering to and implementing them to this day. He stated that these peace policies are the essence of the NCA and are also the "realizations" gained from successive peace efforts, representing the "realities" that must be followed to solidify the current peace-building process.

The ultimate aspiration for the nation, he said, is to establish a "Union" based on democracy and a federal system. He explained that democracy is a system of governance chosen by the people, and federalism involves sharing powers and rights. In other words, federalism is a concept where diverse regions, states, ethnic groups, and communities come together to collectively work and share powers, embodying coexistence and shared benefits. Furthermore, the Senior General said - quote -"stability and peace are crucial requirements for achieving democracy. The main desire for all of us is to ensure equitable socio-economic well-being, security, and guarantees for all ethnic people. By living peacefully and working effectively, we will achieve progress in our lives. To reach such a situation, it is truly necessary for us to meet face-to-face and exchange views honestly and openly." In conclusion, the Senior General concluded by stating – quote - "Let's walk hand in hand together on the path of dialogue to end armed conflicts and achieve long-lasting, stable peace in our country."

Continuing, SAC Chairman Prime Minister presented commemorative gifts to the ten foreign scholars.

After that, a video clip titled "The Fire of War is Quenched, The Grass Grows Green, Let Peaceful Songs Flow Sweetly" was shown.

Finally, the SAC Chairman Prime Minister took group commemorative photos with attendees of the event.

After the ceremony, the SAC Chairman Prime Minister, and officials toured the commemorative exhibits of the Peace Forum 2025 – “Towards a new nation of peace and prosperity through the integration of peace, elections and development”.

This Peace Forum, scheduled from June 25 to 27, aims to foster broad, informal discussions where local and international experts, professionals, and attendees from various sectors can share their views and experiences. These discussions are focused on achieving peace, stability, and the rule of law in the country, as well as successfully holding elections. The recommendations gathered from these discussions are intended to guide future efforts in promoting peace, successful elections, and national economic development.