Efforts for Peace: NSPNC meets with CSOs in Nay Pyi Taw

The National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) met with civil society organizations (CSOs) on Monday at National Solidarity and Peacemaking Center in Nay Pyi Taw to support the peace process. During the meeting, Union Minister for Defence and Chairman of the NSPNC, Lieutenant General Yar Pyae, noted that armed terrorist organizations have emerged since 2021.

He stated that the resulting declines in public health, education, and the economy in conflict areas have led citizens to reject these disruptions and desire stability and peace. He added that certain ethnic armed organizations are sustaining themselves through illicit activities, including drug production and trafficking, natural resource extraction, cross-border crimes, and illegal businesses.

He expressed a desire for CSOs to contribute to the peace process based on their respective work. He emphasized that the NSPNC is working within existing laws to address the political desires and requests of participating EAOs, and noted that active public participation aided by CSOs could accelerate the restoration of peace and stability.

Following this, Lieutenant General Min Naing, Secretary of the NSPNC, briefed attendees on the committee's peace initiatives, the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and the policies, strategies, and future work plans for the national solidarity and peacemaking process.

Next, Negotiation Committee member Lieutenant General Khin Zaw Oo (Retired) presented on a more inclusive peace process framework based on the essence and achievements of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).

Attendees then contributed suggestions, highlighting that trade routes are vital for national economic development, and that CSOs can participate in the peace process alongside their social work. They noted that conflicts cause suffering to citizens regardless of ethnicity or religion.

Their recommendations included implementing suggestions from previous NSPNC forums and workshops that CSOs can act upon based on ground realities, organizing peace dialogues and forums across regions and states, and working together to build peace and reduce conflicts. Finally, NSPNC Chairman Lieutenant General Yar Pyae delivered closing remarks.