In an effort to support peace and democracy in Myanmar (Burma), the Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) and the National University of the Union of Myanmar – Global Campus (NUUM), in partnership with co-hosts and collaborators, will be hosting the Spring Flowers International Conference on Myanmar from February 5 to 12, 2022. The conference will bring together local, national, and international actors from diverse backgrounds. Its outcome will play a critical role in shaping the strategic direction and vision of the Myanmar democracy movement and the future of Myanmar as we contribute to building a democratic and federal Union of Myanmar. The conference objectives are:
- Promoting critical analysis and deeper understanding of the challenges Myanmar is currently facing,
- Achieving common understanding of the challenges and opportunities in forging a strong and unified response to help resolve the conflict in Myanmar and in developing strategies and approaches to building a new Myanmar, and
- Bringing together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including elected representatives, government officials, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), rights groups, media, academics, etc. to achieve a unified vision and strategy through substantive policy discussions, expert panels, and debates.
The program will include (1) keynote speeches, (2) expert panels, (3) panel presentations of academic papers, and (4) roundtable discussions. Musical and cultural performances will also be featured.
Expert panels are expected to cover the following topics: humanitarian assistance, the Civil Disobedience Movement and civil war in Myanmar, provision of public goods and services, health, education, constitutional and institutional reform, and the role of the international community in change in Myanmar.