2nd Spring Flowers International Conference Concluded with a Celebration of the 76th Myanmar Union Day

In her keynote speech, Hon. Melissa A. Brown, Deputy Assistant U.S. Secretary of State, underscored the three pillars of the U.S. Government policy to help address the crisis in Myanmar. They include stepping up economic and political pressure on the regime, expanding U.S. support for the pro-democracy movement, and delivering humanitarian assistance to those in dire need.

INDIANAPOLIS, February 13, 2023 — The 2nd Spring Flowers International Conference on Myanmar, hosted by the Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) and the National University of the Union of Myanmar (NUUM)-Global Campus, in partnership with co-hosts and partners, concluded last Saturday with a celebration of the 76th Myanmar Union Day. The conference reaffirmed support for building a federal democratic Union of Myanmar based on the Panglong principles of freedom, equality, and self-determination.

In an effort to support peace and democracy in Myanmar (also known as Burma), the conference brought together local, national, and international actors from diverse backgrounds around the globe.

The 4-day conference included 6 academic panels with presentations by over 50 scholars and researchers, 3 expert panels with members who included activists, representatives of rights groups, analysts, professionals, academics, and politicians, a roundtable discussion, and over 10 keynotes and other speeches. Discussion and debate in the conference focused on four strategic priorities in achieving the shared vision of a Federal Democratic Union of Myanmar: foundational reform through designing and adopting a new federal constitution and state constitutions, building a new professional military or Federal Army placed firmly under civilian oversight that reflects the ethnic diversity of the country, designing institutions through which humanitarian assistance and public goods and services are effectively delivered, and strengthening international partnerships.

Conference speakers and discussants generated ideas on ways to strengthen unity among the democratic actors through coordinated strategic action and mobilizing participation of all stakeholders in these efforts with the support of the international community.

In his opening remarks, His Excellency Duwa Lashi La, Acting President of the National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar, thanked the organizers of the conference, all participants, and the Burmese diaspora for the important work they are doing for Myanmar and its people as they are contributing to the brighter future and are helping achieve the common vision of building a federal democratic Union of Myanmar.

H.E. Mahn Win Khaing Than, Prime Minister of NUG, H.E. U Aung Kyi Nyunt, Chairman of the Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, H.E. Dr. Zaw Wai Soe, NUG Union Minister of Health and Education, H.E. Dr. Tu Hkawng, NUG Union Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, H.E. U Moe Zaw Oo, NUG Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Sai Khaing Myo Tun, NUG Deputy Minister of Education, H.E. Ja Htoi Pan, NUG Deputy Minister of Education, H.E. Daw Khin Ma Ma Myo, NUG Deputy Minister of Defence, Professor David Williams, Dr. Nathalie Ebead, and other speakers from Burmese democratic forces all emphasized the need to strengthen unity and the urgency of redoubling efforts to build a new Myanmar.

In his “Panglong Agreement” address, H.E. U Aung Kyi Nyunt, thanked Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett on behalf of the people of Myanmar. In 2020, Mayor Hogsett proclaimed February 12 as Myanmar Union Day in Indianapolis, making it the first major city outside of Myanmar to recognize Myanmar Union Day officially.

Senator Todd Young, Congressman André Carson, and Mayor Joe Hogsett all offered their continued commitment to support the Burmese community in Indianapolis and peace and democracy in the Southeast Asia nation.

A Myanmar Union Day statement issued by the Convening Committee of the 76th Myanmar Union Day in Indianapolis calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all those imprisoned as a result of the military coup on February 1, 2021, including State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint, members of Parliament, and civil society leaders, and for inclusive and serious talks.

Congressman Carson reaffirmed his commitment in supporting freedom, equality and federal democracy in Myanmar.

Mayor Hogsett said, “Thanks in part to their commitment, Indianapolis and Central Indiana continue to be the largest Burmese communities anywhere in the United States of America. That’s a point of pride for Indianapolis. Today, of course, is a special occasion. We observe a moment of unity in the history of a diverse nation. But there can be no doubt of the importance this holiday plays today. Our celebration here serves as a model for communities, nations, and people around the world who are struggling to overcome division.

Because today, the Burmese community in Indianapolis throws open the doors to every Hoosier, so many of whom represent the latest chapter in our ongoing immigrant story here in Indianapolis”.

In his welcoming and concluding remarks, Elaisa Vahnie thanked the international community, especially the US Government and Hoosiers, for standing alongside the Myanmar people. Mr. Vahnie said, “Coordinated efforts must be made towards strengthening and expanding partnerships and cooperative relationships with the international community.

We are grateful for the support of the international community, especially under the leadership of the U.S., for BURMA Act 2022 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2023. Yet, even greater engagement by the international community is needed.”

In a special panel on the U.S. Policy and Humanitarian Response to the Myanmar Crisis, officials representing several US government bureaus including PRM, EPA/Burma Desk, and USAID discussed humanitarian aid, the issue of refugees and internally displaced persons, the BURMA Act 2022/NDAA FY2023, human rights and democracy, USAID’s assistance for Myanmar including the Local Empowerment And Resilience Network (LEARN), education and health, and broader aspects of U.S. Government engagement and assistance for the people of Myanmar as well as US policy towards Myanmar.

“I, for one, stand ready to stop those who seek to undermine the cause of peace and democracy. Burma has made great strides towards democratic governance and while this coup is a setback, it will not be the end of the story. I will continue to stand with the people of Burma, both those in Indiana and around the globe, and I believe that together, we can bring real change”, said Senator  said Senator Todd Young, who has been at the forefront of U.S. Senate action in support of Myanmar’s democracy and who helped draft and secure bipartisan support for the BURMA Act 2022/NDAA FY2023.

In her concluding remarks as conference co-host, Dr. Hilary E. Kahn, Associate Vice Chancellor for International Affairs at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and Indiana University Associate Vice President of International Affairs reiterated the importance of the continued global conversation around Myanmar. She commended the Burmese American Community Institute for hosting such a “superb and thoughtful” series of conversations in support of advancing democracy in Myanmar as they contribute to solving some of the most complex and relentless problems the world is facing today. ###