A three-day peace dialogue is currently being held in Naypyidaw, led by the military junta’s National Solidarity and Peacemaking Committee (NSPNC).
The discussions, taking place from March 24 to 26, include representatives from the NSPNC, ceasefire ethnic armed organizations, political parties, and business leaders.
Lt-Col Khun Tun Shwe from the Pa-O National Organization (PNO) stated, “The event, titled ‘Peace Talk 2025,’ serves as a peace forum. Discussions involve academics, businesspeople, and other stakeholders. However, NGOs and civil society organizations are not participating.”
He highlighted the suffering of the public due to displacement, economic hardship, and insecurity, stressing the urgent need for peace.
In his opening speech, NSPNC Chairman and Union Minister Lt-Gen Yar Pyae stated that the event aims to raise public awareness of nonviolent approaches to peacebuilding, encourage experts and professionals from various sectors to contribute, and emphasize that sustainable peace can only be achieved through nonviolent means.
Participants also discussed the urgent need to de-escalate conflicts across the country and to establish both short- and long-term political and economic development strategies.
Lt-Col Khun Tun Shwe reaffirmed PNO’s commitment to peaceful negotiations, “We are dedicated to a nonviolent path to peace. We support ongoing dialogue, regardless of who is in power—whether it be the ruling party, the opposition, or other factions. Our country belongs to all of us, and we must work together in peace. We need to set aside ego, pride, and party affiliations and focus on meaningful discussions. The more we meet and talk, the better our understanding will be.”
Under Lt-Gen Yar Pyae’s leadership, the discussions cover political, security, economic, and development issues.
The Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS/SSA), a signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, has confirmed that it is not participating in the talks.
