Mon, Karen and Pa-O youth representatives have agreed to cooperate on grassroots resistance efforts and political processes, according to Nai Peter, a spokesperson for the New Rehmonnya Federated Force (NRFF).
The agreement was reached during a two-day youth political forum held in the second week of September, which brought together young people from the three ethnic communities to discuss ways to cooperate on resistance and political initiatives.
The forum focused on building trust among ethnic youth groups and addressing shared challenges on the ground, Nai Peter said.
“We agreed to exchange ideas on areas where we can cooperate in resistance efforts across different sectors, regions and ethnic communities, and to support one another. We also agreed to work closely together to address the challenges faced by our respective groups and communities on the ground,” he said.
The forum was organized by the New Rehmonnya Federated Force (NRFF) and attended by representatives from nine organizations, including youth and women’s groups, student unions, and political and resistance groups from Mon, Karen and Pa-O areas.
Organizers said they hope the meeting will lead to broader engagement among young people and eventually to the formation of a formal alliance network.
“We hope a formal network will eventually emerge from this initiative,” Nai Peter said. “Everyone wants to work together more closely and create opportunities for broader engagement.”
During the forum, officials from the Mon State Federal Council (MSFC), Pa-O National Federal Council (PNFC) and Karen Youth Organization-Central (KYO) delivered remarks. Participants also reviewed developments in the resistance movement in Mon State and other relevant areas, as well as the role of young people in leadership.
The NRFF said it has been facilitating political discussions among Mon youth and dialogue between Mon-Tanintharyi and Mon-Dawei groups since 2023.
Mon, Karen and Pa-O communities have long lived alongside one another in Mon State and have cooperated as allied ethnic groups in the resistance movement since the military coup.
