International Conference on Myanmar Launched, Featured Speakers Announced
Conference Launched on Feb 5; Featured Speakers and Updated Program Announced – Spring Flowers International Conference on Myanmar
| INDIANAPOLIS, January 7, 2022 — 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, are pleased to announce the updated program of the Spring Flowers International Conference on Myanmar which is taking place from February 5 to 12, 2022. The conference was launched on February 5 in an opening ceremony in which Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, Senator Todd Young, and Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Kritenbrink gave remarks in support of democracy and peace in Myanmar (Burma). “Now more than ever, we believe that we all need to work together, to support the people of Burma in their struggle to restore the country’s path to democracy. The United States remains committed in supporting the people of Burma as they face multiple crises as a result of the military coup and horrific violence perpetrated by the regime,” said Kritenbrink. Senator Young gave assurances of his support for democracy in Myanmar and commitment to promoting accountability, while Governor Holcomb praised BACI for its leadership and members of the Burmese community for their social and economic success and for their contributions while helping lunched the conference. His Excellency Duwa Lashi La, Acting President of the National Unity Government of Myanmar (NUG), delivered a powerful keynote message, and H.E. Dr. Zaw Wai Soe, Union Minister of Health and Education of NUG and H.E. Dr. Sa Sa, Union Minister of International Cooperation of NUG described the work and strategy of the NUG. The conference is bringing together local, national, and international actors from diverse backgrounds in an effort to support peace and democracy in Myanmar. In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Elaisa Vahnie, Executive Director of BACI, highlighted the four main components of a strategy for Myanmar which include building a professional Federal Army, drafting a new constitution, establishing functional and effective public institutions, and building strong international community partnerships. He noted that the conference was designed to support peace and democracy in Myanmar by generating ideas that are valuable and constructive in helping shape the vision and strategic direction of the Myanmar democracy movement and the future of Myanmar. ### |
Featured Speakers and Updated Program
- More than 60 scholars and researchers, many of them world-renowned, and over 70 other speakers from activist and advocacy groups, rights groups, student unions, university councils, and international organizations, will be making presentations and participating in discussions on constitutional development, democracy, institution building, and international affairs.
- Updated Conference schedule can be found here.
- Featured Speakers in the Academic Sessions
- For updated list of speakers can be found here.
- Featured Speakers in the Expert Panel Sessions and Keynotes
- For updated list of speakers can be found here.
| Registration |
| Registration is now FREE. We have made this change to make the conference more accessible to all, especially for college students across the United States and around the world and for participants from inside Myanmar. You can register here for the entire conference or parts of it, including the celebration of the 75th Myanmar Union Day. Registration with donation options: To donate $40 and register for the entire conference or parts of it, register here. For other donation options, see here. If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact us at: info@thebaci.org. You can find our previous press release here. |
Conference Co-hosts and co-sponsors:
| About BACIThe Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) is a non-profit organization founded in 2011 that provides educational and vocational support to the Burmese community in greater Indianapolis. The BACI also supports community members regionally, nationally, and globally through new initiatives, collaborative and strategic partnerships, and advocacy. |
| About NUUMThe National University of the Union of Myanmar (NUUM) was established in July 2021 under the auspices of the Burmese American Community Institute in consultation with its partners and stakeholders, especially with diverse groups of people in Myanmar. It currently offers six certificate programs to Myanmar students through online courses taught by instructors from Myanmar as well as friends of Myanmar from around the globe. In addition to providing teaching and learning opportunities, NUUM contributes to reform efforts and building systems for future democratic institutions, serves as a hub for academic research, scholarship, and intellectual inquiry, and generates ideas for innovations and policy debate, in support of democracy in Myanmar. |
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