Burmese in Europe - Promoting Partnership for Transition in Burma
Conference in Prague, September 15-16, 2009
This conference will bring together Burmese pro-democracy activists and scholars from various ethnic groups with policy makers and interested individuals from the Czech Republic and the EU. The aim of the conference is:
To generate greater understanding among key European players about the relevance of Burmese living in European exile to the destiny of Burma
To review fundamental policy questions in the light of long-term developments
To find ways for more efficient, united activities among European Burmese.
The conference will take place over two days, the first of which will be open to the public and will inform EU representatives and others about the Burmese democracy movement in Europe. The second day will be a closed session for Burmese activists and selected advocacy NGOs.
Several high-profile speakers have already kindly agreed to attend. We are still discussing further speakers for the program.
The conference will take place on September 15 and 16, 2009 in Prague, Czech Republic. The venue is the Hotel Olšanka, where accommodation will also be available. On September 14 at 11 a.m. there will be a press conference on the famine in Chin-Land to which you are invited.
Conclusive Statement
A conclusive satement including further recommendations is available for download. please click here (PDF, 104 KB) - updated 2 Nov 2009
Each presentation of approx. 20 mins. will be followed by questions and answers.
14 September:
11:00 Press Conference: Focus on Famine in Chin-Land (BCP, with Dr Alana Golmei from Burma Centre Delhi) at UNIJAZZ, Prague
15 September: Public Session (working language: English)
09.00-09.30 Registration
Welcome Note by the organizer
Welcome Note by the Swedish Embassy
Speech by HE Jiří Šitler for Czech MFA
Coffee Break
A. Political Imperatives
Chaired by Ms Marie Peřinová, PINF
11.00-11.30 Prospects for Dialogue in Burma by Dr Thaung Htun, NCGUB
11.30-12.00 Political Change in Burma by Mr Nwe Aung, NCUB
12.00-12.30 Relevance of ethnic conciliation for the future of Burma by Dr Lian Sakhong, Vice-Chairman of ENC
12.30-13.30 Lunch
B. Social Imperatives
Chaired by Ms Sabe Soe, BCP
13.30-14.00 Famine, refugees and activism from Indian point of view by Dr Alana Golmei, BCD
14.00-14.30 Change through Humanitarian Aid in Myanmar by Dr Khin Zaw Win
14.30-15.00 Creating Space in Myanmar by Mr Ko Ko Thett, Helsinki
15.00-15.30 Role and Participation of Women in Democratization by Ms Khin Ohmar, BWU
15.30-16.00 Coffee Break
C. Possible Ways to Meet the Challenges
Chaired by HE Mr Jiří Šitler, MFA of the Czech Republic
16.00-16.30 The 2010 Elections – International Perspectives by Dr Zarni, London School of Economics and Political Science, Centre for Global Governance
16.30-17.00 International Action for Change in Burma by Ms Zoya Phan, BCUK
17.00-17.30 Multi-Party Talks by Mr Harn Yawnghwe, EBO
17.30-18.00 Possible Ways to Meet the Challenges by Dr Naing Aung, FDB
18.00-18.10 Concluding Summary of the day's discussions and instructions for 16 Sept. by BCP
16 September: Working Group Discussions (not for public)
Participants: speakers, Burmese activists, representatives of selected organizations
Moderation: Maureen Aung-Thwin, OSI
Working Language: English and if necessary Burmese (no interpretation provided)
This project is supported from financial resources of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic in the framework of projects that act upon the priorities of foreign policy and international relations of the Czech Republic. It is furthermore supported from financial resources of the Euro Burma Office.
Registration Form
Registration is closed. Participants of the Working Group Discussions will receive further details soon.
List of Acronyms
BCD: Burma Centre Delhi
BCP: Burma Center Prague
BCUK: Burma Campaign UK
BWU: Burmese Women's Union
EBO Euro Burma Office
ENC: Ethnic Nationalities Council
FDB: Forum for Democracy in Burma
NCGUB: National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma
cz: 