Myanmar hosted the 4th BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs’ Meeting successfully on 24-26 July.

Security chiefs of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, as well as member states of BIMSTEC, attended the meeting. During the meeting, the participants frankly discussed the matters pertaining to combatting terrorism and narcotics, challenges of maritime security and cyber security, practical cooperation in information sharing in relevant security affairs, ongoing security affairs in the regions, and preparations to be made to overcome the possible security-related challenges.

National security advisers who attended the meeting, have highly vested powers in their respective governments and are the policy makers for international relations and national security affairs. Hence, their attendance and constructive talks were highly conducive to the SAC Government. The SAC Government strengthened its legitimacy because of the successful completion of such Senior Officials’ Meeting in Myanmar. Again, the meeting also provided ample opportunity for political, economic, and security cooperation and diplomatic prestige.

In particular, since neighbouring countries like Thailand, Bangladesh, and India are BIMSTEC member states, the ways to address armed conflicts and combat drug-trafficking along the border areas in a collaborative manner could be discussed.

BIMSTEC is a strong regional organization which is regarded as a product of the convergence of Thailand’s Look West Policy, which seeks to strengthen economic relations with neighbouring countries and beyond, and India’s Look East Policy, which seeks to cultivate economic relations closely with the nations of Southeast Asia.

BIMSTEC came into being on 6 June 1997. It was initially known as BIST-EC (Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Cooperation) and was comprised of Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. With Myanmar joining on 22 December 1997, the organization was renamed BIMST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation). Bhutan and Nepal became new members of

BIMSTEC in 2004. As of 2023, the BIMSTEC region is home to around 1.8 billion people, that is, nearly 22 per cent of the global population, with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of USD 3.6 trillion. BIMSTEC is also considered a bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia. Through this, it is an important organization to link the East Asia Region.

The BIMSTEC Charter prescribes that cooperation within the BIMSTEC will be based on respect for the principle of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, non-aggression, peaceful co-existence, mutual respect and mutual benefit. It also states that all decisions will be based on the consensus.

BIMSTEC differs from other organizations, which are comprised of different countries with diverse societies, faiths, languages, and cultural heritage. All Member States are carrying out activities to promote active collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest in the economic, social, technical and scientific fields.

BIMSTEC is working under four main mechanisms: Summit, Ministerial Meeting, Senior Officials’ Meeting and BIMSTEC Working Group Meeting.

It mainly aims to create collaboration for rapid economic and social development. Nonetheless, it comes to take into consideration not only traditional security threats but also nontraditional security threats due to geopolitics, transnational organized crimes, arms smuggling, and narcotics smuggling. It also focuses on maritime security because of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.

During the 4th BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs’ Meeting, the Member States discussed matters and shared experiences to prevent the spread of terrorism and violent extremism and eliminate illegal narcotics smuggling in the region under the theme “Regional countries’ cooperation in combatting terrorism and illegal narcotics”. The meeting gave means, opportunities and ideas for cooperation in counter-terrorism in the host country, Myanmar, as well as the region. It also explored collaborative ways to prevent nontraditional threats.

Myanmar geopolitically plays a vital role in links between ASEAN countries and South Asian ones. The successful completion of the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs’ Meeting is an excellent movement for Myanmar in diplomatic relations and gave it the potential to trade promotion with the BIMSTEC Member States.

It had many opportunities for making border trade cooperation with India, which had 1.4 billion people in the West, rather than relying on China alone in the East. Again, it could seek ways to trade with Middle Eastern and European countries through India, the leading nation among BIMSTEC Member States.

BIMSTEC can link the cooperation between the two regional organizations as it comprises some Member Countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Member States of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as well.

Myanmar’s neighbouring countries, Thailand and Laos, are in ASEAN Member States. Likewise, its neighbouring countries like Thailand, Bangladesh and India have joined the BIMSTEC. The neighbouring countries in BIMSTEC have a righteous attitude towards Myanmar. They have a balanced view and cooperation for mutual interests.

The active participation of the SAC Government, which is being blocked by diplomatic means, in BIMSTEC is very beneficial not only for BIMSTEC but also for Myanmar.

Since international terrorism and transnational crimes are posing threats to economic development and social progress in the BIMSTEC region, the meeting adopted policies and plans, including the exchange of information, to effectively combat terrorism and transnational crimes. In this regard, Myanmar is carrying out anti-narcotics measures.

Today, most global countries can no longer stand alone due to political, economic, social and security conditions. Only when it cooperates with another country or other countries will progress in the political, economic, social, and security sectors be achieved, and economic development will be made, too. Under these circumstances, regional organizations like BIMSTEC and ASEAN have been established to facilitate cooperation between the countries in the region.

Geographically, Myanmar, as a land connectivity between Southeast Asian and South Asian countries, can link a connection between BIMSTEC and ASEAN. I write this article stating that Myanmar is a unique country that can help combat terrorism in the security sector as well as eliminate narcotics and create not only the prospect but also a favourable environment for rapid economic development in the sub-region, the BIMSTEC’s vision.

Source- The Global New Light of Myanmar

HUMAN resources, alongside money, materials, and manpower, are essential for a country’s development. By investing in education, countries aim to cultivate skilled human resources, which are crucial for their growth and progress.

The interim census of 2019 revealed that 18.2 million people over the age of 25 missed out on completing middle school education and lower levels. In response, the government prioritizes projects aimed at enhancing the education sector. Surveys show that only about 20 per cent of students who began kindergarten reach the matriculation level, meaning over 80 per cent of students do not advance beyond primary and middle school education.

In this context, the primary reason for halting education is the need for families to earn income and support family businesses. All citizens must understand the importance of completing at least basic education through middle school rather than settling for minimal literacy.

Currently, the government provides opportunities for students who have completed middle school to pursue further education in agriculture, livestock, and industrial techniques. They can either enter vocational training and join the workforce or continue their education at higher levels. However, if they discontinue their education due to poverty, they risk becoming trapped in a cycle of poverty with limited capacity to improve their situation.

Therefore, it is essential for both children and parents to fully understand the learning opportunities provided by the government for ongoing education. By taking advantage of these opportunities with diligence, perseverance, and hard work, they can improve their socioeconomic status.

Significantly, governments are implementing projects to provide learning opportunities for children aged 10 to 14 who missed out on primary education for various reasons, as well as for those aged 13 to 18 who need alternative middle school education. Students who complete middle school will then have the opportunity to pursue a basic high school education. The success of this alternative education system relies on the thorough understanding and engagement of both students and parents.

The Constitution (2008) states that all citizens shall have a chance to learn in accord with the educational policies adopted by the government. Additionally, the government has implemented compulsory primary education, and all citizens must complete primary school education at a minimum. Since high-quality education is crucial for the State’s development and the democratization of the nation, all citizens need to take advantage of the educational opportunities provided by the government.

Source- The Global New Light of Myanmar

IF the December 2023 figures of 700 foreign visitors to Inle (pronounced Inn Lay) are anything to go by, it would be a case study of a major tourist attraction in ‘perpetual recuperation mode’.

Recalling the heydays during the 2013 to 2016 periods, when boatmen had difficulties finding slips for their motorised sampans, said Aung Lin, one of the few remaining boatmen, playing their trade transporting visitors around the real Venice of Asia. Now, many of them have either given up or been toiling and praying for their daily continuance after getting bruised for four consecutive years due to the double jeopardy of COVID-19 and politics.

Gone were the days when thousands of domestic and foreign visitors descended upon Inn Lay Lake to enjoy the uniqueness of nature, putting this vast lake up on top of an enormous plateau. People have to queue just to get onto the sampans. Jetties were precious assets, and tourists waited for their turns to get on board. The expansive lake is bustling with activities, from the feeding of the seagulls, admiring fishermen on skiffs, stepping on floating strips of islets used for growing tomatoes, visiting many unique attractions, and simply waving each other from mechanised sampans.

I went to Inn Lay in the middle of January to check out the reality of the circumstances. Alas, the flight from Yangon was packed for both legs. A group of Korean tourists were spotted on the same flight with us. Sadly, on our boat ride to the hotel, during our three-night stay or on tours of the attractions, we ended up ‘Waving into Thin Air’, crisp and freezing, in this desolate beauty of nature, disheartened and dispirited by ineluctable causes, perforce.

As Confucius once said, ‘We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope’. The glimmer of hope arises just like a phoenix arising from the ashes of its previous life, starting with the resort that we stayed in. Only with a couple or so of villas occupied during our mini break, Villa Inle Boutique Resort is keeping its operational costs to a minimum by growing its own organic vegetables and operating a small poultry farm producing organic eggs – An ultimate combination of freshness and nature perhaps. I have spoken to a few other hoteliers around the lake; they also have upcoming batches of visitors from abroad to add whatever little vibrancy they can to the destination. I also spoke to car leasing operators. All have downsized their operations and possessions for their continued survival. One such operator, Thura, has already sold off two of his vehicles and is now just operating with one car. He said he did not have a choice and knew no other way of earning a living now.

Adding to their despair is the deficient infrastructure, poor law and order and present high-security environment. Electricity supply has always been a shortcoming in Myanmar, but the situation is made worse by NNCP terrorist at tacks on electrical infrastructure and government despondency to implement any major infra projects during and after COVID-19. This is adding woes to the hotels as the first question most domestic tourists and local visitors typically ask would be, ‘Would there be a 24-hour electrical supply during my stay?’. Even in boutique hotels such as Ville Inle, which charges around $100 a night, the cost of running a generator to affect uninterrupted power supply would be set back by more than per night revenues from a couple of rooms. More so for larger hotels. With a significantly reduced number of visitors during this peak season, this is a promise that hotels simply cannot fulfill.

Recent shortages in fuel supply have all the hotels and other businesses scrambling to get limited supply at exorbitant prices, exacerbating operational losses for all wanting to put on a better show during this holiday season.

Political changes and anti-government activities have made the law and order situation worse, too. Even crooked villagers became more daring, attempting a variety of methods to extort money out of good businesses operating in and around Inn Lay.

The security situation all across the country is demanding the creation of barbicans and barricades at multiple junctions around Inn Lay, and this is forcing visitors and the general public to stay home after sunset. This is a stark contrast to lively night scenes as late as five years ago.

Can Inle survive?

Just like in war, speed is essential to survival. Speed of action, strategy and successful implantation. The difficulty here is not in individual attempts but in teamwork that involves government (ministries), businesses, media and private individuals from here and abroad, pushing the wheels of improvements into motion.

Government help is needed in infrastructure (especially electricity), security, nationwide promotions and convincing people to support local attractions. Businesses must also find innovative ways to promote, survive, and generate alternative income. Media assistance is most needed to reflect the truth about Myanmar, combat fake news that infected the minds of international visitors and prevent tourist arrivals en masse. Visitors from home and abroad must also adjust their expectations and increase their support for the local economy of Inle through spending on handicrafts and tours and enjoying longer vacations.

Without such efforts, the laggard attraction will continue to remain in the doldrums for many years to come. It may end up being in a slow death and becoming a desert of dejection and despair, doomed due to despondency from all stakeholders concerned.

Source- www.moi.gov.mm

WORLD Habitat Day, observed on the first Monday of October each year, serves as a reminder that everyone has the power and responsibility to shape the future of urban spaces. The theme for the significant day in 2024, “Engaging youth to create a better urban future,” highlights the critical role young people play in shaping sustainable cities. The global event on 7 October 2024 will be held in Querétaro, Mexico, and will focus on addressing the challenges and opportunities of rapid urbanization by actively involving youth in planning and decision-making processes.

Urbanization is happening at a fast pace, and young people, particularly in regions like Africa and Asia, make up a significant portion of the urban population. Currently, youth in the global South represent over 70 per cent of urban residents. The United Nations projects that by 2050, nearly 70 per cent of the world’s population will live in cities, making inclusive urban planning more urgent than ever. This trend underscores the need for youth involvement in building sustainable, inclusive communities.

The concept of habitat is central to human development. Since prehistoric times, humans have lived in organized societies to protect themselves from dangers and improve their living conditions. Over time, these societies evolved from small villages to towns, cities, and eventually countries. As civilizations advanced, so did their ability to use technology and innovation to shape their environments. Today, society benefits from these advancements, but it is crucial that the younger generation be empowered to continue this development and create sustainable urban futures.

The United Nations recognizes the ongoing challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),

particularly in urban areas. Issues such as inequality, lack of resources, and environmental concerns pose significant threats to the growth and resilience of cities. Engaging youth is essential in addressing these obstacles. By involving them in urban planning and leadership roles, cities can harness their energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives to promote more sustainable and equitable urban development.

As such, World Habitat Day 2024 emphasizes the importance of youth engagement in shaping the future of urban spaces. By giving young people a platform to participate in decision-making and planning, cities can move towards more resilient and inclusive futures, benefiting both current and future generations. Empowering youth is not just an option but a necessity for creating a brighter, more sustainable urban future for all.