NCA Talks to Convene Peace Conference, Official Meetings

 

PRESIDENT of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing, who chairs the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Central Committee, delivers an opening address through a video message at the 11th Anniversary of Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) which falls on 15 October 2026. The full text of the translated video message is as follows:

Esteemed national brethren of the Union,

Today is an auspicious day marking the 11th anniversary of the signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) between the Government and ethnic armed organizations. On this auspicious occasion, I would like to extend my greetings and heartfelt wishes for good health, happiness and the fulfilment of all good aspirations to the ethnic leaders from the various ethnic armed organizations who participated in the initial signing of the agreement, international witnesses, domestic witnesses, and all our national brethren across the Union.

Today’s NCA 11th anniversary is an important historical milestone for the future path towards peace for the State and the entire people. On 15 October 2015, the Government, the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed organizations overcame numerous difficulties and challenges to begin signing the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). The NCA is not merely a ceasefire agreement; it is also a historic political commitment to seek political solutions through political means to the internal armed conflicts that have persisted for more than 70 years.

Past experiences have shown that internal armed conflicts have brought nothing but losses and suffering to the State and ethnic communities, while also undermining regional development, education, healthcare and socioeconomic livelihoods. Therefore, peace is an essential foundation for the development of the nation. A review of the country’s history also reveals that the lack of national unity has been a major challenge to the stability and peace of the nation.

t present, despite difficulties and challenges, the State has made efforts to hold elections in accordance with the people’s wishes and to return to the path of democracy. Going forward, all stakeholders need to work together to achieve ethnic unity and lasting, sustainable peace. Esteemed national brethren, The Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) is a historic agreement that reflects compromise, magnanimity, patience, tolerance and a shared desire for peace between the State and ethnic armed organizations. The agreement serves as a foundation for the peace process and also provides an important political framework for building a Union based on democracy and a federal system.

The Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) was not drafted by any single individual or group. Rather, it was jointly negotiated and agreed upon through repeated discussions among the Government, the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed organizations, based on the initial proposals put forward by the ethnic armed organizations. It was also the outcome of more than 5,000 meetings and negotiation sessions held over a period of 1,450 days, from the day peace talks were first initiated until the NCA was achieved.

On 15 October 2015, eight ethnic armed organizations, namely the KNU, DKBA, KNU/KNLA-PC, CNF, PNLO, ABSDF, ALP and RCSS, initially signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). The signing ceremony was held in the presence of diplomats from the United Nations, the European Union, China, India, Japan and Thailand, as well as domestic witnesses. The agreement was also approved by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. On 13 February 2018, the LDU and NMSP subsequently signed the agreement, bringing the total number of signatories to the NCA to 10 ethnic armed organizations.

The essence of the NCA is to build a Union based on democracy and a federal system, upholding Our Three Main National Causes and founded on freedom, equality and justice, while guaranteeing democracy, national equality and the right to self-determination, in accordance with the outcomes of political dialogue. Therefore, all relevant stakeholders need to respect and honour their existing commitments and work together cooperatively.

The Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) is not merely a ceasefire agreement; it also provides a framework for seeking political solutions to end armed conflicts, hold political dialogues and build a federal Union. Therefore, it is necessary to continue implementing the NCA process without deviating from the existing agreements under the NCA. No matter how serious the problems may be, conflicts can be reduced if solutions are sought through meetings, dialogue and negotiations. Even when differences of opinion, doubts and mistrust exist, I believe that national unity and peace can be achieved if all parties accept and practise dialogue and negotiation as democratic approaches to resolving differences.

Esteemed national brethren,

To implement the peace process comprehensively, we have reorganized the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Central Committee, the Working Committee and the Negotiation Committee, and are also implementing six peace principles.

In addition, Announcement 1/2026 of the Central Committee was issued on 21 April 2026, inviting all parties to participate in dialogue without preconditions in the interests of national development, stability and peace. Both NCA signatories and non-signatories have been invited to engage in dialogue. In particular, I would like to reiterate the invitation to the KNU, CNF and ABSDF, which have not held dialogue over the past five years, to participate in peace talks.

Similarly, I would like to urge groups identifying themselves as People’s Defence Force (PDF) groups to act in the interests of the country and its people and return to the legal fold. If democracy is what they seek, it must be pursued through disciplined democratic practices and non-violent means. I urge them to think carefully before taking action. Development activities cannot be carried out effectively without stability and peace in the country. If destructive activities continue while development projects are being implemented, our goals will not be achieved, much like the saying, “While one is raising deer, tigers are feeding on them.” Therefore, rather than insisting solely on what they want in relation to peace, I urge all parties to work together by meeting, engaging in dialogue and seeking solutions based on what is appropriate and feasible.

In the past, NCA anniversary ceremonies, peace dialogues, peace forums, and youth peace forums were held, leading to meetings, negotiations, and agreements with some ethnic armed organizations and political parties. In addition to the 43 points proposed for constitutional amendment, there are also Parts I, II, and III of the Union Accord, which were negotiated and agreed upon at the Union Peace Conference under the previous two administrations. These agreements will be discussed and approved in the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and implemented in phases.

Invitations and negotiations will also continue to encourage ethnic armed organizations that have not yet signed the NCA to join and sign the agreement. It is essential for all ethnic nationalities to fully enjoy democratic rights and to walk the path of peace together.

Esteemed national brethren,

Our government will continue working towards strengthening a genuine, disciplined multiparty democratic system and building a Union based on democracy and a federal system. In a democracy, while the will of the majority must be respected, it is also essential to give due regard to the desires and rights of minorities. Treating those with differing views as enemies, discriminating against them, or ostracizing them from society is incompatible with democratic principles. We must avoid personality cults and discrimination, and safeguard our national unity.

Federalism is the division and exercise of executive, legislative, and judicial powers in accordance with the constitution within a union composed of diverse regions, states, and ethnic groups. Through such division of power, regions and states will be able to exercise self-administration, self-legislation, and self-adjudication.

Diverse ethnicities and nationalities live intermingled across the regions and states of our country. For instance, it is stated that in Shan State— named as such—the Shan ethnic group makes up only just over 35 per cent of the population, and in Kachin State, the Kachin people account for only 39 per cent. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the principle that a state does not belong to a single ethnic group alone, but is the shared possession of all ethnic peoples residing in that area. Regarding the designation of state names that can represent all local inhabitants, I would also like to urge everyone to consider and seek solutions collectively, with national unity in mind.

Our government will effectively implement the federal provisions contained in the 2008 Constitution. To build a Union based on democracy and a federal system, it is necessary for political parties, ethnic nationalities, and all organizations to participate and collaborate for mutual benefit.

Esteemed national brethren,

In the current peace process, dialogues have been divided into four parts, and negotiations are continuing accordingly. Both informal and formal talks will be held as necessary, and bilateral talks will continue to be conducted to consolidate the ceasefire. Furthermore, negotiations aim to convene official meetings under the NCA and ultimately hold the Peace Conference.

The essential processes required for national unity and peace are: building a Union based on democracy and a federal system; practising a democratic culture of dialogue and negotiation to find solutions; laying down national unity strategies; carrying out rehabilitation and development alongside peace; and researching as well as preventing factors that cause division within society.

In implementing these processes, the Working Committee will lay down the necessary timelines and strategies, while the Negotiation Committee will carry out the practical implementation. Because peace and development are directly linked, it is also essential to carry them out in a balanced manner.

Esteemed national brethren,

During the first 100- day process of our new government, we prioritized peace processes. We extended invitations for talks to NCA-signatory groups, signatory groups with whom dialogues have not yet taken place, and non-signatory groups alike. The relevant committees also met with ethnic armed organizations and negotiated based on peace, regional development, and on-the-ground needs.

Our peace efforts are not merely for the short term. We are carrying them out as a national duty to pass down an enduring legacy to future generations of youth to ensure a stable future, a thriving society, and a world-class nation.

Esteemed national brethren,

In conclusion, I would like to say that the future of our nation is the future of all ethnic peoples. Taking lessons from past events, everyone bears the responsibility to pass down a legacy of stability, peace, development, and a firmly rooted multiparty democratic system for future generations.

I would like to urge ethnic armed organizations, political parties, civil society organizations, and all citizens to resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation in the interest of the nation and its people, rather than resorting to armed conflict. Only by distinguishing between what we desire and what ought to be, and by working together on what is achievable, will we be able to move forward.

If all work together in unity and solidarity, we will be able to build a peaceful, stable, and developed nation. Therefore, I warmly invite peace-desiring ethnic armed organizations, political parties, civil society organizations, and the entire public to participate and join in the government’s peace efforts.

Starting from this 11th Anniversary of the NCA, I conclude my video message with best wishes that enduring peace may prevail across the nation and that we may firmly build a Union founded on democracy and a federal system.

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