Burma/Myanmar in Transition: A Discussion with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
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After decades of stagnation under military rule, Burma/Myanmar finds itself in a particularly fluid and fragile transition. The Asia Society and the United States Institute of Peace are pleased to host a discussion with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of opposition party the National League for Democracy (NLD), recently elected Parliamentarian, and Nobel Peace Prize winner. She has been at the fore of her country’s transition, helping to reshape its political development path.
Aung San Suu Kyi returned to Burma/Myanmar from Britain in 1988 to care for her mother. Shortly after, Suu Kyi had become the leader of the largest uprising in Burma/Myanmar's history. In 1990, the NLD won Burma/Myanmar's first free elections in 30 years by a landslide. The country’s military junta refused to cede power, and Suu Kyi was forced into house arrest for nearly 15 years. During this time, she remained the Chairperson and General Secretary of the NLD and continued to push for justice and sound rule of law. She was awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 1990 and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. In 2011, a new, quasi-civilian government took power and boldly began to implement democratic reforms which continue today. This April, she was elected into Burma/Myanmar’s parliament and continues her work to transform her country into a just and democratic state.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will join us for an engaging conversation on the democratic transition in Burma/Myanmar, the challenges ahead, and the potential for a promising future. At the event, Asia Society will present her with its Global Vision Award.
Speakers:
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Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, featured speaker
Member of Parliament, Burma/Myanmar
Chairperson and General Secretary, National League for Democracy -
Henrietta Fore, welcoming remarks
Co-chair
Asia Society -
Jim Marshall, welcoming remarks
President-select
United States Institute of Peace -
Hillary Clinton, introductory remarks
Secretary of State
United States Department of State -
Tom Freston, presenter of Asia Society Global Vision Award
Trustee
Asia Society -
Suzanne DiMaggio, co-moderator
Vice President, Global Policy Programs
Asia Society -
Colette Rausch, co-moderator
Director, Rule of Law Center
United States Institute of Peace
Event Details
2301 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC