Jun Borras kyenote at National Dialogue on Land Issues in Burma/Myanmar

Dr. Borras gave the keynote address to a historic gathering of top government officials, grassroots activists and donor community in Burma/Myanmar.

Held in the country’s capital of Nay Pyi Taw, the conference discussed one of the most politically contentious issues in the ongoing national political transition in this country: land and land grabbing.

The two-day national dialogue on land tenure was attended by more than 300 participants from grassroots activists, ethnic groups, donor agencies, NGOs, and government officials – including some the most influential reformist ministers who are among those behind and most supportive of the ongoing national political reforms.

The conference was, as expected, heated and emotionally filled – but frank and respectful. All participants and observers of the event unanimously concluded that it was the first of its kind, a truly historic moment, as the national government is confronted by growing grassroots protests against land concessions and land grabbing involving foreign companies. The national government is currently formulating national laws that can govern these multiple, politically explosive land issues.

Keynote lecture

The keynote lecture was given by ISS Associate Professor, Dr. Jun Borras. In his lecture, Dr. Borras provided historical lessons and current trends globally on the issues of land policy making, land grabbing and national political transitions.

His keynote was followed by the other keynote address by UN Rapporteur for the Right to Food Olivier de Schutter. The talk by Borras and De Schutter and the opening speech by  Union Minister at the President Office U Tin Naing Thein was covered by the mainstream news, as headline news of the main national TV, MRTV, and by several newspapers.

Another active parcticipant was Prof. Dr. Kan Zaw, Union Minister and Deputy Minister of National Planning and Economic Development of Myanmar. He is an ISS alumni, Regional Development Planning (RDP), 1983-84.