The Mon State Youth Forum met on November 29 for a two-day event addressing social and political issues currently affecting young Mon people. The meeting also marked early preparations for the ASEAN Youth Forum that will be held in Burma, also known as Myanmar, in 2014.
The forum was held at the Holy Family Church in Moulmein, the capital of Mon State, and brought together university students, youth from townships across Mon State, and members from organizations such as the Pa-Oh Party Cultural Organization, Karen Youth Organization, Youth Library, Youth Volunteer Group, Student Union, Mon Democracy Party, All Mon Regions Democracy Party, and Blood Donation Group.
“Representatives of more than 50 organizations including social work groups, political organizations, and ethnic organizations attended the meeting today,” said Ko Kyi Saw Lwin, the Mon State Youth Forum organizer.
The forum allowed participants to discuss key issues that affect the young Mon community. The agenda covered education, health, narcotic drugs, peace, democracy and human rights, environment, culture, youth and media, and other themes pertaining to young people. Ko Kyi Zaw Lwin explained that 10 individuals led the discussion of the 10 selected issues.
An announcement confirming the outcome of the forum activities will be released after the meeting concludes. Some of the participants will be chosen to attend the countrywide Myanmar Youth Forum that will gather representatives from the 14 state and division youth forums in mid-December.
