The Shan State faces armed conflict and drug problems. In addition the education and health sectors are weak. There are very few employment opportunities in Shan State. These problems all have an impact on Shan youth. The future of local youths is bleak. Here are some of things Shan youth want to see from the new government.

Khun Khit San, Taunggyi Youth Center

I am at all happy with the fact that the Shan State government doesn’t dare to express Shan people's concern and voices over our conflict situation. I think Shan State Chief Minister’s performance of his duty and responsibility is feeble, given that he remains silent. I would like to urge the new government to pay special attention and diligence over widespread human rights violations.

There should also be conferences and forums between the government and university students in order to implement a more advanced education system.

Khun Tun Kyi, Kaungrway Youths Organization

There should be transparency in development during the tenure of the new government. There should be a monitoring system. For instance, the government always needs to monitor the tender and contracts won by companies for road construction. The new government needs to pay more emphasis on employment opportunities and the places like youth centers which help the mental  development of youth. We expect the government which listens to the voices of the public and will be in tune with the people.

Wint Htal Kaung Myat, Myanmar Institute of Peace and Security Studies

I demanded the formation of a youth affairs ministry. But it did not materialize. It is under the management of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. There should be a budget for the implementation of youth affairs. The country needs youth centers. Other regions and states have youth centers, but Shan State has no youth center. We want at least three youth centers for the wide Shan State. It needs to open youth centers in Taunggyi, Lashio, Kengtung and Tachilek.

Sai Han, Tai Youth Network in Lashio

The role of youth is crucial for a country in its march towards a federal democracy. It is important to tackle the drug problem in the northern Shan State. It needs to upgrade the education system. Many young graduates have no jobs, due to the lack of employment opportunities. Some youth go to China and Thailand. I would like to urge the youth to pay attention to drug problems, to create more employment opportunities and to upgrade the education system.