International Non-Governmental Organization PEACE. (Abbreviation: ingo PEACE., Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) has received formal approval from the Interim Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, through the Embassy of Myanmar in Japan, for the acceptance of a representative mission proposed by ingo PEACE. aimed at supporting democratization based on “human dignity.”
This development stems from the “Forum on Supporting Democratization Based on Human Dignity,” held in November of this year, in which ingo PEACE. invited a delegation of Myanmar religious leaders. It marks the first instance in which dialogue between civil society and religious organizations has directly led to formal consultations with the government.
A new development arising from civil society–led dialogue
The delegation, led by representatives of the Myanmar Interfaith Dialogue Organization (MIDO) invited by our organization, engaged in candid and constructive discussions during a series of meetings in Japan on the challenges of conducting the election toward democratization, as well as on the appropriate course of the democratization process based on the current conditions of citizens’ lives.
As a result, the principle that “a democratic process advanced through the understanding and cooperation of the people, rather than through force or confrontation, constitutes the true path to national reconstruction” was widely shared.
Following their return to Myanmar, the delegation of religious leaders formally reported the outcomes of these discussions to the Interim Government. In response, the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in Japan issued an official notification granting approval for the reception of the representative mission and clearly expressed its willingness to engage in meetings.
Deepening Dialogue at CPAC JAPAN
ingo PEACE. regards this formal response from the Myanmar authorities as an important step toward advancing democratic dialogue and invited the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in Japan to CPAC JAPAN, held in December, with the understanding and cooperation of relevant parties.
At CPAC JAPAN, Hiroyuki Nakazawa, Chairman of ingo PEACE., stated:
“Myanmar is a country that has been subjected to the most unjust stigma in Asia.”
While reports depict Myanmar as a hub for organized fraud and emphasize human rights violations and deteriorating security, the reality that many citizens are “victims” suffering from civil conflict, sanctions, and poverty has not been adequately conveyed. Moreover, opposition to the election by certain extremist groups has paradoxically led to the suppression of those who genuinely seek democratization, creating a widespread perception of instability across the country.
In light of this biased consumption of information, participants in the open dialogue shared the following understanding:
Key Understandings Shared (Summary)
1. In an era where information is often consumed for sensationalism or political convenience, it is essential to listen to the voices of citizens living in the country.
— The “everyday voices” that do not make the news reflect the true reality of the nation.
2. Dwelling on past grievances or differences in position, and focusing on cycles of force and hatred, will not open a path to the future.
— Overcoming these is the starting point for democratization.
3. Rather than relying on external claims, the foundation of genuine democracy lies in the prayers and voices of citizens living here and now.
4. Myanmar is currently a country where the implementation of a legitimate electoral process toward democratization is most urgently required, and ensuring the legitimacy of this process is of paramount importance.
Amid an international environment where Asian solidarity is increasingly important, it was reaffirmed that carefully observing Myanmar’s path toward democratization—beyond fragmented media coverage—is an effort deeply connected to the future of Japan and Asia as a whole.
Chairman Hiroyuki Nakazawa emphasized the following principle as closing:
“Democratization cannot be realized unless it begins with the voices of the people.
As members of the international community, we will continue to walk alongside their path.”
Next Steps
In December 2025, ingo PEACE. plans to dispatch a representative mission to hold official talks with the Myanmar Interim Government and formally submit a petition concerning support for democratization.
ingo PEACE. will continue to support Myanmar’s democratization process, grounded in dialogue centered on the dignity of its citizens, and in cooperation with the international community.
