Are you a graduate student, early-career researcher, or civil society practitioner committed to shaping Myanmar’s future?

The University of British Columbia’s Myanmar Initiative and Chiang Mai University’s School of Public Policy invite applications for the Myanmar Emerging Leaders: 2025 Policy and Leadership Program, a three-day intensive training program held July 11–13, 2025 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This program is supported by the Knowledge for Democracy – Myanmar (K4DM) initiative of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and is part of the K4DM Knowledge Marketplace 2025.

Program Overview

The program provides a dynamic learning experience combining lectures, group discussions, and hands-on exercises. Participants will deepen their understanding of critical governance and conflict issues relevant to Myanmar’s evolving political landscape. Sessions are led by a diverse group of scholars and practitioners with regional and global expertise. Around 30 participants will be selected, including students from CMU and other regional institutions.

Core Modules

Participants will explore the following thematic areas:

• Federalism: Comparative models and institutional trade-offs in divided societies
• Civil-Military Relations: Foundational concepts and comparative perspectives
• Myanmar’s International Relations: The role of key external actors and global dynamics
• Institutional Design and Electoral Systems: Political representation in post-conflict settings
• Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion: Community-level reconciliation and inclusive dialogue

Simulation Exercise

The final day will feature a policy simulation in which participants act as key stakeholders in a negotiated political scenario. Working in teams and guided by faculty mentors, participants will practice strategic thinking, negotiation, and applied political analysis. This experiential exercise is designed to reinforce core concepts and foster deeper engagement.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome applications from:

• Graduate students focused on governance, politics, conflict, or development
• Early-career researchers working on Myanmar-related issues
• Civil society professionals and practitioners committed to public leadership

Applicants must have a demonstrable interest in governance, policy, or peacebuilding in the Myanmar context. The program will be conducted in English.

Application Deadline: July 1st, 2025

How to Apply:

Interested individuals should submit an online application below including a brief statement of interest and CV.

Application link:  https://forms.gle/51JZAGvxaNRzaLHQ8

There is no cost to participate in the program. Lunch will be provided each day, and a group dinner will be hosted on the final evening.

About the Organizers

This program reflects a shared commitment by the UBC Myanmar Initiative and CMU’s School of Public Policy to inclusive, evidence-informed capacity-building in support of Myanmar’s democratic and peaceful future. This program aims to cultivate a new generation of informed, principled, and connected policy leaders.

Posts from the K4DM Knowledge Marketplace 2025

---