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Asialink

Asialink Conversations

2-4 February 2012, Yangon, Myanmar

The Asialink Conversations broke new ground in February 2012. With the support of Myanmar ISIS, Asialink was one of the first Western organisations allowed into Myanmar to hold Track Two discussions.

Asialink was joined by senior presidential advisors in the reformist government of President Thein Sein, Dr Thant Myint-U, well know author of The River of Lost Footsteps, and other regional specialists such as Dewi Fortuna Anwar, advisor to the Indonesian government, and Sean Turnell, a world authority of the Myanmar economy.

During two days of meetings in the capital Yangon, some difficult issues were discussed – such as rebuilding Myanmar’s fragile economy, the country’s moves towards democracy and nation building, relations with its powerful neighbours China and India, and the government’s peace negotiation with armed ethnic groups. The discussions were frank and open, leaving an impression that we have only seen the beginning of Myanmar’s program of reform.


Report

Photo slideshow of days 1 & 2 of The Conversations
Photo slideshow of day 3 of The Conversations


Media Coverage

8 March, 2012
 Burma and the road to normality, Nicholas Farrelly, The Canberra Times and Inside Story.
16 February, 2012
 Commentary: Drip, drip, democracy – Myanmar’s revolution from above, Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, The Jakarta Post. Mr Meidyatama visited Myanmar as a guest of Asialink, as part of The Conversations.
11 February, 2012
 Tractors may have replaced horses, but country is still decades behind, Hamish McDonald, Sydney Morning Herald. Mr McDonald visited Myanmar as a guest of Asialink, as part of The Conversations.
10 February, 2012
 Myanmar edges out of the shadows, Liberal MP Josh Frydenberg, The Age opinion article. Comments following Frydenberg's attendance of the Asialink Conversations.
8 February, 2012
 Suu Kyi campaign leaves Burmese leaders on edge, Hamish McDonald, Brisbane Times. Mr McDonald visited Myanmar as a guest of Asialink, as part of The Conversations.
8 February, 2012
 Progress of reform in Burma, Liberal MP Josh Frydenberg talks to ABC Radio National Breakfast about his recent visit to Myanmar, as part of the Asialink Conversations.
7 February, 2012
 Regional 'conversation' pursues second track diplomacy in Burma, Radio Australia's Connect Asia program. Asialink International Director Professor Tony Milner discusses the Asialink Conversations in Yangon, Myanmar.
6 February, 2012
 ASEAN business leaders head for Rangoon, Shwe Aung, Democratic Voice of Burma
6 February, 2012
 US scrambles back into Burma in a race for influence, Hamish McDonald, Sydney Morning Herald. Mr McDonald visited Myanmar as a guest of Asialink, as part of The Conversations.  
5 February, 2012
 Australians in Burma for business talks, ABC News. Featuring remarks from Asialink CEO Jenny McGregor.
4 February, 2012
 ASEAN-Australia Asialink Conversations held, New Light of Myanmar
3 February, 2012
 ABC News 24 'The World' live interview with Asialink Conversations delegate U Ko Ko Hlaing, Chief Adviser to the President. He spoke to Australia via Skype.



Overview

The Asialink Conversations are a leading Track II dialogue. They bring together influential participants from across the 10 countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and from Australia to help solve political, social and economic issues of common concern. An informed dialogue, held outside government, the Conversations contribute to ASEAN-Australia future planning in a changing global landscape.

The Asialink Conversations are an initiative of Asialink, and are sponsored by the University of Melbourne and the 2009 Myer Commemorative Grants Program.

Asialink and the University of Melbourne are at the forefront of what has become a 21st Century phenomenon in international relations – “Track II” diplomacy.

“Track II” or “Track 2” is an informal kind of diplomacy which, in its relatively short existence, has been credited with major breakthroughs in international and ethnic conflicts around the world. Track II interventions allow non-official but influential members of societies to interact and work towards solutions to difficult problems. Sometimes termed a “public peace” process, the dialogues usually involve parliamentarians, opinion leaders from across sectors, activists of political movements, journalists, members of think tanks, and academics debating issues in a relaxed non-official setting.

Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen shaking hands with Sid Myer

The Conversations were developed by Asialink, under the leadership of Professor Tony Milner, University of Melbourne Professorial Fellow and Asialink International Director, and Jenny McGregor, Group CEO of Asialink.

The Conversations have previously been held in Melbourne, Australia (2002), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2004), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (2006), Sydney, Australia (2007) and New Delhi, India (2008).


 Left:  Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen with Mr Sid Myer.

Reports of Proceedings from previous Conversations:

The 2010 Asialink Conversations, Cambodia

2010 Asialink Conversations - Cambodia [PDF, 1.9 MB, 15 pages]