Forum on Myanmar Beyond 2025: Challenges and Opportunities in the Multipolar World took place at MICC I in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.

Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn first mentioned that the world has gone through various political systems and ideologies, while the weaker nations have had to walk the path paved by the stronger ones. Looking back at the world orders, they are a bipolar world order and a unipolar world order. Now, the world has reached a turning point, and it has entered a time of operating within a multipolar world order.
That paradigm shift is reflected in the emergence of BRICS, which is composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. And if one casts a glance at the objectives of this group called BRICS, one will see that they are directing their efforts towards building up the multipolar world order.

The provisions enshrined in the charter of BRICS require having respect for and abiding by the provisions incorporated in the United Nations Charter, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and having respect for the national sovereignty of the members of this bloc.

Global governance calls for unifying the diversified attitudes, seeking ways to deprive the world of the deep-rooted hegemony as well as to find resolutions as to how to overcome the challenges of terrorism, cybercrimes and weather-related crises.

He also added that according to the law of impermanence, the unipolar world order has come to an end only to be replaced with the multipolar world order, unable to resist the law of replacement of the old things by the new ones. If one cannot cope with the changes, one will be bound to fade out and disappear over time. This being so, small, developing nations like Myanmar are needed to move along with the global current, struggling hard to be able to change. Efforts are required to be exerted to adapt to the rules of the multipolar world order which has replaced the unipolar world order. Smaller nations like Myanmar have no choice in the unipolar order. However, the multipolar order has provided greater choices and led to a better change.

Professor Mr Zhang Weiwei of the University of Fudan, China Academy, said in a multipolar world, economic sanctions, missile weapon ownership and discriminatory practices are not established as standard norms, and it is the opposite of a unilateral policy. The multipolar world is beginning to emerge with the growing development of China, Russia, and organizations such as the BRICS and the ASEAN. Since the 1980s, China has been achieving technological advancements, and at present, it is leading the fourth industrial revolution with advancements in artificial intelligence technology, such as DeepSeek.
The country also holds the motto “unite and prosper” rather than the “divide and rule” approach practised by the Western countries. China has been embracing this motto while implementing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which was launched 12 years ago. Currently, over 150 countries are actively engaged in thousands of projects related to the BRI.
Therefore, the BRI has become a strong platform for international cooperation in human history. If the United States continues to hold the “America First” policy, it will not yield positive outcomes – not only for the rest of the world countries but even for the US itself. President Donald Trump is currently trying to practise this policy.

Former Prime Minister of Nepal Mr Madhav Kumar Nepal said the emergence of middle-power nations and non-Western allied countries has led some scholars to describe this as the rise of an unequal multipolar world. Some experts highlight how economic power blocs like BRICS are increasingly expanding their influence over regional countries. Additionally, smaller nations strive to assert their sovereignty on the global stage, supposing to pave the way for a multipolar world order.

As China and the US have become rival nations in technology and trade, the European Union, India, and other emerging economies are experiencing their growing influence. This has created reasons for the world to move towards a multipolar order — not only in diplomacy but also in trade and technology. This shift is particularly evident in Asia, where the continent is no longer merely a passive player but has begun taking a central role in global power dynamics. Meanwhile, countries like Nepal and Myanmar are positioned between powerful neighbouring nations.

He continued that Nepal, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, continues to contribute to global diplomacy through soft power. Among the nations situated between India and China, Nepal is considered a geopolitical buffer state. Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, Myanmar holds a strategically significant position with a balanced level of geopolitical influence. Myanmar’s geostrategic importance cannot be underestimated, and its stance plays a crucial role in shaping the evolving security and economic landscape of Southeast Asia.
Next, Senior Researcher of Indian Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) Mr Vinod Kumar Anand said from an Indian perspective, Myanmar is a strategically important country that is a resource-rich nation, and which provides land connectivity to mainland Southeast Asia enabling India to realize objectives and missions of its Act East Policy. India has also supported many other development programmes in Myanmar including the Border Area Development Programme, the establishment of IIT, the Industrial Training Centre, provision of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Myanmar’s efforts in its march towards democracy have also created positive resonance amongst the Western nations and the US.

He continued that Myanmar’s decision to hold elections in December 2025 or January 2026 is a welcome step and needs to be appreciated. Joining the mainstream of the evolving multipolar world order would enable Myanmar to exploit the opportunities being presented in this new era in the most diverse and useful ways for its socioeconomic development, growth and betterment of its people.

Similarly, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Mr Sihasak Phuangketkeow said building peace for both the present and future generations is a genuine and enduring process. Peace must also constantly be nurtured. Geopolitical contestations continue to intensify and have added new dimensions of geoeconomic and geotechnology competitions. Globalization has faced a severe backlash with the breakdown of multilateralism — multilateral rules and institutions that have underpinned international cooperation. At the same time, all have witnessed the rise of unilateralism, extreme nationalism, and populism that have propelled nations to turn inward.
The assumption to office of the new US administration has shaken the very core of the rule-based international order. Unfortunately, these developments come at a time when we need more multilateralism and internationalism to meet the pressing global challenges ranging from climate change, pandemics and migration.

Last but not least, the latest advances in technology, especially digital and Al, have opened up new frontiers of knowledge and economic progress at a pace and scale never witnessed before.

On the other hand, these very same technologies can also be employed in ways that can cause harm and destruction at a level all could never have imagined.

It is clear that the world order as conceived after WW II, the so-called liberal world order is giving way to an emerging new order marked by multipolarity.

New poles of global and regional power have risen challenging the dominance of the established powers. These new and emerging powers seek a greater say in the making of global rules and the way decisions are made in multilateral institutions.

No nation can achieve absolute security on its own. Unilateralism will certainly not resolve the pressing and multifaceted threats that we face to peace and security, which can only be addressed through multilateral solutions and collective efforts. Simply put, all are in the same boat together, navigating the oncoming storms and turbulence. All need to forge stronger partnerships and work collectively as a truly global community. oreover, all need leadership and leaders sharing the same visions and aspirations. By thinking and acting in unison, we can meet our common challenges and seize the opportunities for sustained peace and greater prosperity for all.

Russian Professor Alexander Dugin made a speech online, saying all are witnessing the potential division of western-polar. Greenland, Canada and the US are claiming that they are independent polar and representing the US polar and the EU. President Donald Trump stated that it is possible to create a polar like the EU. The civilizational state is an EU Civilization, unlike the North American Civilization.

Russia, China, India, and other powerful countries lead a multipolar global perspective, which may differ slightly from the worldview seen by the Americans. What is crucial is whether America will continue to thrive or face destruction. This matter represents a choice for Western dominance.

All should accept the emergence of a multipolar world as a fact. All are living in this multipolar world. It can be confidently stated that the unipolar world has come to an end. The global agenda, which once dominated as the main direction for the world, no longer exists. All welcome the rise of a multipolar world.

He continued that what I would like to emphasize is the importance of Myanmar, a country where Buddhism and its culture have flourished. Myanmar, as a powerful country in the region, should consider its own distinctive identity and cultural symbols. There is also a balance to be maintained between China and India. The creation and preservation of its domain is crucial. This will not only open doors to opportunities but also strengthen its political authority.

Afterwards, Myanmar Narrative Think Tank Chairman U Ko Ko said the forum is not just a platform for dialogue but a stepping stone towards tangible progress. All should focus on creating a shared vision that prioritizes inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience. By fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among all stakeholders- government, private sector, civil society, and international partners-we can build a foundation for long-term growth and stability. Active participation and commitment to these discussions will help shape policies and initiatives that benefit all citizens of Myanmar.
The success of this forum depends on the collective efforts to engage in meaningful, solution-oriented conversations. All should seize this opportunity to chart a path forward that honours Myanmar’s rich heritage while embracing innovation and progress. Together, all can lay the groundwork for a future that is not only prosperous but also inclusive and resilient.

Then, the forum discussed three main topics — “The Role of Myanmar and Asia in a Changing Geopolitical World”, “Geoeconomic Challenges and Promising Opportunities Myanmar Will Face Beyond 2025”, and “Geopolitical Challenges and Promising Opportunities for Myanmar Beyond 2025”, by the experts in geoeconomics and geopolitics from China, Russia, India, Japan, Thailand, Italy and Nepal including local experts and international observers.

After the discussion of different topics, the attendees, international observers, people from political parties, local political researchers, those interested in Myanmar’s political affairs experts in geoeconomics and geopolitics, and local experts raised the questions.

The Union minister concluded the event after summarizing the discussion.

The forum is organized by the Myanmar Narrative Think Tank under the lead of the Ministry of Information intending to raise international awareness about the current situation of the country together with political changes, fostering collaboration towards Myanmar with understanding and empathy, counter the baseless accusations to promote the country’s image, understand the challenges and opportunities emerging in the changing global landscape in 2025, specifically in a multipolar world, and identify ways to prepare for them in advance.

MNA/KTZH

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