The ICBMS4 Keynote presentation by Dr. Charlotte Galloway from the Australian National University is scheduled for 9:00 – 9:45 am on Saturday, 3 August (main conference room, UNISERV 2F).

“Education is a basic human right.” Many in Myanmar are currently deprived of this right due to the consequences of the 2021 military coup. The State Administration Council has abandoned many of the education reforms implemented by the overthrown elected government, leading to changes in the pre-coup education system. The National Unity Government’s Ministry of Education is supporting teachers and students no longer in the state system and continues working towards goals set out in the first National Education Strategic Plan (NESP 2016–2021). Donor-funded initiatives have emerged to address the issue of access to education for those who can no longer attend regular schools or universities in Myanmar. However, sanctions have made it difficult for donor countries to support state-based education. So far there has been fragmented dialogue between concerned parties on the best way to sustain education.

As the situation in Myanmar becomes more protracted, what approaches would be most beneficial for those most affected? Is it time to move beyond sanctions and work towards more pragmatic outcomes? Is achieving education for all an impossible dream or a potential reality?