U Aye Lwin

U Aye Lwin. He is a prominent Burmese interfaith leader, former civil servant, and peace advocate known for his decades-long work promoting religious harmony and citizenship rights in Myanmar. A co-founder of the Centre for Diversity and National Harmony, he has been a pivotal figure in national dialogues, particularly during periods of political transition and inter-communal tension. His advocacy emphasizes constitutional equality and has positioned him as a respected voice within both domestic civil society and international diplomatic circles.

Early life and education

U Aye Lwin was born in 1946 in Mandalay, a major cultural center in what was then British Burma. He pursued his higher education at the University of Mandalay, where he studied sciences. Following his graduation, he began a long career in public service, initially joining the government civil service during the era of the Burmese Way to Socialism under the BSPP government. His early professional experiences within the state bureaucracy provided him with a deep understanding of Myanmar's administrative structures and societal complexities.

Career

His civil service career spanned several decades, during which he held various administrative positions. After retiring from government service, U Aye Lwin transitioned fully into civil society work, focusing on conflict resolution and social cohesion. He became a chief convener of the Religious Dialogue for Peace initiative and played a key role in the Interfaith Dialogue on Religion and Peace forums. His practical approach is rooted in his firsthand experience with the country's governance challenges, which he later applied to grassroots peacebuilding efforts alongside organizations like the Myanmar Institute of Theology.

Political activism

U Aye Lwin is most widely recognized for his activism centered on interfaith harmony and citizenship rights. He co-founded the Centre for Diversity and National Harmony, a leading organization that facilitates dialogue between Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, and Hindu communities. He has been an outspoken advocate for the Rohingya people, urging for their recognition under the 1982 Burmese nationality law and criticizing policies like the Protection of Race and Religion laws. During the 2015 elections and the subsequent political transition, he engaged with figures such as Aung San Suu Kyi and the Tatmadaw to advocate for inclusive policies. His work also involves collaborating with international bodies, including the United Nations and the International Crisis Group.

Awards and recognition

For his dedicated peacebuilding efforts, U Aye Lwin has received significant recognition. He was honored with the National Peace Award in Myanmar. Internationally, his contributions were acknowledged with the prestigious Tanenbaum Award for Religious Peacebuilding. These awards highlight his impact both within Myanmar and on the global stage as a practitioner of interfaith dialogue, placing him alongside other renowned peacemakers recognized by institutions like the World Economic Forum.

Personal life

U Aye Lwin is a practicing Muslim and is married with children. His personal faith deeply informs his commitment to pluralism and mutual respect among all religious communities in Myanmar. Residing in Yangon, he remains active in civil society circles, often contributing to public discourse through lectures and commentaries in media outlets such as The Irrawaddy and Frontier Myanmar.

Category:Burmese civil servants Category:Myanmar peace activists Category:1946 births Category:Living people