A total of 36 Myanmar participants from 20 ministries, agencies, universities, the Myanmar Red Cross Society, media organizations and members of the Union Parliament attended the two-day event to learn more about crisis communications.

The Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, in support of the U.S. Embassy Rangoon, hosted a Security Dialogue on “Media Relations in Crisis and Conflict” in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, March 30-31.

According to Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd, DKI APCSS academic lead, “This dialogue was designed to provide Myanmar’s government officials with an overview of some key principles and practices of effective media relations, particularly in crisis situations. It outlined the place and role of such media relations within an overall framework of crisis management, and highlighted essential attributes of an effective media relations strategy that will convey accurate and timely information supporting government crisis management efforts while also informing the public and international community.”

Myanmar’s National Security Advisor Hon U Thaung Tun and U.S. Ambassador Scot Marciel took briefs from participants as they prepared draft communications plans as part of an exercise.

“The APCSS workshop was held at a time when Myanmar is compounded with misinformation and international media criticisms,” said Dr. Chit Win, Director, Office of the National Security Advisor. “The workshop provided an avenue for Myanmar government officials to step out of their routine work, to review their experience and to synthesis them with conceptual and comparative perspectives provided from the workshop. After this workshop, we became better aware of the context and prioritize our strategies in media relations during crisis and conflict.”

A total of 36 Myanmar participants from 20 ministries, agencies, universities, the Myanmar Red Cross Society, media organizations and Members of the Union Parliament attended the two-day event to learn more about crisis communications.

Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd facilitates discussions during a breakout session.

Myanmar’s National Security Advisor Hon U Thaung Tun, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary U Kyaw Zeya opened the event with DKI APCSS Director Maj. General James “Hammer” Hartsell. On the second day, U Thaung Tun and U.S. Ambassador Scot Marciel took briefs from participants as they prepared draft communications plans as part of an exercise.

Maj. Gen. James “Hammer” Hartsell shares leadership lessons learned while working Media Relations during Crises and Conflicts.

“It was very encouraging to see the participants’ genuine desire to both improve their knowledge and to increase their capabilities in how best to engage with the media in complex crisis situations,” said Maj. Gen. James “Hammer” Hartsell, DKI APCSS Director.

This event was one of several conducted by the DKI APCSS in Myanmar. Previous engagements have been focused on Security Sector Development.

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The Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies is a Department of Defense institute that addresses regional and global factors impacting the Asia-Pacific security environment. Military and civilian representatives from the United States and Asia-Pacific nations participate in a comprehensive program of executive education, professional exchanges and outreach events, both in Hawaii and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Dr. Chit Win consolidates group feedback during a communications planning breakout session.

The Center supports the U.S. Pacific Command by developing and sustaining relationships among security practitioners and national security establishments throughout the region. DKI APCSS educates, connects, and empowers security practitioners to build partner capacity, shared understanding, and networks to enhance stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.. It is one of the Department of Defense’s five regional security studies centers.

Since opening in 1995, more than11,000 alumni representing over 122 countries and territories have attended DKI APCSS courses and workshops.