A diverse panel provided viewpoints on the problems Burma faces. Independent journalist Peter Popham and the BBC’s Sue Lloyd-Roberts used their experiences of reporting from the country to discuss the effect of sanctions from other countries against the regime, the role of countries like China and India in supporting the military and whether there could be Burmese uprisings similar to the Middle East.
Robert Gordon, ambassador to Burma from 1995–1999, spoke about the role of organisations such as the United Nations (UN).
Mark Farmaner, director of Burma Campaign UK, was a strong spokesman for the country. His impassioned plea at the end of the debate was for the audience to share their knowledge about Burma with others and to do something about it.
Audience questions raised issues such as Burmese tourism, whether the UN should do more and if there is enough support for future uprisings against the military.
This final question is perhaps why the voice of Zoya Phan on the panel was so important. The Burmese author and spokeswoman for the Burma Campaign spoke passionately about her hope for her country.
It was her strength and determination that made her the voice of the future of Burma.
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