The event aims to bring together Shan youth from diverse backgrounds.

The Tai Youth Network will host a football competition and talks on literature, politics, and the environment in commemoration of Tai (Shan) Youth Day on March 1.

The event, which aims to bring together Shan youth from diverse backgrounds, will take place in northern Shan State’s Muse Township, in the Zey Lant village tract.

On Tuesday, young people gathered in Zey Lant for initial introductions, and on Wednesday and Thursday, youth from Zey Lant, Muse, and Namkham will engage in friendly football matches. Finally, on Friday, guest lectures will be held.

Among Friday’s speakers are Shan literature expert Salay Kaw Mueng, parliamentarian Sai Wan Leng Kham, and environmental activist Sai Khur Hseng.

“I will talk about environmental conservation. I will also talk about the systematic disposal of garbage, and how to love the plants and forest,” said Sai Khur Hseng, adding that cooperation with youth will make environmental protection more effective.

Shan Nationalities League for Democracy MP Sai Wan Leng Kham said that the emphasis of his talk would be on politics.

“If we don’t understand politics, we will be behind other people, but if we understand politics, we will be ahead of others,” he explained.

Tai Youth Day was established at the Tai Youth Conference in Bago Region in 2017. It is celebrated on March 1 in honor of Dr. Ba Nyan, who was born on that day. He was the well-known writer of the Shan national anthem “Khur Tai Khur Razar.”

The first Tai Youth Day celebration took place last year near the tombs of the saophas—hereditary princes—of Hsipaw Township, and Dr. Ba Nyan, who was from Hsipaw. Shan youth who participated in the event spoke about Dr. Ba Nyan’s legacy and also helped restore his tomb.