Statement by Myanmar Delegation at the 12th Session of the Forum on Minority Issues Item 4: Effective practices for education in, and the teaching of, minority languages (29-11-2019) Madame Chair - It is undeniable that Education is basic and vital part of our human society. It plays a central role in reducing poverty and inequality, strengthening our communities, fostering lasting peace, expanding economic development and building national unity. - When it comes to Minority issues, every country has different national circumstances that there cannot be one size fit all recommendations or solutions. - Myanmar is a multi-ethnic and multi religious country, with over 130 ethnic nationalities each with their own unique language, characteristics and backgrounds. - The Constitution guarantees that the Union shall assist to develop language, literature, find arts and culture of the National races, to promote solidarity, to promote socio-economic development including education, health, economy, so forth, of less-developed National races.