A Q&A with Myanmar youth activist Nan Lin on the 2026 Democracy Award
Following the announcement on July 8 that Myanmar activist and strike leader Nan Lin would accept the 2026 Democracy Award from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) on behalf of “pro-democracy community organizers of Burma’s Spring Revolution,” he spoke to DVB on the five years of resistance to the Feb. 1, 2021 military coup. In an exclusive interview, Nan Lin discusses accepting the award on behalf of the Spring Revolution, the current “low tide” facing the resistance, the critical balance between armed struggle and non-violent mass political organizing, and the geopolitical pressures facing Myanmar—including China’s support for the military regime’s “sham” elections. Part 1: Accepting the Democracy Award for the Mass Movement DVB: First of all, congratulations on receiving the Democracy Award from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). Nan Lin: Thank you. For me, it is a very proud moment. However, this award is truly for all our comrades participating in the mass movement. I am deeply honoured to accept it on their behalf. This serves as a great source of strength for our comrades, our movement, and our people. DVB: How do you feel receiving this recognition at this specific juncture in the revolution? NL: When we were notified about this award, it came at a time that we view as a “low tide” in the revolution. As we rebuild during this temporary low tide and prepare our next steps to raise the tide once again, receiving this award gives us immense strength. Our people are facing immense oppression on one side and bitter economic and social crises on the other. Yet, even through all of this, the public remains firmly committed to the revolution. I see this award as a recognition of the people’s struggle, their fight, and their endurance. DVB: An NED official mentioned that the award was given to you and fellow political activists to serve as an inspiration—recognizing your collective resilience and adaptability. What are your thoughts on that?
This article requires PRO
This article is outside the free access window or is a special report. PRO unlocks it and the full archive.
Related articles
- YGN Region CM met with returnees from Malaysia
The Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar places great importance on supporting its citizens and assists Myanmar nationals residing abroad under any circumstances whenever they encounter difficulties. On the
- Inspecting Meat Production Sub-Division: YGN Mayor inspected meat production sub-division
Yangon Region Minister for Development Affairs and Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee-YCDC (Mayor), U Myo Myint Aung, accompanied by Secretary U Cho Tun Aung, committee members, heads of departments, and respo
- Malaysian Prime Minister says 10,000 Myanmar nationals repatriated since January
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told parliament in the capital Putrajaya on Tuesday that approximately 10,000 Myanmar nationals have been repatriated from Malaysia since January. Prime Minister Anwar defended Putr
- Efforts underway to form Urban Search and Rescue Special Team
Efforts are underway to select firefighters and form an Urban Search and Rescue Special Team, said Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Major General Min Thu. Major General Min Thu made this statement in response to a starre