Today, we're shining a spotlight on an extraordinary individual whose work spans the critical intersections of public health, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding: Dr. Aung Than Oo. A distinguished professional from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Dr. Aung Than Oo is not just an international scholar but also an active practitioner, based in Yangon, Myanmar, and fluent in both Myanmar (Burmese) and English.
With over seven years of dedicated humanitarian and development experience, Dr. Aung Than Oo embodies the bridge between cutting-edge academic research and tangible community impact, particularly across Southeast Asia and globally. His unique expertise allows him to seamlessly navigate direct medical care for vulnerable populations, intricate policy research, fervent environmental advocacy, and crucial conflict resolution initiatives.
As an internationally recognized figure, Dr. Aung Than Oo holds multiple prestigious fellowships and has significantly influenced policy dialogues at both regional and global levels. His comprehensive background, blending medicine, public administration, and peacebuilding, positions him as a leading voice advocating for integrated approaches to sustainable development and profound social transformation.
Educational Journey: A Foundation of Diverse Expertise
Dr. Aung Than Oo's extensive educational background reflects his multidisciplinary approach:
Medical Foundation
* Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S) from the University of Medicine, Yangon, Myanmar, with a specialized focus on Public Health and Community Medicine.
Advanced Global & Community Health
* Master of Public Health from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, earned with a prestigious WHO TDR (World Health Organization Tropical Disease Research) Scholarship. His focus here was on Global Health Systems and Policy.
* Another Master of Public Health from BRAC University, Bangladesh, also supported by the WHO TDR Scholarship, specializing in Community Health and Development.
Policy & Governance Acumen
* Master of Public Administration from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Yangon, a joint program with Aldersgate College, Philippines. This degree honed his skills in Public Policy and Governance.
Specialized Certifications
* Certified Public Management Analysis (CPMA) from Edinburgh University International Qualifications Network (IQN), United Kingdom.
* Environmental Conservation and Impact Assessment Certificate from Yale University and Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).
* Innovation and Technology Fellowship from MASHAV MCTC, State of Israel (2018).
* Heritage and Peace Studies – contributing to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee 42nd Sessions, Bahrain.
Current Engagements: Driving Impact Across Key Sectors
Dr. Aung Than Oo holds several significant roles, demonstrating his active involvement and leadership:
Key Appointments
* One Health Project Consultant at the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB).
* Public Health Researcher for the Social Science and Humanitarian Action Platform (SSHAP).
* Country Director for Global Peace Chain in Myanmar.
* Regional Coordinator for the Mekong Cultural Hub, fostering ASEAN Member States Cooperation.
Advisory & Leadership Contributions
* IUCN Commission Member for the Commission on Education and Communication (CEC).
* CSO Lead for the Seed Lab Initiative (GESA Fellowship 2022).
* Myanmar Representative at the South Asia Youth Summit.
* Project Coordinator for the Young Buddhist Society.
A Career Dedicated to Service and Transformation
Dr. Aung Than Oo's professional journey is marked by profound dedication to humanitarian aid, research, and peacebuilding.
On the Frontlines of Healthcare
* Medical Officer | Internally Displaced Persons Camps, Rakhine State (2015-2017): He provided direct medical care, emergency services, and preventive care to displaced populations in conflict-affected areas, also developing community health education programs and coordinating aid.
* Community Health Specialist | Myanmar (2013-2017): Four years dedicated to treating vulnerable populations, offering integrated medical and psychological support, and implementing community-based health interventions.
Insights from Research & Policy
* Part-time Research Assistant | Kofi Annan Commission (2017): Conducted field research, community consultations in Rakhine State, and contributed to critical policy recommendations for conflict resolution.
* Conflict Analyst and Peacebuilding Specialist (2017-Present): With over seven years in Myanmar's peacebuilding processes, he's led conflict analysis, facilitated inter-community dialogue, and developed sustainable peace strategies.
Global Humanitarian Footprint
* UN Agencies and INGO Experience (2016-Present): Extensive collaboration with WHO programs, UN agencies, and coordination of humanitarian aid, alongside developing cross-sector partnerships for SDGs.
Fellowships & Awards: A Testament to Excellence
Dr. Aung Than Oo's commitment and impact are recognized through numerous prestigious fellowships and awards:
Current & Active Fellowships
* ASEAN Young Leader Biodiversity Fellowship – ASEAN Center for Biodiversity.
* The Nippon Foundation Scholar.
* GESA Fellowship 2022 – Creator and CSO Lead of Seed Lab Initiative.
* Rotary Peace Fellowship – Rotary Peace Center, Makerere University, Uganda.
* Art for Good Fellowship – Singapore International Foundation (2022).
Major Recognitions
* Nominated for ASEAN Youth Change Maker Award (2020).
* Nominated for UN Global Goodwill Ambassador (2018).
* Asia Peace Innovator Forum Fellowship – Salzburg Global Seminar.
* WHO TDR Scholarship – supporting his triple Master's Degree achievement.
* Taiwan Democracy Foundation Alumni – Democratic Leadership Program.
Shaping Knowledge: Research & Publications
Dr. Aung Than Oo is a prolific contributor to academic discourse and applied research:
Conference Highlights
* Presented at the Yale 2020 International Society of Tropical Foresters Conference.
* A contributing research scholar at the ISTF Chapter's 26th Annual Conference.
* Engaged with UNESCO Youth Heritage and Peace at the World Heritage Committee 42nd Sessions, Bahrain.
Key Research Interests
His research spans:
* Public Health Systems Strengthening.
* Environmental Health and One Health Approaches.
* Conflict-Sensitive Health Programming.
* Social Behavior Change Communication.
* Biodiversity Conservation and Community Engagement.
Impactful Initiatives: Projects Driving Change
Dr. Aung Than Oo's practical work translates research into action through various impactful projects:
Pioneering Environmental Efforts
* Eco-Youth-Camp Initiative | Greater Mekong Region (2019-Present): Designed environmental education programs, coordinated cross-border conservation, and developed sustainable tourism models.
* Biodiversity Conservation Research | ASEAN Region (2020-Present): Leads research on biodiversity hotspots, implements community-based strategies, and develops policy recommendations for ASEAN frameworks.
Fostering Peace & Cohesion
* Interfaith Dialogue for Peace Initiative | Myanmar (2017-Present): Facilitates dialogue, reduces hate speech, and trains local leaders in conflict resolution.
* Community Dialogue Meetings | Rakhine State (2017): Organized consultations that contributed to Kofi Annan Commission recommendations and built trust among communities.
Strengthening Health Systems
* Community Health Program Design | Multiple Locations (2015-Present): Developed comprehensive health interventions, implemented social behavior change, and trained community health workers.
Global Reach: International Engagement
Dr. Aung Than Oo actively engages with international bodies and regional networks:
UN System Involvement
* An active implementer of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 as a United Nations Young Peacebuilder.
* Regularly participates in UN Department of Global Communications (DPI/NGO) events.
ASEAN & Regional Leadership
* A key member of the ASEAN Young Leader Network (focused on biodiversity).
* Participates in EU-ASEAN Cooperation Programs and ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) youth tracks.
Professional Networks & Affiliations
He maintains active memberships and affiliations with leading organizations:
International Organizations
* International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – CEC Member.
* Global Peace Chain – Country Director for Myanmar.
* Social Science and Humanitarian Action Platform (SSHAP) – Research Fellow.
Core Competencies: A Spectrum of Expertise
Dr. Aung Than Oo's multifaceted skills enable his impactful work:
Technical Strengths
* Public Health Program Management.
* Environmental Impact Assessment.
* Conflict Analysis and Resolution.
* Community Development.
* Policy Research and Analysis.
Leadership & Management Skills
* Cross-Cultural Leadership.
* Stakeholder Engagement.
* Project Management.
* Capacity Building.
* Strategic Planning.
Communication & Advocacy Prowess
* Multi-Language Communication (Myanmar and English).
* Public Speaking and Community Mobilization.
* Policy Advocacy and Media Relations.
Innovation & Future Vision: Pioneering Solutions
Dr. Aung Than Oo is a forward-thinker, dedicated to innovation:
Embracing Technology
He actively explores integrating innovative technologies in environmental conservation and public health, particularly through his work with Yale University and SEARCA.
The Seed Lab Initiative
As the founder and CSO Lead of the Seed Lab (GESA Fellowship 2022), he's cultivating an incubator for creative youth-led solutions in health, environment, and peacebuilding.
One Health Integration
His role as a One Health Project Consultant underscores his commitment to holistic approaches that recognize the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
Milestones of Recognition: A Timeline
A quick look at some of Dr. Aung Than Oo's recent achievements:
* 2022: GESA Fellowship, Art for Good Fellowship, The Nippon Foundation Scholar.
* 2020: ASEAN Youth Change Maker Award (Nomination), Yale International Society of Tropical Foresters Conference.
* 2018: UN Global Goodwill Ambassador (Nomination), MASHAV Innovation Fellowship (Israel), UNESCO Youth Heritage and Peace (Bahrain).
* 2017: Kofi Annan Commission (Research Assistant), Community Dialogue Leadership.
* 2015-2016: WHO TDR Scholarships, Medical Service Recognition (IDP Camps).
A Guiding Philosophy & Global Impact
Dr. Aung Than Oo's professional philosophy emphasizes the integration of evidence-based practice with community-centered approaches, believing in the power of interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex challenges at the nexus of health, environment, and social justice.
His vision aims for:
* Sustainable Development Integration.
* Youth Leadership Development.
* Conflict-Sensitive Programming.
* Cultural Competency.
* Regional Cooperation.
Through his multifaceted career, he has significantly contributed to healthcare access, environmental conservation, peacebuilding, youth development, policy influence, and academic research.
Connect with Dr. Aung Than Oo
For professional networking and further information, you can find Dr. Aung Than Oo through his institutional affiliations and academic networks:
Institutional Affiliations:
* ASEAN Center for Biodiversity
* Social Science and Humanitarian Action Platform (SSHAP)
* Global Peace Chain
* Mekong Cultural Hub
Academic Networks:
* WHO TDR Alumni Network
* Rotary Peace Centers Network
* The Nippon Foundation Scholars Community
* Yale University SEARCA Alumni Network
(Optional: You might want to include links to his LinkedIn, ResearchGate, or ORCID profiles here if he has them publicly available.)
This comprehensive portfolio highlights Dr. Aung Than Oo's unwavering commitment to integrated approaches addressing the interconnected challenges of health, environment, and peace in Southeast Asia and beyond. His unique blend of medical expertise, policy research capabilities, and peacebuilding experience truly positions him as an invaluable contributor to sustainable development initiatives globally.
Portfolio Last Updated: June 2025
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