Wai Wai Nu is a human rights advocate and democracy leader shaped by her years as a political prisoner in Myanmar.
In 2005, she was arrested at the age of 18 alongside her family. Her father, an elected Member of Parliament from the political opposition, had been targeted by Myanmar’s military authorities. She spent seven years in prison before being released in 2012.
Since her release, Nu has worked to advance equal rights, strengthen civil society, and address systemic injustice in Myanmar.
In 2013, Wai Wai Nu founded the Women’s Peace Network. Through it, she supports women and marginalised communities, particularly in Rakhine State. Her work addresses ethnic conflict, discrimination, and the persecution of the Rohingya. At the same time, she leads practical peacebuilding efforts aimed at reducing tensions between communities.
In parallel, Nu founded the Yangon Youth Center, where she helps to equip young people with the tools to engage in social and political issues. This connects grassroots realities with long-term leadership development.
Wai Wai Nu holds a law degree from the University of Yangon and a master’s in law from the University of California, Berkeley. She has held fellowships and roles at Columbia University, Stanford University, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. In 2018, she was named a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader.
Today, her work focuses on three main areas. First, protecting human rights in fragile settings. Second, strengthening institutions and the rule of law. Third, addressing polarisation and misinformation, including the role of digital platforms.
As a speaker, Wai Wai Nu offers a clear view of how systems break down, and what it takes to rebuild them. Her insights are relevant to leaders navigating political risk, social division, and institutional fragility.
