Abstract: "Myanmar has a land area of 676,581 km2 with an estimated population of 51.49 million, consisting of diverse ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages and dialects. Myanmar?s transition from military regime to civilian rule started under a new Constitution that came into effect in May, 2008. During its transition, Myanmar needs more effective national and regional development and governmental reforms and restructuring. People‐centred development reforms need to be implemented in order to reach international standards&meet the people?s needs. A people‐centered development strategy incorporates the values of justice, sustainability, and inclusiveness. A number of reforms have already been undertaken in the financial sector, in relaxing media censorship, release of detainees and reaching ceasefire agreements in a number of conflict areas. Although the government has enacted the new Environmental Law and related regulations to use natural resources in a sustainable manner, there are many environmental problems caused by development projects of various sectors. Between one‐third and one‐fourth of the population is estimated to be living under the poverty line but almost 80 percent of inhabitants are living either in poverty or very close to it. Despite significant efforts during the transition period in Myanmar, there is still a long way to go in developing a comprehensive social protection scheme. Myanmar attempts to manage a ?triple transition”: nation building, state‐building and economic liberalization. Rule of law is crucial for peaceful and sustainable development. Transitions are never smooth, and it is likely that the situation on the ground in Myanmar will get messier before it gets better. Myanmar should work to ensure that current positive trends continue to 2015 and beyond. In order to sustain its growth momentum in the long run, Myanmar should aim for a growth trajectory that is inclusive, equitable, and environmentally sustainable."...Paper delivered at the International Conference on Burma/Myanmar Studies: Burma/Myanmar in Transition: Connectivity, Changes and Challenges: University Academic Service Centre (UNISERV), Chiang Mai University, Thailand, 24-­26 July 2015.