The Phan Foundation has announced that it has awarded the 2025 Young Leader Award, named after the respected former Karen National Union (KNU) Secretary-General, to Padoh Naw Lwe Htoo Say, head of the KNU’s Justice Department.

She was announced as the award winner in a statement on January 29. Padoh Naw Lwe Htoo Say is also the director of the Karen Legal Assistance Center (KLAC) and was elected to the Central Committee at the 17th Karen National Union Congress.

The Phan Foundation said she has not only fulfilled the responsibilities assigned to her by the KNU but has also been a strong leader in strengthening community-based justice and rule-of-law mechanisms.

She established the first Legal School Program to train young Karen people to become lawyers and serves as a facilitator for the Community Legal Volunteer (CLV) system, the Phan Foundation added.

“At just 33 years old, she has accomplished so much while handling such huge responsibilities, showing young Karen women that they can break through stereotypes and achieve anything,” said Nant Bwa Bwa Phan, Director of the Phan Foundation.

The award includes $4,000 and a certificate of appreciation. The Padoh Mahn Sha Young Leader Award is an annual award created to honor and support outstanding young Karen leaders who are making significant contributions to their communities in areas such as education, health, culture, human rights, and social development.

The award ceremony for Padoh Naw Lwe Htoo Say was held on January 31, coinciding with the 77th anniversary of the Karen Revolution.

“I’ve received so much support from my community and colleagues, and I’ve also worked hard myself. I’m truly honored to be recognized and awarded by the Phan Foundation. I will continue working to foster more volunteers who can help people access justice and to make the justice sector stronger and more reliable,” she told KIC.

The Padoh Mahn Sha Young Leader Award is an annual honor presented to Karen youth under the age of 35 who have made outstanding contributions to education, poverty alleviation, the promotion of human rights, and the preservation of Karen literature and culture.

The Phan Foundation was established by the children of Padoh Mahn Sha Lah Phan, who was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen in Mae Sot, Thailand, on February 14, 2008, and his late wife, Nang Kyin Shwe, in honor of their parents.

The foundation was created by the children of Padoh Mahn Sha Lah Phan, who was tragically killed by two unidentified gunmen in Mae Sot, Thailand, on February 14, 2008, and his late wife, Nang Kyin Shwe, to honor the legacy of their parents.

The award has been presented annually since 2008 and has honored 18 recipients to date.