In early March 2021, amidst the backdrop of widespread protests and civil disobedience following the military coup in Myanmar, twenty-eight political institutions formally established the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC). This alliance was composed of various ethnic armed organizations and representatives from the National League for Democracy (NLD), the party that won the 2020 elections. The formation of the NUCC symbolized a collective response to the military's takeover, which had disrupted the democratic progression the country had been experiencing since its transition in 2011. Participants sought to create a unified front to restore democracy, safeguard human rights, and advocate for federalism that would embrace the diverse ethnic identities within Myanmar.

The organization's formation was not only a declaration of unity among various factions but also a strategic move to connect with the international community. The NUCC aimed to challenge the legitimacy of the military junta and garner support from foreign governments, human rights organizations, and other stakeholders invested in Myanmar's political future. This coalition signaled the potential for increased armed resistance against the military in the following months, as the ethnic armed groups began coordinating efforts with the pro-democracy forces of the NLD to counteract the military's control and reassert civil freedoms in the country.

The establishment of the NUCC reflected a growing desire for inclusivity and recognition among Myanmar’s diverse ethnic groups, each with their longstanding grievances against the Bamar-dominated central government. The NUCC's framework emphasized the importance of political dialogue, federalism, and equal representation, which resonated with many citizens who were disenchanted with the military’s oppressive rule. As the situation escalated, the NUCC’s strategies began to take shape in the form of various political and military maneuvers, impacting the socio-political landscape of Myanmar dramatically.