In 1998 The KNU Central Committee initiated the formation of the Karen National Unity Seminar. They formed an organising committee for Karen National Seminar that was lead by P’doh Ba Thein Sein, P’doh Mahn Sha Lah Phan and P’doh David Taw. The first Karen National Unity Seminar was on 25-29th January 1999 in Warlaykee, Dooplaya District, Karen State. Since then there have been meetings in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014.

In 2013 the 9th Karen National Unity Seminar was held from 27-31 May in Karen State. More than 150 representatives from 40 different Karen organisations attended. The seminar discussed ways to strengthen unity among all Karen people in the context of the current political situation in Burma. The seminar attendees confirmed their commitment to building national unity building national unity on the basis of ethnic equality, rights to self-determination and self-administration, democracy and genuine federal union.

The 10th Karen Unity Seminar was successfully held from 28-31 May 2014 in the Karen revolutionary area at Lay Wah (AKA) Law Khee Lar. The seminar was attended by 246 participants from Karen CBOs, based at home and abroad, Karen religious leaders, Karen youth and Karen Women Organisations, Karen political parties, and Karen Armed organisations, totalling 66 organisations and independent individuals.