The National Foundation for India (NFI), in collaboration with the Directorate of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, and NEIMUN as the Knowledge and Technical partner, is set to host a two-day Northeast India Youth Leaders Conclave at the Capital Convention Centre in Kohima, Nagaland. The event will take place on the 7th and 8th of November 2023.
The primary objective of the conclave is to create a platform for dialogue and learning for youth leaders, equipping them to become catalysts for positive change in their respective communities and contributing to the sustainable development of the region. Operating under the theme "Empowering Youth Leaders: Bridging SDGs and Socio-Economic Development," this event will see the participation of 100 youth leaders from eight Northeast Indian states, including Sikkim. It will delve into interconnected themes such as harnessing the rich biodiversity of the region, the strategic geo-political landscape, inclusive development in Northeast India, and innovation and economic opportunities.
The conclave will feature an array of speakers from diverse backgrounds, guiding the delegates through thematic sessions designed to meet the event's objectives. At the opening plenary, Tongpang Ozukum, Advisor, Water Resources, Government of Nagaland, will deliver the Chief Guest Speech, followed by the Opening Remarks by Biraj Patnaik, Executive Director of NFI, and the Plenary Speech by Kethosituo Sekhose, Director of the Directorate of Youth Resource and Sports, Government of Nagaland. The session will be moderated by Limabenla Jamir, Development Consultant from the Local Public Sector Alliance, Washington DC.
Delegates will engage in peer learning through group discussions and interactions with grassroots leaders who will share their experiences and the various development initiatives they have undertaken. Technical sessions will guide youth leaders through a human-centered design thinking process, enabling them to create innovative community engagement strategies in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The goal is to provide them with the necessary tools to explore their interests and design their own commitments and engagement processes, ultimately fostering their role in shaping the future of the Northeast Region through the SDGs.
The event is co-funded by the European Union's project #LeavingNoOneBehind.