The 8th edition of NELC Young Leaders Connect, based on the theme “North East India 2030 : Towards India’s Innovative and Sustainable Growth” is underway at the City Convention Centre of Manipur’s Imphal.

An Annual Conclave organized by North East Leaders Connect (NELC) unifies young change makers and leaders from the region to share their ideas and experiences; in order to visualize where they would like to see North East vis-a-vis India in the future, plan a roadmap, and strategize on interventions at the grassroots and policy level.

The plenary session is underway; in gracious presence of the Member of Parliament (MP) – Gaurav Gogoi; Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh – Pema Khandu; Chief Minister of Manipur – N. Biren Singh; NELC Chair & India’s Football Icon – Bhaichung Bhutia; Education Minister of Manipur – Thounaojam Basanta Kumar; Manipur MLA – R.K Imo Singh.

The conclave is also been attended by the Union Minister of Law & Justice – Kiren Rijiju; Meghalaya Chief Minister – Conrad Sangma; Social Entrepreneur – Hekani Jakhalu; Commissioner of Income Tax (Admn. & TPS) in Assam – Gaichanglungliu Kamei (IRS); National Spokesperson of BJP and Hon’ble Advisor of Information Technology (IT) and Communication, Science & Technology, New & Renewable Energy Departments of Nagaland Government – Mmhonlümo Kikon; among others.

While, brainstorming on Northeast India’s future, the Manipur CM categorically pointed-out that “In our minds, one idea has gotten embedded. What has the country and the central government bestowed upon us? We rarely take into account what ‘I have contributed to the nation’ as a citizen, which is a mindset I wish to change.”

During the conclave, the Arunachal Pradesh CM & Manipur CM will also launch Project NEW’ (NER Entrepreneurs’ World).

It has been initiated by the NABFOUNDATION, a not-for-profit arm of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Bank (NABARD) in partnership with Dalmia Bharat Foundation and the North East Leaders Connect (NELC).

“Project NEW” is the first skill mapping database that will record the skill aspirations of the youths of the North East Region. This project seeks to develop a unique skill mapping programme for unemployed youths in all the states of NE India.

The event will also advocate on how Arunachal Pradesh is showing the way towards a digitally powered government.

It will emphasize on unlocking the economic roadmap of Northeast India, finding-out a response to the query “If the North-East Region can be an economic hub for India’s business and trade partnership with ASEAN, East Asia, and the South Asian markets?”.

This high level panel discussion will explore the relevance of India’s Northeast in the emerging and growing East Asian market and border trade with the regions’ neighbouring countries.

Is there a space for North East India to actively contribute and be a meeting point for business and facilitate the comprehensive strategic partnership with the larger Indo-Pacific region?

The session will also look after strategies to strengthen the digital infrastructure, improve the technologies available and “If connectivity are necessary preconditions to enable business and a thriving local economy? and What kind of cooperation is needed to improve the current infrastructure?”

Besides, the key strengths, obstacles and opportunities will also be discussed to bridge connectivity, commerce and culture.

The 5th session intends to find-out on “What will be the Key Sectors that will drive Inclusive & Sustainable Growth in North East India?” It will focus on the development of the region, through a well-designed strategy that prepares the economic, political, social and cultural structures to boost the Inclusive & Sustainable Growth in North East India and “What are the vision and roadmap?”

This session will bring together experts and policymakers for a meaningful discussion on how we can harness the natural resources of the region, boost tourism and identify the key sectors that will drive equitable job employment, creation and growth.

During the event, the ‘North East Young Heroes Awards 2022’ will be conferred to members under the categories of – healthcare, administration, tourism, entrepreneurship, sports, media & entertainment, education, and social innovation.

Its worthy to note that the conclave seeks to converge and design reforms and strategic ties that will reshape the economies of the region; thereby connecting economies, cultures and companies, and explore ways to help businesses and people to excel, align with what the communities are currently building and connect with their aspirations.

The ‘Young Leaders Connect- 8’ will be based on four main pillars : Pillar-1 (Assess the current landscape of growth and development in North East India in the context and the impact unfolded throughout the pandemic); Pillar-2 (Identify the essential industry areas, the key growth sectors and connect the country, regional and state priorities for employment generation); Pillar-3 (Explore the role of the states, industries in the North East Region and how to pivot attention and investment into the emerging sectors and intensify economic-cooperation); Pillar-4 (Recommend a bold set of action plans that will build our strengths and address the gaps).