Call for Applications: Northeast India Youth Leaders Conclave

This two-day event on the theme “Empowering Youth Leaders: Bridging Sustainable Development Goals and Inclusive Socio-Economic Development” is set to take place on the 7th and 8th of November 2023, at the Capital Convention Centre in Kohima, Nagaland.

The two-day in-house conclave will bring together 100 youth leaders from all 8 Northeast states to engage in in-depth discussions, knowledge-sharing, and collaborative actions related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The conclave embodies the essence and purpose of the Decade of Action to provide a platform for young leaders in Northeast India to understand the SDGs and have a deeper and more realistic understanding of the opportunities and challenges of the region and translate them into impactful action.

With strategic investments and a focus on sustainable development, the NER can unlock its vast potential, empowering its youth and contributing to the prosperity and cultural richness of India as a whole. Through the sessions, the conclave hopes to foster a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity – all key tenets of the Decade. The conclave hopes to be a microcosm of the Decade of Action, amplifying and contributing to the urgent global push for transformative change. They hope to empower the young leaders from the Northeast of India to drive real-world solutions, and amplify the Decade of Action mission for a more sustainable and equitable world.

Conclave Objectives

• 100 young leaders: To establish a platform for networking, collaborating, and knowledge-sharing for young leaders from the eight north-eastern states of India representing diverse ethnic communities, ensuring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
• Plenary and interactive case study sessions. Provide participants with access to experts, industry leaders and change makers to enable them to gain practical insights into effective strategies and solutions for addressing challenges related to the SDGs in the Northeast.
• Thematic sessions to encourage participants to deepen the understanding of the intricate connections between the biosphere, society, and the economy to promote sustainable development and drive policy transformation in the NER.
• Group discussions and workshops for young leaders to openly discuss and collaborate on the conclave core themes: Mountains, Conflict & Security, Development, Innovation & economic growth. These sessions aim to address local challenges, share best practices, and co-create solutions.
• Comprehensive skill-building workshops & networking opportunities to empower young leaders with the necessary tools and connections for effective engagement with government agencies, civil society, and communities.

Logistics

• What will be covered under this fully paid event?
  • Travel, Accommodation, food, and event materials as mentioned below:
    • Accommodation during the event days.
    • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks) are arranged by the organizer during the event.
    • Event Materials.
    • Any merchandise deemed necessary.
    • Costs incurred outside the venue of the event will not be included in the sponsorship deal.
• Will the travel expenses be covered by the organizers?
  • The organizers will cover travel expenses only from the North East state capitals (Itanagar, Shillong, Aizawl, Imphal, Gangtok, Agartala, Guwahati/Tezpur) or from the available customary direct route and usual mode of transport as determined by the organizers by which the candidate will reach the venue at the earliest. The logistics team and the official travel agent will inform all participants of their travel arrangements.

Who can participate?

• Age: Delegates must be between 22 and 27 years old. Proof of age may be required during the application process.
• Interest in Sustainable Development Goals: Delegates should have a genuine interest in the SDGs. This can be demonstrated through previous involvement in community initiatives, volunteering, academic coursework, or related projects.
• Leadership Potential: Delegates should exhibit leadership potential and a strong desire to make a positive impact in their communities.
• Place of Residence: Delegates should be currently based in any of the 8 Northeast states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura).
• Availability: Delegates should be available to attend the entire two-day conclave session. Given the intensive nature of the conclave and the importance of continuity, it is crucial that delegates commit to participating fully in all sessions and activities.

For more information, visit National Foundation for India (NFI).