CALL FOR APPLICATIONS


Are you a young leader from Northeast India aged between 22-27 years old? We invite you to be part of the “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). 


CONCLAVE OVERVIEW 

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. 

The NER of India comprises eight states- Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura- covering 7.98% of the country's total geographical area. According to the 2011 census, these states are home to approximately 45 million citizens, constituting about 3.78% of India's population. A remarkable characteristic of the region is that nearly 99% of its boundary borders with China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. This unique geographical positioning presents various challenges, including cross-border illegal migration, illicit trade, drug trafficking, and border security concerns. 

Despite the challenging socio-political landscape of Northeast India, the region also presents a wealth of opportunities. The region falls within the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot, which is ranked 6th among the 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world which offers potential for environmental preservation and sustainable livelihoods. Northeast India is fast emerging as an eco-tourism hotspot and has the potential to drive economic growth. Its rich traditional handloom, handicrafts, and cuisine support thriving markets. Music and sports are cultural assets with youth development potential. The presence of diverse ethnic communities can establish a precedent for living in peace and harmony. Featuring its unique border design, the NER can serve as the entrance to the Southeast and Far East Asian countries, fostering trade, commerce growth, and the exchange of technological knowledge. 

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. We 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 

 
  1. 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).
  2. 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. 
  3. 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. 
  4. 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.
  5. 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. 


WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

 
  1. Age: Delegates must be between 22 and 27 years old. Proof of age may be required during the application process.
  2. 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
  3. Leadership Potential: Delegates should exhibit leadership potential and a strong desire to make a positive impact in their communities.
  4. Place of Residence: Delegates should be currently based in any of the 8 Northeast states. 
  5. 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.

Food and lodging expenses will be borne by the organizers. T&C applies for travel expenses. 


APPLICATION TIMELINE

 
​​Applications Open: 17th September 2023 – 10th October 2023 
Interviews for shortlisting candidates: Rolling Basis
Final Selection Letters: Mid-October 2023


Selection Process: Applications will be screened by a selection board of NFI. 

Applications will be accepted only through the online application available on the website. Last date for application is 10th October 2023, midnight.

For any queries on the application process, please contact: Imsutoshi: toshi@nfi.org.in

Click here to APPLY

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS


National Foundation for India (NFI) is an organization committed of ensuring social justice through civic engagement, responsive policy-making and social accountability. Towards promoting social justice, NFI has been strengthening hundreds of civil society organizations (CSOs) for over 30 years. Within the framework of social justice, the thematic focus of NFI encompasses Participation and Inclusion. These themes are well integrated in all our work with CSOs and individuals. 

NFI was founded in 1992 by eminent leaders such as Late Bharat Ratna C. Subramanium, Dr M S Swaminathan, Dr Kamla Chudhury, Late Shri S P Godrej, Late Dr Verghese Kurien and Mr Ratan Tata, among others. It envisions of creating a just and equitable society, by enabling marginalised communities to improve the quality of their own lives, improving public understating of social issues, and promoting social justice. 

We are driven by the vision of a plural, equitable and democratic society. It exists independent of corporate, religious, or governmental control and adopts a nationwide approach. NFI intervenes in these thematic areas, i.e., strengthening Civil Society Organisations, Peace Building programs, Climate Action, and Media Fellowship for Independent Journalists, focusing on working closely with marginalized communities, women, and inaccessible regions.

Over the last 30 years, we have supported more than 200 grassroots organizations in 14 states. NFI has also supported more than 400 individual change-makers through its annual fellowship for development Journalism and C Subramaniam Award for community leadership.

The European Union: The Delegation of the European Union to India and Bhutan was established in 1983 as a full- fledged diplomatic mission. The European Union is represented in India by the New Delhi Delegation, which works in close coordination with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States to enhance close relations with the Indian government in areas that are part of the EU's remit. The Delegation is responsible for the conduct of official relations between India & Bhutan and the European Union. The EU Delegation and India have built cooperation in sectors such as Clean Energy and Climate Partnership, Information, Research and Innovation, Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency, Trade and Investment, Urban Partnership: Cities for Tomorrow, Development Cooperation, and Water Partnership, among others.

NEIMUN: NEIMUN is a youth-focused leadership development organization based in Northeast India. NEIMUN priorities are centered around enabling young people to play a role in the actualization of the SDGs with a particular emphasis on UNSCR 2250 Youth, Peace, and Security. 

For nearly a decade, NEIMUN has maintained its commitment to create platforms for young leaders and is dedicated to address the need to raise a generation of values-driven leaders. Managed through volunteerism of 30 young leaders every year, through our programs, initiatives and collaboration, we aim to cultivate and enhance leadership capabilities among young individuals, promote community engagement, space for mentorship, networking and promote research and evidence-based policies.