Nagaland CM and Chief Patron of Young Leaders Connect (YLC) stated that the single biggest opportunity for Northeast to grow is connectivity among the region. Giving the key note address at the Young Leaders Connect 7, at The Grand, Vasant Kunj in Delhi, Rio stated that the region should come together to fight as one and have one common voice, rather than being competitors.
Kiren Rijiju, MoS (I) at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports highlighted on the need to change the perception of the Northeast. ‘Isolation is in the mind and not necessarily in distance. The solution is Northeast should do away with the blame as much as possible rather to claim.’ Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma highlighted that the Northeastern states cannot continue to blame others, adding, ‘Rather we must decide to move forward, and with that in mind, we need to grow.’
The event’s key sector areas of focus were agro-allied and food processing; handloom and handicraft, tourism and hospitality, sports and entertainment. The conclave also focused on entrepreneurship in the Northeast and discussions from investors, banks, policy makers, entrepreneurs, technocrats, governments and various stakeholders who will help build an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.
On the side lines of the panel discussions, there was an interface between entrepreneurs, industry NGOs, government agencies, social enterprises and advisory organizations to share and learn. The conclave also showcased projects and programs, to initiate new partnerships and find new resources.
