The “Northeast Conclave 2024 on Sustainability and Scalability,” organized by the Sustainable Development Society (SDS) at NEDFi House, Guwahati, brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on some of the most pressing issues facing the Northeast region of India. With the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) as the knowledge partner, the Northeast Conclave, held on November 25, aimed to foster dialogue and develop strategic plans for sustainable and scalable development across sectors.
Northeast Conclave 2024: A Collaborative Approach to Development
Northeast Conclave commenced with a ceremonial lamp-lighting by dignitaries, including Prof. Dulal Chandra Goswami, former Head of the Department of Environmental Science at Gauhati University, Loken Das, Chief General Manager of NABARD, and Srijib Kumar Baruah, Executive Director of NEDFi. This auspicious start set the tone for a day of engaging discussions and knowledge-sharing.
SDS used the occasion to unveil its decadal report, showcasing a decade’s worth of contributions toward sustainable development in the Northeast. The report served as a foundational backdrop for the technical sessions that followed, addressing critical issues related to sustainability and scalability in the region.
Key Sessions: Bridging Challenges and Opportunities
The Northeast Conclave featured three technical sessions that explored innovative pathways to sustainable development:
- Empowering Livelihoods: Sustainability & Scalability
This session highlighted the importance of creating sustainable livelihoods that can be scaled to benefit larger populations. Speakers emphasized the need for skill development, market linkage, and policy support to empower communities, particularly in rural and tribal areas. - Building Resilience: Scalability and Sustainability in Climate-Adapted Livelihoods and Agriculture
Experts discussed climate-resilient agricultural practices, focusing on how the Northeast’s unique geography can be leveraged to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Case studies on integrated farming systems and agroforestry showcased practical solutions for ensuring food security and economic resilience. - Building Sustainable Futures: The Role of Community Institutions
The final session underscored the impact of community-led organizations such as Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). These institutions were lauded for their role in fostering inclusive development and driving sustainability at the grassroots level.
A Vision for Scalable Sustainability
The Northeast Conclave emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to address the region’s challenges. Key takeaways included:
- Strengthening Policy Frameworks: The speakers highlighted the need for policies that incentivize sustainable practices and provide financial and technical support for scaling up community-driven initiatives.
- Promoting Climate-Resilient Practices: With climate change posing a significant threat, adopting scalable models of climate-adapted livelihoods was identified as a critical step.
- Empowering Women and Marginalized Groups: Several discussions emphasized the importance of gender-inclusive policies and programs to ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities.
- Building Partnerships: Stakeholders stressed the role of partnerships between government, private sectors, academia, and community organizations in achieving sustainable and scalable outcomes.
SDS Decadal Report: A Milestone of Impact
The unveiling of SDS’s decadal report was a highlight of the event, showcasing a decade of progress in advancing sustainable development initiatives across the Northeast. The report served as a testament to the organization’s commitment to community empowerment, climate resilience, and economic development.
Conclusion: Charting the Path Ahead
The “Northeast Conclave 2024 on Sustainability and Scalability” served as a vital platform for stakeholders to align their goals and strategies for a sustainable future. With its focus on innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration, the conclave has laid the groundwork for transformative change in the Northeast region.
By addressing the intersection of sustainability and scalability, the event underscored the importance of adopting holistic and community-driven approaches to development. As the region continues to navigate the complexities of climate change, economic growth, and social equity, initiatives like this conclave will play a pivotal role in shaping a resilient and sustainable future.
