Kohima, 17 October (MTNews): The Capital Convention Centre in Kohima witnessed a grand launch event that not only marked the unveiling of the Sustainable Development Goals Coordination Center (SDGCC) website but also showcased the innovative SDG Dashboard. Additionally, the event celebrated the remarkable achievements of the SDG Action Awards 2022, SDG Innovation 2.0, and the SDG Essay Competition 2023.
Addressing a captivated audience at the event, T.R. Zeliang, the Deputy Chief Minister responsible for Planning & Transformation and National Highways, spoke about the significance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their broader implications. He emphasized that SDGs go beyond a mere global agenda; they signify a shared vision of prosperity, equality, and sustainability for all.
“Nagaland is committed to aligning its development efforts with the SDG 2030 agenda to ensure that no one is left behind,” he added.
The newly launched online platforms, including the SDGCC website and SDG Dashboard, will serve as information hubs, fostering collaboration, engagement, and providing real-time data and insights into Nagaland’s progress toward sustainable development. Zeliang added, “They are not just tools; they are symbols of our commitment to transparency, accountability, and progress.”
Notably, Nagaland has taken pioneering steps in embracing the SDGs. It is the first state in Northeast India to establish the SDG Coordination Center within the Department of Planning and Transformation. Additionally, it is one of the first states in India to formulate the SDG Vision 2030. The state was also among the four selected to present its SDG best practices in developing the sub-state indicator framework during a national workshop organized by the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation in Delhi on October 31, 2022.
Following the launch and felicitation ceremony, a ‘State-level consultation on the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2023: Performance Analysis of Nagaland and Way Forward’ was held, featuring resource persons from NITI Aayog and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The event also recognized the winners of the Nagaland SDG Action Awards 2022:
· Economic Sustainability: Noklak Masterpieces from Noklak District.
· Social and Community Upliftment: The Banana Co-Crafts & Rural Tourism from Peren District.
· Environmental Sustainability: Asukhomi Community Reserve Management Committee from Zunheboto District.
In the category of SDG Innovation Participatory Action Research 2.0, the following were acknowledged for their pioneering efforts in promoting sustainability:
· Household Level Sustainable Management of Food Waste Using Black Soldier Fly (Dimapur District).
· E-Waste Management: Awareness-Advocacy Recycling (Dimapur District).
· Sustainable Production of Bamboo Products in Shetap Farm (Longleng District).
The SDG Essay Competition 2023 recognized the talent and vision of young minds, with the following winners:
In the category ‘My 2030 Vision for a Sustainable, Equitable, and Green Nagaland’:
· 1st Place (15 years and below): Eunice Y Kikon, Isaiab Ability Higher Secondary School, Wokha.
· Runner-Up (15 years and below): Tokavi K Rotokha, Natha Village, Zunheboto.
In the category ‘Localizing SDGs & Traditional Value System: Prospects, Challenges & Strategies in Nagaland (16 years and above):
· 1st Place (16 years and above): Keyizaizeule, Bethesda Higher Secondary School, Dimapur.
· Runner-Up (16 years and above): Kekhriesino Meyase, Ashoka University, Sonipat.