DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 17 : The fifth edition of Young Leaders Connect (YLC), an annual conclave of young leaders from the north-eastern region, will be conducted in Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh on October 28 and the 29th. This was informed at a press conference here today.
A joint press conference was given by founding members of the YLC, which include Member of Parliament from Assam Gaurav Gogoi, Nagaland Parliamentary Secretary Mmhonlhumo Kikon, and local resource group Youthnet’s director Hekani, and founding editor of the Eastern Mirror, Abu Metha.
According to parliamentary secretary for Labour & Employment, Entrepreneurship & Skills Development and Border Affairs Mmhonlhumo Kikon, the theme for this year’s edition of the conclave will be entrepreneurship based on the Government of India's policy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of ‘Start up India.’
Kikon, who along with Conrad Sangma, an MP from Meghalaya, will be the ‘co-chairs’ of the conclave, said that the two-day conference will focus on entrepreneurship in the north east region. By inviting key officials and strategists, he said, the conclave will help young entrepreneurs build strategies and “help NE business come together”.
Gaurav Gogoi, Lok Sabha member from Assam, said that the conclave would seek to “make a roadmap for development of north east (region).” It will also provide opportunity to young leaders to be “mentored by senior leaders”, he said.
Gogoi also informed that Kiren Rijiju, union minister of State for Home Affairs, will be the chief host of the conclave. Baichung Bhutia, one of the country’s best known figures in football, will be the “chair” of the event.
According to a “concept note” provided at the press conference, the conclave will have panel discussions and a round-table discussion with experts and stakeholders. The discussions will go beyond dialogue and ‘towards deliverable goals applicable in a national and regional setting,' it stated.
On the sidelines of the panel discussions, there will be interactions between entrepreneurs, industry, NGOs, government agencies, social enterprises and others ‘to share and learn.’ The conclave will focus on showcasing projects and programs; to initiate new partnerships and to find new resources, it stated.
Abu Metha highlighted the idea behind the YLC, emphasizing on the unique fellowship which has brought the north-eastern states closer to each other under a spirit of cooperation. He said that leaders and achievers from various spheres can 'come together to inspire and motivate the youth of the region with their experience and knowledge.' Youthnet’s director Hekani reflected on the journey of the YLC so far. She informed that a ‘business plan competition’ would be held during the conclave too. Representatives from key ministries, including the Ministry of Development of North East Region, will be participating in the conclave.
Prominent personalities and leaders including Jay Panda, Rajeev Chandrashekar, Mary Kom, Renedy Singh, Gitanjali Thapa, Theja Meru, Larsing Ming, Bhairavi Jani, and Prakash Jha, and Pradyot Debarman, among others, have participated in past editions of the conclave.
The conclave was first hosted by Nagaland and for two occasions before moving to Assam and then to New Delhi. The New Delhi edition was addressed by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
