[caption id="attachment_204954" align="alignright" width="300"]
Abu Metha[/caption]
Dimapur, Sep. 4 (EMN): The secretary-general of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), Abu Metha, has been selected by the United States government to participate in a special exchange programme — the Regional Project for Asia Pacific, South and Central Asia—under the aegis of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Metha is a former editor of Eastern Mirror. The program and all its participants are funded by the US government.
The NDPP’s communication and media committee issued a statement informing that the IVLP was first established in 1940. It is one of the most prestigious professional exchange programmes for international opinion leaders, of the US government.
‘Prominent personalities from around the world have participated in the programme including former India Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Since 1940, more that 320 current and former heads of government and states and distinguished international personalities have participated in the IVLP. The IVLP seeks to foster mutual understanding between the United States and other nations through carefully designed professional visits to the US for current and emerging leaders,’ the NDPP stated.
Terming the programme ‘specially designed,’ the statement informed that leaders belonging to 12 Asia Pacific countries shall be attending. The programme will be giving an opportunity to the participants to examine the functions of state and local governments in planning; discuss US regulatory processes and the government’s role to ensure working infrastructure across state and regional levels.
The special exchange will also be discussing matter related to activities in the region and of Indo-Pacific strategy with the US department of State Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs, and the South and Central Asian Affairs.
The updates informed that a panel discussion would be held for visitors to meet with representatives of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Reconnecting Asia project, to address the topic of insights into the US perspective about the Indo-Pacific region.
The CSIS, which is headquartered in Washington, conducts research, analysis, and develops policy initiatives that look at future predictions and anticipate change.
“For over 50 years, the CSIS has worked to develop solutions to the world’s greatest policy challenges, and today, its scholars provide strategic insights and bipartisan policy solutions to help decision-makers chart a course toward a better world. Panel discussions held will focus on US’ best practices and approaches,” the updates stated.
It informed that different programmes which would be held across six cities in the United States, will be covering various features of analysis such as on the topics of planning, infrastructure development, community service activities; cultural activities and interactions with the National Park Service at the World War II Valor in the Pacific site, at Pearl Harbour. The schedule is among several other events, the statement said.
While congratulating Metha, and he being the only person to be selected from the region, the NDPP expressed belief that his selection was a significant opportunity for the state. The NDPP has wished him success and has expressed hope that Nagaland and its citizens would benefit immensely.
