Switzerland eyes deeper cultural and vocational partnerships with Nagaland

KOHIMA — Switzerland’s Ambassador to India, Maya Tissafi, on Tuesday said that her country sees “huge potential” for partnership with Nagaland, noting that the state’s cultural richness and natural environment present opportunities for collaboration beyond the Hornbill Festival.

She was speaking at the inaugural programme of Hipfest 2025, the Hornbill International Photo Fest, held under the theme ‘Seasons of Nagaland’ at the World War Museum area in Kisama on Tuesday.

Tissafi said Switzerland’s first participation as a partner country was “very special” and that the cultural depth, diversity and natural beauty of Nagaland made a strong impression. 

Drawing parallels between the two regions, she noted that both Switzerland and Nagaland are small and landlocked, and that Switzerland’s development journey may hold lessons. She said Switzerland was once a poor country but grew economically by investing heavily in skills and vocational training.

“In Switzerland, 70% of people do vocational training and only 30% go to universities,” she said, adding that the model created a highly skilled workforce despite the absence of natural resources.

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Tissafi said she sees “huge potential” in Nagaland, citing its culture, landscape and creative talent. She also highlighted the value of photography in connecting people across countries. “If the idea came up to bring the exhibition to Switzerland, I think we should have a little more Nagaland in Switzerland and show Switzerland what you are able to do,” she said.

The event was organised by Portrait Enterprise in association with the departments of Information and Public Relations and Tourism.

Commissioner and Secretary of IPR and Cooperation, Orenthung Lotha, said Hipfest has grown significantly over the years, becoming a platform that nurtures young photographers and showcases Nagaland’s beauty and cultural heritage.

Festival organiser Ababe Ezung said 97 participants are competing this year. The panel of judges includes M Doulo, Parvez Akhtar and Basu Dutta. He announced that the contest winner will receive INR 35,000, while the viewers’ choice award will also carry a prize.