Charter document on Nagaland’s SDGs launched

DIMAPUR — A document called the ‘Nagaland Society Organisation’s Charter on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ was launched on Wednesday, encompassing all 17 SDGs within the context of Nagaland.

The charter is intended to serve as a resource document and guide for youths, civil society organisations (CSOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), governments, and other stakeholders.

At the launch event held at Hotel Acacia, Dimapur, additional deputy commissioner Mhalo Humtsoe acknowledged that the perspectives that CSOs bring would complement the efforts put in by the government towards fulfilling the SDGs. The charter will act as a guiding light for everyone, she added.

Highlighting the broad scope of the SDGs, she emphasised their relevance in terms of environmental sustainability, health, education, peace, and other aspects contributing to an improved quality of life.

She also appreciated the youth for taking part in the event, adding that the youth can contribute so much to society.

During the event which was organised by the National Foundation for India (NFI), Ketho Angami, the convenor of the Charter Adoption Committee (CAC), provided insights into the development process of the charter.

The NFI facilitated the formulation of the document, involving three coordinators from project’s intervening districts and local host organisations, including CanYouth, ARK foundation, and Dolen Thangjam Society. A Convenor and CAC members from diverse backgrounds were selected to shape the contents of the document through a series of online and physical meetings over several months, he said.

He maintained that the draft charter underwent documentation and review to shape it into a document reflecting the collective voice and aspirations of the CSOs, with a vision of a ‘Better Nagaland.’

Ketho Angami highlighted that the charter encompasses all 17 SDGs within the context of Nagaland, emphasising the need for a collaborative effort to achieve these goals. It addresses identified issues, challenges, and proposes plans for progress, involving active participation from all stakeholders.

The charter aims to be a valuable resource, providing guidance for youth, CSOs, NGOs, governments, and other stakeholders in responding to calls for action, he added.

As part of the programme, Neiteo Koza, the rapporteur for the CSO charter document, provided an overview, and Jenpu Rongemi, founder and chief functionary of CanYouth, delivered concluding remarks.