Nagaland committed to aligning development with SDGs — Deputy CM Zeliang

DIMAPUR — T R Zeliang, Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland and in charge of Planning and Transformation and National Highways, said on Tuesday that Nagaland is committed to aligning its development efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 to ensure that no one is left behind.

He was speaking at the Capital Convention Centre in Kohima during the launch of the SDG Coordination Centre (SDGCC) website, the SDG dashboard, and the awarding of the SDG Action Awards 2022, SDG Innovation 2.0, and SDG Essay Competition 2023.

Speaking on the significance of SDGs and their broader implications, he emphasised that SDGs are more than just a global agenda; they represent a shared vision of prosperity, equality, and sustainability for all.

He remarked that the newly launched online platforms will serve as information hubs, encouraging collaboration and engagement while providing real-time data and insights into the progress of Nagaland towards sustainable development.

“They are not just tools,” Zeliang added, “they are symbols of our commitment to transparency, accountability, and progress.”

It may be mentioned that Nagaland has led the way in embracing the SDGs. It is the first state in Northeast India to establish the SDG Coordination Centre. It is also 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 organised by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme 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).

List of winners

Nagaland SDG Action Awards 2022

1. Economic Sustainability: Noklak Masterpieces (Noklak district).

2. Social and Community Upliftment: The Banana Co-Crafts and Rural Tourism (Peren district).

3. Environmental Sustainability: Asukhomi Community Reserve Management Committee (Zunheboto district).

SDG Innovation Participatory Action Research 2.0

1. Household-level sustainable management of food waste using black soldier fly (Dimapur district).

2. E-waste management: awareness-advocacy recycling (Dimapur district).

3. Sustainable production of bamboo products at Shetap Farm (Longleng district).

SDG Essay Competition 2023 (15 years and below)

(Theme: My 2030 vision for a sustainable, equitable, and green Nagaland)

First place: Eunice Y Kikon, Isaiab Ability Higher Secondary School, Wokha.

Runner-up: Tokavi K Rotokha, Natha village, Zunheboto.

SDG Essay Competition 2023 (16 years and above)

(Theme: Localising of SDGs and traditional value system—prospects, challenges and strategies in Nagaland)

First place: Keyizaizeule, Bethesda Higher Secondary School, Dimapur.

Runner-up: Kekhriesino Meyase, Ashoka University, Sonipat.

Also read: New state agriculture policy in pipeline