Nagaland represented at Nalanda Development Dialogue

Dr. Chubaienla Imchen, Assistant Professor and HoD, Department of Economics, Jubilee Memorial College, Mokokchung, represented Nagaland at the inaugural Nalanda Development Dialogue held at Nalanda University on March 8 and 9, 2026.
The Dialogue, themed “Foundations for the Future of Common Development Goals: Bridging Foresight, Building Pathways, Reviving Track-2 Diplomacy”, brought together policymakers and development experts from India and seven countries—Japan, Germany, Brazil, Nepal, China, Indonesia and the United States—to deliberate on development pathways beyond 2030.
Speaking in the session “North East India Highlight—Conservation, Connectivity: Localization of SDGs as a Long-Term Development Strategy”, Dr. Imchen emphasized that development in Northeast India must move beyond GDP-based measures to incorporate ecological sustainability, cultural integrity and inclusive livelihoods. She highlighted Nagaland’s strong tradition of community-based resource management and participatory governance, while also pointing to challenges such as limited economic diversification and high unemployment among educated youth. She noted opportunities in organic agriculture, agroforestry, eco-tourism and niche rural enterprises, and stressed Nagaland’s strategic position under India’s Act East Policy due to its international border with Myanmar.
The dialogue featured plenary roundtables, keynote sessions and discussions on global development frameworks, macroeconomic challenges and regional cooperation. Cultural engagements included a guided visit to the Nalanda World Heritage Site, Bodh Gaya, and discussions on culture and heritage economy.