The 22nd Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone–III Conference concluded on November 11, 2025, at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in Kohima, with a strong call for proactive legislative action on climate change and sustainable development.
Delivering the valedictory address, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh urged legislatures to go beyond adaptation and actively plan for structural changes driven by climate change.
He emphasized the need for resilient policy frameworks that prevent long-term damage and ensure sustainable growth
Harivansh lauded the deliberations during the two plenary sessions, describing them as a “true reflection of the spirit of parliamentary democracy—vibrant debates, thoughtful exchanges, and a shared commitment to the people we serve.”
Harivansh said India@2047 was not a single milestone but a continuous journey built on smaller, measurable goals tailored to the unique needs of each state.
He praised members from across the region for offering insightful perspectives, especially Assam Speaker Biswajit Daimary, who highlighted the need to raise awareness on the meaning of Viksit Bharat at the constituency level.
He noted that as India’s economy evolves, the nature of work and employment will also change, and legislatures must not only frame policies but guide citizens through this socio-economic transition. Citing the Deputy Speaker of Sikkim, he commended the state’s achievement in becoming India’s first fully organic state in 2016, demonstrating how economic growth can align with environmental sustainability and national Sustainable Development Goals.
Highlighting the Union Government’s sustained focus on the North East, Harivansh said 10% of the Union Budget was earmarked for the region. Between 2017 and August 2023, the Ministry of DoNER supported 126 Externally Aided Projects worth Rs. 1.35 lakh crore, while the Department of Economic Affairs recommended 124 projects worth Rs. 1.26 lakh crore for external funding in the last decade.
He said the real impact of these initiatives depended on effective legislative oversight and accountability. He quoted Meghalaya Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh, who emphasised addressing inefficiencies in land and labour laws and ensuring inclusivity to strengthen investor confidence. He urged all State Legislatures to hold annual discussions on Viksit Bharat, focusing on long-term policy reviews. He also noted that improved infrastructure, the growth of agro-processing industries, and eco-tourism in the North East were producing promising outcomes, adding that the Prime Minister’s Act East Policy placed the region at the centre of India’s development vision.
Acknowledging the North Eastern legislatures’ progressive embrace of technology, Harivansh said innovation and research would play defining roles in shaping governance and economic growth. He highlighted the region’s ecological challenges, recalling Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio’s remarks on the delicate balance between abundant natural resources and limitations on their commercial use. He stressed the need for continued dialogue on environmental protection and sustainable development.
Drawing from his visit to Khonoma, Asia’s first green village, he described it as a “living example of sustainable living,” adding that small actions collectively make a significant difference. Referring to discussions on climate change during the sessions, he observed that natural disasters in the North East illustrated how environmental shocks triggered deep social and economic disruptions. He reiterated his call for legislatures to plan proactively for the structural shifts brought by climate change.
Earlier, delivering the keynote address on the theme “Climate Change in the Light of Recent Cloudburst and Landslides in Some North East Region,” Harivansh described climate change as “one of the most pressing challenges of our time,” noting that the North East has experienced increasing incidents of cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods. As of mid-2025, he said, the region had recorded more than 800 landslides, causing significant loss of life and property.
He highlighted the importance of preparedness, citing the Disaster Management Act, early warning systems, and the “Common Alerting Protocol-based Integrated Alert System” used to issue timely alerts. He also referred to Mission Mausam and the Bharat Forecasting System, which strengthen India’s capacity to forecast and respond to extreme weather events.
Underlining the need for investment in scientific research, Harivansh mentioned his support through MPLAD funds for the establishment of a Centre for Earthquake Engineering at IIT Patna and a Centre for River Studies at Aryabhatta Knowledge University. He also commended the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for setting up a Committee on Climate Change and for promoting sustainable development and grassroots resilience.
Calling for synergy among North Eastern states, Harivansh urged legislatures to prioritise climate action plans, effective town planning, sustainable resource management, and the integration of indigenous knowledge systems. He stressed that community participation must remain central to climate adaptation strategies.
In his closing remarks, minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs K.G. Kenye said the conference featured plenary sessions, exhibitions, and cultural programmes showcasing legislative innovation, procedural reforms, transparency, and inclusive governance. He noted that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), founded in 1911—the same year Delhi was made India’s capital—facilitates collaboration among over 180 legislatures from 53 Commonwealth countries, home to 2.7 billion people, over half of whom reside in India.
Kenye said the Prime Minister’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047 with a $10 trillion economy required sustained GDP growth through innovation, self-reliance, social inclusion, and equity. He stressed the need for localised solutions and domestic technological capabilities to reduce external dependence. He highlighted ASEAN as a vibrant trading bloc with USD 3.5 trillion in trade, noting that India–ASEAN trade stood at USD 123 billion and growing. For the North East, he said cooperation in tourism and health services should be prioritised, adding that physical connectivity, especially the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway, would be a major game changer.
On the conference theme, he said “Policy, Progress & People” resonated deeply with the issues faced by leaders across the region. He hoped that collaboration within the CPA framework would continue to foster exchange of ideas, best practices, and regional cooperation.
Meghalaya Assembly speaker and CPA India Region Zone-III vice-chairman Thomas A. Sangma expressed gratitude for the meaningful proceedings, saying the spirit of dialogue, unity, and democratic commitment illuminated every session. He thanked the Lok Sabha Speaker and Deputy Chairman for their presence, and also thanked the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Ministers, MPs, ministers, MLAs, and delegates from across the North East. He urged that the lessons and shared aspirations from Kohima guide future legislative conduct.
Nagaland Legislative Assembly deputy speaker S. Toiho Yeptho conveyed gratitude to all contributors, including speakers and panellists, noting that the conference had deepened understanding of parliamentary practices, good governance, and shared challenges. He hoped the deliberations and resolutions would guide the region toward stronger democratic institutions and deeper cooperation.
Earlier, during the closing ceremony, NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer expressed grief over the demise of advisor Imkong L. Imchen and the House observed a two-minute silence in his memory.
The conference concluded with a cultural soirée at the NLA Complex showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland.
CPA conference concludes with adoption of ‘Kohima Proclamation’
Correspondent
KOHIMA, NOV 11 (NPN): The 22nd Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone–III, hosted by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in Kohima from November 9 to 13 under the theme, “Policy, Progress & People: Legislature as Catalysts of Change,” concluded with the adoption of the ‘Kohima Proclamation’ on Tuesday.
Kohima Proclamation
- The House unanimously resolved to renew the commitment of North East State Legislatures to strengthen ties with citizens and work toward a developed region integral to Viksit Bharat 2047.
- It urged the Centre to consult with state governments to draft a sustainable 20-year development plan reflecting the North East’s ethnic diversity and challenges.
- Acknowledging the Act East Policy’s progress, members stressed that socio-economic gaps remain and need focused solutions.
- Highlighting the North East region’s strategic role as India’s ASEAN gateway, the House called for an exclusive development program and pledged continued cooperation in trade, culture, healthcare, education, and tourism.
- Reiterating the importance of collective regional advancement, the House resolved to continue its efforts towards cooperation in trade, culture, healthcare, education, and tourism.
- Highlighting the North East’s vulnerability to seismic risks and climate change, the House called for climate-resilient policies and dedicated state climate action plans;
- It also resolved to establish a Regional Research Centre to monitor climate impacts and promote sustainability, and to use legislative platforms for climate awareness.
- The House also proposed to use the platform of State Assemblies to engage legislators and the public on climate-related issues through committees, workshops, and symposiums.
Nagaland’s Aspiration
Meanwhile, expressing solidarity with the aspirations of Nagaland, the House endorsed and extended support to key proposals of the State, urging the Central Government to prioritize: - The House voiced strong support for Nagaland’s key development proposals, urging the Centre to prioritize upgrading Kohima Medical College to a central institute like AIIMS or RIMS;
- Advancing the proposed IISER/IIT as per Arun Jaitley’s 2015–16 budget announcement;
- Consideration and approval of the Chiethu Airport project at Kohima.
The session closed with a condemnation of the November 10 Red Fort bombing and condolences to the victims.
Presiding officers and delegates from the North East reaffirmed their dedication to parliamentary democracy, inclusive growth, and regional cooperation at the conference.
The Kohima Proclamation was also signed by CPA India Region Zone–III Chairman Sharingain Longkumer, Vice-Chairman Thomas A. Sangma, Speakers Biswajit Daimary (Assam), Tesam Pongte (Arunachal Pradesh), Mingma Norbu Sherpa (Sikkim), and Lalbiakzama (Mizoram), along with Deputy Speakers Numal Momin (Assam), Lalfamkima (Mizoram), Limison E. Sangma (Meghalaya), Raj Kumari Thapa (Sikkim), and S. Toiho Yeptho (Nagaland).