Innovative ideas, collaborative approach among stakeholders

Innovative ideas and a collaborative approach among different stakeholders hold the key to ensure sustainable development in the North East, according to representatives of various organisations engaged in the social sector in the region.

Peace, sustainable livelihood models, developing infrastructure and an inclusive development was the basic requisite for improving the quality of life in the region, National Foundation of India's Executive Director Jashodhara Dasgupta said at a round table discussion on 'Tap Assam-Building a Collaborative Corridor' on Thursday.

There is a need to promote common platforms that encourage the bringing together of various players to ensure resilient and sustainable development, she said.

In Assam, besides the civil society, the private sector and the state government are working towards changing the situation by way of implementing and supporting initiatives that improve people's well being and impact the State Development Indicators, NFI Director (Programmes) Monica Banerjee said.

''The various stakeholders, including those funding various projects must sit together and devise ways to ensure an inclusive sustainable development in the state'', she said.

Voluntary organizations working with a social justice approach in the state must be strengthened and they must work towards creating common platforms that help in achieving the same, she added.

A conflict free environment, avenues for increased livelihoods, better infrastructure and access to basic amenities along with long-term co-operation between government, business and local communities should be the goal of the stakeholders, development organisation ICCO's Executive Director Alay Barah said.

The round-table is an effort to examine the innovations being implemented at the ground level, the impact on the local communities and their participation in the process, peer learning, and an opportunity to create and be part of multi stakeholder partnerships that create a visible difference through programmes in particular areas, he added.

The region has a low rate of urbanization and a high dependence on agriculture which should be supported for livelihood generation along with basic services like housing, sanitation, education, health along with music and sports that can build up the social capital in the region, Manish Behal of the NGO North East Network said.

The round table was organised by NFI in partnership with ICCO and discussed various issues related to livelihoods and building social infrastructure.