A seminar on “Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions” was held on November 15, wherein youths were encouraged to come together to build a better Nagaland.
A press release by National Foundation for India (NFI) Nagaland informed that the seminar was organised at Rongmei Community Hall, Nagabazar, Kohima by NFI Nagaland in in collaboration with ARK Foundation and Nagabazar Youth Organization (NYO), with an objective to create awareness to the youths on how to promote peace and generate an inclusive society for sustainable development.
Speaking at the seminar as resource person, senior medical officer, State Mental Health Institute, Dr. Viketoulie Pienyii lamented on social issues such as violence against women and child, corruption, injustice, economic inequality, substance/drug abuse, global warming, etc., and stated that these are the issues prevailing in the society which needed to be tackle upon to have sustainable future.
He said these kind of scenario leads to conflict which later leads to social disparity resulting the rightful person’s violation of availing the right opportunity and facility.
Stating that youths are the future leader of the society, Dr. Viketoulie urged them to keep away from illegal drug use, bribery, and to encourage one another as a collective response building a better Nagaland. He also advised the youths that without peace, justice and strong governance, one cannot hope for a sustainable development.
Dr. Viketoulie also suggested that youth organizations should cooperate and work together in order to bring peace, justice and strong institutions in the society.
Highlighting the background of the programme, district field coordinator NFI, Vekulu Demo gave an overview of the project initiated by NFI towards SDG-16 since July 2021 in Nagaland, while the program in the district of Kohima was hosted by ARK Foundation.
She stated that the program aimed to empower the youths on the importance of peace, justice and strong institutions, and how to resolve conflicts among various and numerous social groups.