The Global Shapers Community Kohima organized a dialogue series titled “The Future Is Now” at D’Cafe, Kohima, on May 9. The event focused on sustainable strategies for environmental resilience in Nagaland and aimed to drive positive change in local communities.
Kevisato Sanyu, entrepreneur, educator, and founder of NagaEd, stressed the need to reconnect with nature to build resilience and sustainability. He described nature as a space for healing and renewal, adding that urban environments often limit individuals’ understanding of the natural world. He emphasized the importance of exposing children to nature early in life to foster a lifelong commitment to conservation.
Citing indigenous knowledge and tribal lifestyles, Sanyu highlighted Northeast India as a valuable resource for sustainable living practices. He called for the integration of indigenous perspectives into policymaking, using examples such as protected forests and New Zealand’s Whanganui River, which has been granted legal personhood.
Boka K. Rochill, a policy analyst and urbanist, spoke on the need to balance development with sustainability. He advocated for a shift from linear to circular growth models and urged young leaders to push for change, including promoting public transport to address Kohima’s traffic congestion and pollution.
Architect Theja Tsukru discussed sustainable urban design, sharing efforts to repurpose neglected spaces such as converting dumping sites into children’s parks. He underscored the need for locally adapted solutions that align with global sustainability goals.