Four research scholars from Nagaland University represented the institution as online youth delegates at the 13th World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026, participating in global discussions on employment, innovation and sustainable development.
The summit, held on June 11 and 12 in Washington, D.C., with virtual participation from across the world, was organised under the theme “FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age.” The event focused on jobs, education, skills and entrepreneurship and brought together young researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers and development practitioners to discuss strategies for creating inclusive and sustainable employment opportunities.
Representing Nagaland University were Swarnanjali Ghosh, Manisha Senapati, Anish Sunwar and Kezevinuo Nguzhu, all research scholars from the Department of Rural Development and Planning. They were selected through a competitive online process in which applications were shortlisted based on academic credentials and curriculum vitae.
The summit offered participants an opportunity to engage with international perspectives on the future of work and explore how emerging ideas could support research and development initiatives in their respective regions.
Prof. Jayanta Choudhury, Head of the Department of Rural Development and Planning, said participation in international platforms enables young researchers to gain exposure to global development issues and broaden their academic outlook.
He stated that such experiences strengthen researchers’ ability to contribute to evidence-based policy and practice at local, national and international levels. He added that the department remains committed to encouraging scholars to participate in global academic and development forums that promote knowledge exchange, innovation and leadership for sustainable rural transformation.
Reflecting on the experience, research scholar Anish Sunwar described the summit as an enriching platform that provided valuable insights into innovation, digital employment and youth leadership. He said interactions with participants and experts from different countries broadened his understanding of global opportunities and challenges.
Research scholars Kezevinuo Nguzhu and Manisha Senapati said the summit encouraged them to explore new opportunities in sustainable development and highlighted entrepreneurship as an important avenue for promoting innovation, generating local employment and supporting long-term economic growth in Nagaland.
Swarnanjali Ghosh emphasised the importance of digital jobs and entrepreneurship for the state, noting that such opportunities could create new livelihood avenues for young people and contribute to sustainable rural development. She said the summit underscored the role of digital skills and innovation in shaping the future of work.
The scholars said one of the key outcomes of their participation was a deeper understanding of how technology and innovation can support sustainable job creation and strengthen rural development initiatives.
The 13th edition of the World Bank Group Youth Summit also addressed issues relating to education and skills development, entrepreneurship, agriculture, development finance and challenges faced by fragile regions. The platform enabled youth delegates to exchange ideas, showcase innovations and contribute to global conversations on creating inclusive and sustainable economic opportunities.
Nagaland University, the only Central University in the state, was established through an Act of Parliament in 1989 and became operational in 1994. The university currently functions through its campuses at Lumami, Kohima and Medziphema and offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes across multiple disciplines.
