CM of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio along with H.E Linda Cameron, British High Commissioner to India and other dignitaries at the CM’s official residents on November 30. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, November 30 (MExN): The Government of Nagaland and British High Commission to India have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Chief Minister’s official residence on November 30 to reserve five annual slots in the prestigious Chevening Scholarship programme exclusively for candidates from Nagaland.
The MoU was signed by Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), and H.E. Dr Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner, Kolkata, stated a DIPR report.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, and H.E. Linda Cameron, British High Commissioner to India. Copies of the MoU were formally exchanged between the two dignitaries. The initiative was conceived and facilitated by IDAN, underscoring its commitment to driving investment in human capital and fostering international partnerships.
The Chevening Scholarship programme, a flagship initiative of the UK Government, is a globally recognised fellowship aimed at nurturing exceptional individuals with leadership potential. This collaboration will provide full funding for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university, equipping scholars with advanced knowledge and skills in their chosen fields. Under the terms of the MoU, the Government of Nagaland will part-fund the reserved slots, enabling aspiring leaders from the state to join Chevening’s global network of changemakers.
Applications will follow the standard Chevening process, with candidates evaluated by a panel of experts, including representatives from the Government of Nagaland.
Aspiring candidates are encouraged to contact the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland for guidance on the application process, which will commence in mid-2025.
Roundtable discussion
The Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with British High Commission and Welsh Government, hosted a landmark roundtable discussion at Hotel Vivor on November 30. The events served as a platform to showcase Nagaland’s growing opportunities and investment potential while fostering international partnerships in key sectors such as agritech, the creative economy, and entrepreneurship, the DIPR report stated.
In his opening remarks, Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of IDAN, emphasised the global significance of the Hornbill Festival as a venue for networking and collaboration. He highlighted Nagaland’s transformation into a land of opportunities while retaining its rich identity as a land of festivals. Stressing the potential for agritech and the creative economy to drive economic growth, Metha underscored the importance of strategic collaborations with the United Kingdom and Wales to usher in a new era of sustainable development for the state.
Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, and Andrew Gwatkin, Director of International Relations and Trade for the Welsh Government outlined potential areas of collaboration, including sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, skill development, and the creative industries, which hold immense promise for both regions.
The roundtable concluded with a shared vision for fostering innovation, cultural exchange, and economic development through enduring partnerships.
Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor for Industries and Commerce highlighted the state’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly in sectors with high growth potential. Jakhalu emphasised the role of collaborative efforts in building a sustainable and inclusive economy for Nagaland’s youth and emerging entrepreneurs.
Director of British Council India, Alison Barrett, and British Deputy High Commissioner, Dr Andrew Fleming, also addressed the roundtable, emphasizing the importance of cultural and educational exchanges in fostering long-term partnerships.
As a prelude to the roundtable, a separate roundtable was conducted in Dimapur, bringing together key stakeholders from Nagaland’s business community to understand the challenges, opportunities, and pathways for fostering economic growth in the region.
The discussion focused on enhancing ease of doing business, exploring innovative financing mechanisms, and identifying sectors with high potential for investment, including agribusiness, the creative economy, tourism, and technology.
