Four research scholars from Nagaland University participated in the World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026, engaging in discussions on digital jobs, skills and entrepreneurship.
Medziphema, June 19: Four research scholars from Nagaland University represented the institution at the 13th World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026, joining global discussions on employment, education, skills development and entrepreneurship in the digital era.
Ms. Swarnanjali Ghosh, Ms. Manisha Senapati, Mr. Anish Sunwar and Ms. Kezevinuo Nguzhu from the Department of Rural Development and Planning participated as Online Youth Delegates at the summit held on June 11 and 12 in Washington, D.C., United States.
The summit, organised under the theme “FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age,” brought together young researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers and development practitioners from across the world to explore emerging opportunities and challenges in the future of work.
The event focused on four key areas—jobs, education, skills and entrepreneurship—with discussions centred on how technology, innovation and capacity-building can contribute to more inclusive and sustainable employment opportunities.
The four scholars secured their participation through a competitive online application process. According to the university, their applications were shortlisted by the organisers based on academic qualifications and curriculum vitae.
The summit provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas on the changing nature of employment and examine how digital transformation is reshaping economies and labour markets worldwide. It also enabled delegates to engage with international experts and gain insights into emerging development trends.
Speaking on the significance of the participation, Head of the Department of Rural Development and Planning, Prof. Jayanta Choudhury, said exposure to international platforms helps young researchers broaden their academic and professional perspectives.
“Participation in international platforms such as the World Bank Group Youth Summit helps young researchers with valuable exposure to global development issues and broadens their academic perspective. It also strengthens their ability to contribute to evidence-based policy and practice at the local, national and international levels,” he said.
Prof. Choudhury added that the department remains committed to encouraging students and research scholars to engage in global academic and development forums that promote knowledge exchange, innovation and leadership for sustainable rural transformation.
The participating scholars said the summit offered them an opportunity to learn from experts and fellow delegates from different countries while reflecting on how global ideas could be applied in local contexts.
Mr. Anish Sunwar described the experience as insightful and enriching, saying it provided valuable perspectives on innovation, digital employment and youth leadership.
“Participating in the World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 was an insightful and enriching experience that gave valuable insights into innovation, digital jobs and youth leadership. Hearing diverse perspectives from participants and experts around the world broadened my outlook on global challenges and opportunities,” he said.
Research scholars Kezevinuo Nguzhu and Manisha Senapati said the discussions encouraged them to explore new opportunities in sustainable development. They highlighted entrepreneurship as an important area for Nagaland, noting that it can help foster innovation, generate employment and support long-term economic growth.
They observed that strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems could play a key role in creating livelihood opportunities for young people in the state while contributing to local development.
Ms. Swarnanjali Ghosh also underscored the relevance of digital jobs and entrepreneurship in the context of Nagaland’s development.
“Digital jobs and entrepreneurship are highly relevant for Nagaland because they can create new livelihood opportunities for youth and support sustainable development. Participating in the summit highlighted the importance of digital skills and innovation in shaping the future of work and rural development,” she said.
The scholars said one of the major lessons from the summit was the growing importance of digital competencies in a rapidly changing job market. They noted that technology-driven innovations can create sustainable employment opportunities and contribute significantly to rural development initiatives.
According to the participants, the discussions reinforced the need for greater investment in skill development and digital literacy to prepare young people for emerging economic opportunities.
The World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 also examined issues related to agriculture, development finance and challenges faced by fragile and developing regions. Discussions explored how innovation and technology can be leveraged to address these challenges while promoting inclusive growth.
The annual summit serves as a global platform for youth delegates to share ideas, present innovations and engage in conversations on building sustainable and equitable economic opportunities for future generations.
For the Nagaland University scholars, participation in the summit provided exposure to international perspectives and offered an opportunity to connect global development discussions with local priorities in Nagaland and the wider Northeast region.
