More than 50% of India’s population is below the age of 25 and more than 65% below the age of 35. As such, it is clear that development of a community or region is not possible without participation, development and empowerment of youth. Now the North-East youth have come forward and join hands with UNDP to develop the state and achieve the sustainable development goals.

Improving connectivity through road construction — Manipur
Tamenglong district of Manipur is prone to heavy rainfall. Landslides and road connectivity affect villagers in many parts of the district and they get cut off. The UN Volunteer (UNV) coordinator organized young volunteers from Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and National Service Scheme (NSS) of Tamenglong district, who in turn mobilized the local community to undertake the construction of 14 km of road connecting 11 remote villages with nearby towns. In this community-led initiative, funds available for Luangrang village under MGNREGA was used and villagers raised the remaining funds to cover the deficit cost.

Self-employment and self-reliance amongst young rural women — Sikkim
UNDP provided a Mahila Mandal (women group) in Menglee, South Sikkim district, with technical and financial support to start a manufacturing unit for low-cost sanitary pads. Apart from promoting livelihoods and income generation, this intervention also aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene among rural women. Accordingly, Suraksha Self-help Group (SHG) was formed with 11 members and saw the birth of ‘Suraksha’ sanitary pads. Post initial technical and financial support, the SHG has become self-sufficient and has initiated branding of their product.

In this way the North-east group is trying develop their states and create more opportunities for the local artisans.