Medziphema, Nagaland June 19: Four scholars from Nagaland University participated in the 13th World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 in Washington, D.C., USA, with global virtual participation. The event gave researchers the opportunity to engage in global conversations about the future of work and reflect on how those ideas could shape research and development at home.
Ms. Swarnanjali Ghosh, Ms. Manisha Senapati, Mr. Anish Sunwar, and Ms. Kezevinuo Nguzhu, research scholars from the Department of Rural Development and Planning, represented Nagaland University as Online Youth Delegates at the Summit held on June 11–12 in Washington, D.C. under the theme “FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age.” The Summit focused on fourtransformation areas: jobs, education, skills and entrepreneurship. The scholars secured their participation in the Summit through an online application process. Their applications were shortlisted by the organizers based on academic qualifications and curriculum vitae (CV).
Bringing together young researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development practitioners from around the world, the summit explored how technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill development can help create more inclusive and sustainable employment opportunities.
Prof. Jayanta Choudhury, Head of the Department of Rural Development and Planning, Nagaland University, said,
“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. As a department, we remain committed to encouraging our students and scholars to engage in global academic and development forums that promote knowledge exchange, innovation, and leadership for sustainable rural transformation.”
Reflecting on the experience, Mr. Anish Sunwar, Research Scholar, Department of Rural Development and Planning, Nagaland University, said ,“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. To hear diverse perspectives from participants and experts around the world broadened my outlook on global challenges and opportunities.’’
Other Research scholars Kezevinuo Nguzhu and Manisha Senapati noted that the summit inspired them to pursue fresh opportunities in sustainable development. They emphasized that entrepreneurship is a vital theme for Nagaland, offering a powerful pathway to drive innovation, create local jobs, and advance sustainable economic growth.
“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,’’ said Ms. Swarnanjali Ghosh, Research Scholar,Department of Rural Development and Planning, Nagaland University.
The researchers further shared their key takeaway from the Summit that it has helped them understand the importance of digital skills and innovation in shaping the future of work. The summit encouraged them to think about how technology can generate sustainable job creation and contribute to rural development.
The 13th World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 in Washington, D.C.,USA,focused on key areas such as education and skills development, entrepreneurship, and agriculture, with a view towards technology, development finance, and development challenges in fragile settings. The summit has provided a unique platform for youth delegates to share ideas, showcase innovations, and contribute to global conversations on creating inclusive and sustainable economic opportunities for future generations.