Prof. Shukla highlights NEHU’s vision for a Sustainable Northeast at THE Summit 2024

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 19, 2024

Amid pressing global challenges such as climate change and health crises, innovative solutions are vital to addressing complex social, cultural, economic, and environmental issues. The THE Innovation & Impact Summit 2024, held in New Delhi, India, from December 10–12, 2024, provided a platform to explore higher education’s role in driving global innovation and impact. The event featured prominent professionals, including Ahmed Ali Alraeesi (Acting Vice-Chancellor, United Arab Emirates University), Noboru Noguchi (Dean, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University), Dr. Tanvir Mahmoud Hussein, PMP (Associate Professor-Finance, Gulf University), Kuldeep Dagar (Joint Secretary, Association of Indian Universities), Andrea Krussel (Director of Education and Workforce Development, Washington University in St. Louis), Colin Riordan (Secretary-General, Association of Commonwealth Universities), Saonee Sarker (Dean, Virginia Tech), Stephen Spinelli (President, Babson College), and Phil Baty (Chief Global Affairs Officer, THE).

Representing North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla emphasized higher education’s transformative role in fostering regional development. Sharing the stage with esteemed figures like Daniel Sui (Senior Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Virginia Tech) and Albert Lai (Chief Research Information Officer, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis), Prof. Shukla highlighted NEHU’s efforts to promote sustainable engagement with local communities in India’s northeast.

NEHU, based in Shillong, Meghalaya, is renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to community-driven initiatives. The university’s focus on integrating education with societal needs positions it as a leader in addressing regional challenges while contributing to the socio-economic growth of the northeast.

In his address, Prof. Shukla outlined NEHU’s initiatives to bridge higher education with local development. He emphasized fostering sustainable partnerships that leverage academic resources to benefit society, underscoring his vision of using education as a catalyst for a connected and prosperous northeast.

Prof. Shukla also engaged in a productive meeting with Colin Riordan, Secretary-General of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). He reaffirmed NEHU’s commitment as an ACU member to expanding global collaborations, adopting innovative educational practices, and addressing global challenges through localized solutions. He also discussed NEHU’s partnership with Dr. Skill, a Gujarat-based startup equipping youth with specialized skills for global career opportunities. This collaboration focuses on fostering industry-ready career pathways, particularly in European markets, and preparing students to tackle global challenges effectively.

The meeting included discussions on a proposed Commonwealth Universities Workshop on Sustainability and Skill Development, to be hosted by IIS Meghalaya, with Dr. Skill as the knowledge and outreach partner.

Additionally, Prof. Shukla’s interactions with Noboru Noguchi and Dr. Tanvir Mahmoud Hussein highlighted potential collaborations that promise significant benefits for India’s northeast.

Through his active participation in the summit, Prof. Shukla reinforced NEHU’s dedication to regional development, enhancing its global presence, and advancing a sustainable and innovative future for India’s northeast.