OUR CORRESPONDENT
NAMSAI: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein Sunday said that the civil society organizations have nurtured generations of the state and contributed immensely to the process of transforming the place from a remote-obscure one to a progressive one. Addressing the concluding day of the Namsai Conclave of the C20 Summit on ‘Diversity, Inclusion, and Mutual Respect’, Mein said that the strength of civil society lies in its ability to ‘bridge’ the gap between grassroots communities and decision-makers, advocating for the needs and rights of marginalized groups. "By engaging with local communities, civil society organizations gain valuable insights into the realities, challenges, and aspirations of people on the ground. This knowledge is essential for inclusive decision-making processes, as it ensures that policies are developed with a deep understanding of the diverse contexts and needs of the population," he said.
The deputy chief minister added that the tribal communities of the state have been very prompt in adapting to the rapid development but have remained firmly rooted in the ‘indigenous’ culture, which flows unhindered for centuries together and symbolizes rich traditions that have evolved over centuries. He acknowledged that it is essential to recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion at the societal level within nations as well as embrace diverse paths and perspectives on an international and global scale. "To ensure effective inclusion, equity is an inherent component, making "diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect" the chosen focal point," he added.
Stating that C20 working groups serve as essential platforms to bring together diverse stakeholders and promote dialogue, collaboration, and collective action towards achieving greater diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect, Mein said that only by recognizing and embracing the richness of differences and ensuring equitable opportunities for all can we build a more inclusive and harmonious society. He called for all to make a clarion call to utilize the vast potential of our civil societies to bring harmony to today’s fragmented world, to foster love for humanity over mistrust, and to engrave the motto of the C20 in their hearts.
Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao from Arunachal East Parliamentary Constituency spoke on the importance of nature and the law of natural order and called for its preservation. "We have to live unitedly and peacefully in coexistence with nature by embracing our diversity," he said. Gao added that the government is responsible for making good policies, so elect good leaders who will work towards preserving ancient cultures and traditions. "Our laws should not marginalized any section of society, and we should live with nature, respecting it and all its components," the BJP MP added.
The C20 summit at Namsai was attended by around 150 delegates from countries like Armenia, Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Mexico, Myanmar, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, the USA, and Venezuela, along with representatives of all community-based organizations in Arunachal Pradesh and civil societies. The C20 conclave is a major event under India’s G20 Presidency that aims to initiate extensive dialogue and engagement with civil society organisations, policymakers, and different government and non-government agencies.
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