Dr Neiphiu Rio addressing the inaugural ceremony of 13th Edition of the One Purpose India Forum on October 26. (DIPR Photo)
New Delhi, October 26 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on Monday called for stronger partnerships between governments, businesses, civil society and communities to address development challenges and contribute to the national vision of Viksit Bharat, speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 13th Edition of the One Purpose India Forum (OPIF) 2026 at Hotel Pullman, New Delhi Aerocity.
Organised by CSRBOX, the three-day forum is being held from October 26 to 28, stated a DIPR report.
Congratulating CSRBOX and its partners for bringing together policymakers, corporate leaders, philanthropists and development practitioners, Rio said the evolution of the India CSR and ESG Summit into the One Purpose India Forum reflected the growing recognition that development requires collective efforts and shared responsibility.
He emphasised that the true measure of development lies not merely in the resources mobilised or projects undertaken, but in the lasting difference made in people's lives, and said CSR, philanthropy and sustainable development must ultimately translate into better opportunities, stronger communities and an improved quality of life.
Noting that CSR has evolved into an important instrument for social investment and community development, with corporate and philanthropic institutions contributing not only financial resources but also technological expertise, innovation, research and professional capabilities, he stressed the need for stronger partnerships, credible institutions, transparent processes and clear accountability.
He said while governments must identify development priorities and create an enabling environment, corporate and philanthropic partners must complement these efforts with expertise, resources and sustained commitment, and underlined the importance of documenting successful initiatives, measuring outcomes and replicating good practices.
Highlighting Nagaland's biodiversity, diverse cultures, living traditions and vibrant communities, Rio described the State as an emerging hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, music, arts and the creative economy, and said the annual Hornbill Festival has become an internationally recognised celebration of the State's cultural identity.
Reflecting on the State's history, he spoke about the resistance offered by the Nagas during British colonial expansion and the ongoing effort to repatriate Naga ancestral human remains held abroad, noting that the Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with the Pitt Rivers Museum at the University of Oxford, is undertaking an exercise in repatriation and decolonisation, with the remains expected to arrive in India later in November. He also recalled the historic Battle of Kohima during the Second World War.
Despite geographical challenges, infrastructure gaps, limited resources and an uncertain political environment, Rio said the people of Nagaland, particularly its youth, have continued to make significant contributions to nation-building, citing the achievements of Dr Talimeren Ao, who captained India's first Olympic football team at the 1948 London Olympics; filmmaker Theja Rio and his film Angh; para-athlete Hokato Hotozhe Sema; and the Nagaland Madrigal Singers.
“If our people can achieve so much despite tremendous hurdles, imagine how much more they can contribute with the right support, encouragement and opportunities, especially through the goodwill and partnership of corporate India,” he said, urging the corporate sector to forge collaborative partnerships towards building a developed India.
Highlighting the role of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) in facilitating engagement with corporates, investors and development partners, he said the government alone cannot address every development challenge and that private-sector participation and philanthropic institutions have an important role in accelerating progress.
He identified education, skill development, sports, entrepreneurship, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, women-led enterprises, environmental conservation, water security, climate-resilient agriculture and community-based development as key areas offering significant scope for collaboration, and emphasised leveraging local enterprises, traditional knowledge and cultural heritage with modern technology and wider market access.
Positioning Nagaland and the wider Northeast as an emerging gateway to the East, particularly the ASEAN region, Rio pointed to the Trans-Asian Highway as an important connectivity link and urged corporate India to look beyond CSR initiatives and explore investment opportunities in logistics, infrastructure, manufacturing hubs and economic zones. He also highlighted the vision of Nagaki, envisaged as a future global city in the foothills of Nagaland.
Inviting the corporate and philanthropic community to visit the State and establish collaborations that are locally relevant, professionally implemented and mutually beneficial, he assured prospective partners of the State Government's fullest cooperation.
Concluding his address, the CM said the vision of Viksit Bharat must ensure that opportunities are not constrained by geography and that every State, district and village has the opportunity to progress, adding that economic growth must go hand in hand with social inclusion, environmental sustainability and community empowerment.
