Aizawl, September 23, 2025: The Department of Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (LESDE), Government of Mizoram, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), organized a high-level Roundtable on Employment, Skills and Social Protection at the ATI Auditorium, MINECO, Aizawl, on Tuesday.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, labour representatives, civil society organizations, entrepreneurs, students, and government officials to discuss key challenges and opportunities in employment generation, skill development, entrepreneurship, and social protection in Mizoram.
The programme was chaired by LESDE Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar, while Dr. Lalhriatzuali Ralte, Secretary, LESDE, delivered the welcome address. The session was moderated by Lalramdini, Under Secretary, Mizoram Youth Commission.
In his keynote address, Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar emphasized the significance of the partnership between the Government of Mizoram and the International Labour Organization in addressing the state's evolving labour market challenges. He pointed out that Mizoram continues to face issues such as limited employment opportunities in the formal sector, dependence on informal labour, and the migration of skilled and unskilled workers to other parts of the country in search of better prospects.
The Minister stressed the need for focused skill development programmes, entrepreneurship promotion, and stronger social protection systems to ensure sustainable livelihoods for the people of the state. He said creating employment opportunities for young people remains one of the government's top priorities and called for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Satoshi Sasaki, Deputy Director of the ILO, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting Mizoram in promoting decent work, employability, and inclusive economic growth. He noted that Mizo youth possess significant potential and talent and that with proper training and support, they can emerge as successful entrepreneurs and skilled professionals.
Sasaki also highlighted the ILO's efforts to assist vulnerable communities through capacity-building initiatives, employment programmes, and social protection measures. He emphasized that strengthening skills and expanding employment opportunities are essential for ensuring long-term economic resilience and social well-being.
The roundtable discussions were divided into three thematic sessions. The first session focused on understanding the employment landscape in Mizoram and examined current labour market trends, opportunities, and challenges. The second session explored issues related to skill development and entrepreneurship, including strategies for enhancing employability and fostering innovation among youth. The third session examined the state's social protection framework and discussed ways to improve support systems for workers and vulnerable groups.
Each session featured panel discussions involving experts, academics, government officials, labour organizations, and representatives from civil society. Participants included members from Mizoram University, the Mizoram Youth Commission, labour unions, women's organizations, and various development agencies.
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The event witnessed active participation from college students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and senior government officials, reflecting a broad-based stakeholder engagement in shaping the future of employment and workforce development in the state.
Officials said the deliberations and recommendations emerging from the roundtable are expected to contribute significantly to policy formulation and programme implementation in the areas of employment generation, skill development, entrepreneurship, and social protection. The discussions also underscored the importance of continued collaboration between the Mizoram Government and the ILO in creating a more inclusive and sustainable labour market for the state.
