Shillong: A delegation of Meghalaya legislators and government officials is participating in the State Legislators’ Leadership Excellence Programme in the United Kingdom, aimed at strengthening leadership capabilities, enhancing governance practices and broadening perspectives on public policy and institutional development.
The programme, being held from November 7 to 14 in London and Cambridge, is jointly organised by the Meghalaya Legislative Research Fellowship Project (MLRF), Meghalaya, and the Intellectual Forum at Jesus College, Cambridge, in collaboration with King’s India Institute, King’s College London (KCL), and LSE Consulting, The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
The delegation is led by the Hon’ble Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Shri Thomas A Sangma among the participants. The programme brings together legislators and officials for an intensive engagement with academics, policy experts, former parliamentarians and institutional leaders from the United Kingdom.
The legislators associated with the programme include Hon’ble Deputy Speaker Limison D Sangma; Deputy Government Chief Whip Ronnie V Lyngdoh; Ministers Marcuise N Marak and Paul Lyngdoh; Government Chief Whip Dr. Celestine Lyngdoh; and Hon’ble Members Abu Taher Mondal, Rupert Momin, Subir Marak, Ollan Singh Suin, Dr. Mohammed Mizanur Rahman Kazi, Shri Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah, Mayralborn Syiem, Gavin Miguel Mylliem, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, Gabriel Wahlang, Shri Kyrmen Shylla, Banteidor Lyngdoh, Balajied Kupar Synrem, Charles Pyngrope and Alexander Laloo Hek.
Also present are Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, IAS, Dr. Sampath Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary and Vice-Chair of the Meghalaya Legislative Research Fellowship Project (MLRF); F.R.Kharkongor, IAS,. M.R.Synrem, IAS, Cyril Diengdoh, Commissioner and Secretary, Parliamentary Affairs, and Officials associated with the programme include Malthus S Sangma, Secretary; Dr. Andrew Simons, Adviser (Legislation) amongst others.
The programme features specialised sessions led by academics, policy experts and experienced practitioners from leading British institutions. Discussions cover ethical decision-making in public policy, leadership, digital infrastructure, private capital, public communication, gender and governance, and innovative approaches to government.
As part of the programme, the delegation is scheduled to visit the Houses of Parliament at Westminster on November 11. The visit includes a parliamentary tour led by the House of Commons Doorkeepers, interactions with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), a dedicated session on the role of parliamentarians and an opportunity for legislators to observe Parliamentary Questions (PMQs) in person.
A policy dialogue titled Think Equal ECD Policy Dialogue will also be held at the House of Lords, focusing on early childhood development and policy engagement.
At Jesus College, Cambridge, participants will attend sessions on building alignment across government during fast-moving crises, the green transition as a pathway to prosperity, behavioral science and public policy, and leadership approaches to addressing development challenges.
An important component of the programme is its focus on Meghalaya-specific development priorities. Sessions include Everyman’s Economics: Democratising the Economy of Meghalaya, led by Dr. Antara Halder, and Adaptive Leadership for Facilitating Economic Growth in Meghalaya State in India, led by Professor Ronald Heifetz.
The programme will also feature interactions with distinguished experts, including Professor Jaideep Prabhu, Dr. Julian Huppert, Professor Louise Tillin, Dr. David Halpern and other leading academics and practitioners.
The eight-day engagement will conclude on November 14 with the presentation of certificates, photographs and a formal farewell at Jesus College, Cambridge.
Through this international engagement, Meghalaya’s legislators and officials are expected to gain valuable exposure to global governance practices, institutional leadership and innovative policy approaches, while exploring ways to adapt relevant learnings to the state’s developmental priorities.
