Advancing Sustainable Development: How Kolong Foundation Empowers Communities and Drives Climate Action through Innovation
1. Empowering Communities and Ending Poverty (SDG 1)
a. Kolong Foundation focuses on uplifting communities through economic empowerment, skill enhancement, and sustainability. How do you ensure that your initiatives have a measurable and lasting impact on local communities?
2. Sustainable Food and Agriculture (SDG 2)
a. Could you share specific examples of how Kolong Foundation has successfully integrated sustainable practices into sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education?
b. With food security being a major global challenge, what strategies does Kolong Foundation implement to promote sustainable agricultural practices and enhance food systems resilience?
At Kolong Foundation, we address food security by integrating sustainable agriculture with resilient food systems. Our focus includes climate-smart agriculture, enhancing productivity while reducing emissions and strengthening resilience to climate change. In Assam, Project eXiT collaborates with farmers on crop rotation, agroforestry, and drought-resistant seeds, with integrated pest management to ensure soil health.
We leverage IoT and AI to improve efficiency: sensors monitor soil moisture and temperature, aiding data-driven irrigation and fertilisation decisions, while AI predicts yields and optimises planting. In water-scarce areas like Assam and Kerala, we promote rainwater harvesting and community-based water management to secure resources.
Our commitment to organic practices helps farmers transition from chemical-intensive methods, improving soil health and food quality. By connecting farmers with markets and strengthening local supply chains, we reduce food waste and ensure accessible, healthy food for rural communities. 
c. How do you see the role of local entrepreneurship and technological innovations in transforming the agricultural sector in India, especially in relation to climate change adaptation?
Kolong Foundation aims to transform India’s agriculture by empowering local entrepreneurs to drive rural change through food and agri-entrepreneurship, helping farmers advance from subsistence to creating value-added products like organic fertilisers and biofuels. These efforts boost resilience against climate impacts and generate new income streams.
We integrate technology in climate-adapted farming, using IoT sensors for real-time weather updates, AI for climate forecasting, and blockchain for supply chain transparency. Additionally, we support agri-tech start-ups focused on climate solutions, collaborating with local hubs to provide funding, mentorship, and technology access, fostering innovations like smart irrigation and biodegradable packaging.
d. Can you share your vision for how Kolong Foundation aims to collaborate with farmers, agribusinesses, and government agencies to create sustainable agricultural ecosystems?
At Kolong Foundation, we envision sustainable agricultural ecosystems built through partnerships among farmers, entrepreneurs, NGOs, and government agencies. By uniting stakeholders in environmental stewardship, economic empowerment, and food security, we drive sustainable agriculture forward.
Farmers are our priority; we provide training on sustainable practices like organic farming through Farmer Field Schools and digital platforms. We also promote cooperatives to share resources and access broader markets.
Partnerships with agribusinesses enable scalable, sustainable value chains with transparent, fair pricing via blockchain. Working with NGOs and government agencies, we advocate for microfinance access and rural infrastructure, fostering resilient, sustainable rural communities through public-private collaboration.
3. Innovation and Technology for Good (SDGs 9 & 10)
a. What challenges do you face in implementing decentralised, sustainable business models across diverse sectors such as entertainment, food, and technology?
Implementing decentralised, sustainable business models in rural areas like Assam offers both opportunities and challenges. Limited infrastructure—such as electricity, internet, and transport—hinders our initiatives. To overcome this, the Kolong Foundation is setting up solar-powered microgrids to provide essential infrastructure.
A lack of digital literacy also creates resistance to new technologies like IoT, AI, and blockchain. Through our Nagaon initiative, we conduct workshops to build capacity, equipping local farmers, artisans, women, and entrepreneurs with essential skills.
Access to finance is another barrier, especially for food and handicraft entrepreneurs. To support them, we’ve launched “Corpus for Green Entrepreneurs,” a blockchain-based microfinance program offering transparent, low-cost financing.
Our model’s success hinges on forward and backward linkages. Backward linkages strengthen local supply chains, supporting sustainable agriculture and improving yields. Forward linkages connect producers to markets, empowering them to effectively sell their goods.
Following Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s PURA (Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas) framework, we enhance energy access, essential for business growth, fostering local entrepreneurship.
Our Decentralised Economy approach promotes local production, reducing dependence on distant suppliers. Project eXiT in Nagaon is scaling across India and internationally, showing our commitment to sustainable, community-driven development.
b. You’ve emphasised the use of disruptive technologies like IoT, AI, and blockchain in fostering community development. How do you see these technologies playing a pivotal role in achieving sustainability goals, particularly in emerging economies like India?
Disruptive technologies like IoT, AI, and blockchain are transforming sustainability in emerging economies, especially in India, by offering scalable, cost-effective solutions for resource management, essential services, and transparency.
IoT optimises resource use in agriculture through real-time data from sensors in irrigation and weather systems. This data helps farmers conserve water, reduce fertiliser use, and improve crop health, boosting yields by up to 30%. AI further enhances sustainability via predictive analytics, advising optimal planting times and automating diagnostics in rural healthcare.
Blockchain fosters trust and transparency in transactions by creating secure ledgers for microfinance, agriculture, and retail, vital for rural entrepreneurs and farmers facing delayed payments and fraud.
Together, these technologies streamline resource management, improve service access, and establish transparent ecosystems, essential for India’s economic and environmental sustainability.
c. How does Kolong Foundation ensure that these innovations are accessible and beneficial to underserved or rural communities?
d. What role do you see for emerging technologies in helping countries like India achieve their COP29 climate goals, especially in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education?
Emerging technologies are essential for India’s COP29 climate goals, transforming sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education. In agriculture, IoT enables precision farming, optimising irrigation, crop health, and resilience against climate variability. AI and data analytics further assist in predicting weather and crop yields.
In healthcare, telemedicine and remote monitoring improve rural access, while AI aids diagnostics and patient care. Digital platforms in education extend access, empowering rural communities and fostering sustainability skills. By integrating these technologies, India advances towards a sustainable future, enhancing resilience, productivity, and environmental responsibility across critical sectors.
e. In your experience, how can businesses leverage these technologies to improve transparency and efficiency while addressing environmental and social challenges?
4. Education for Sustainable Development (SDG 4)
a. Education and skill development are core areas of focus for Kolong Foundation. How do your programs empower individuals to take an active role in sustainability and social entrepreneurship?
b. What role do you see education playing in fostering a new generation of leaders who are equipped to tackle sustainability challenges, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas?
c. Could you provide examples of any innovative educational models or partnerships Kolong Foundation has initiated to promote sustainability awareness and skill enhancement?
Our innovative educational models and partnerships promote sustainability and enhance skills in rural, underserved communities. A key initiative, the eXiT Learning Model under Project eXiT in Assam, integrates sustainability into a curriculum centred on agriculture, entrepreneurship, and technology. Participants learn organic farming, water conservation, digital literacy, and business skills. Collaborations with local institutions like Assam Skill University provide workshops on renewable energy and AI-powered farming.
Farmer Field Schools offer hands-on learning through demonstration plots, teaching IoT-based soil monitoring and drip irrigation. To overcome geographic isolation, we’re launching digital platforms for remote learning, accessible on low bandwidth. Partnerships with NGOs and government programs align our efforts with national sustainability and skill development goals.
5. Inclusive Growth and Bridging Inequalities (SDGs 5 & 10)
a. How does Kolong Foundation ensure that these innovations are accessible and beneficial to underserved or rural communities?
b. As a strategist passionate about innovation and decentralisation, how do you balance the commercial objectives of your projects with Kolong Foundation’s commitment to environmental sustainability?
6. Clean Energy and Climate Resilience (SDGs 7 & 13)
a. What are some of the most successful initiatives you have led at Kolong Foundation that have integrated environmental sustainability with entrepreneurship or economic empowerment?
Our environmental sustainability initiatives blend entrepreneurship with economic empowerment, fostering eco-conscious communities. Project eXiT in Nagaon, Assam, supports local entrepreneurs, farmers, and artisans through microfinance, training, and renewable energy solutions like solar-powered stalls. This project reduces waste, composts food waste, and limits plastic use.
Partnering with farmers, we promote organic and precision agriculture, using blockchain to ensure fair prices and eco-friendly practices that conserve water and reduce pesticide use. Our Solar Entrepreneurship Program trains locals to install solar panels, enhancing energy access and job creation. Meanwhile, the Water Conservation Program addresses water scarcity with rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation. These efforts empower communities while advancing sustainable growth and environmental preservation.
b. How does Kolong Foundation align its mission and projects with the climate goals set during COP28 and COP29, particularly in promoting sustainable living and resilient communities?
Our mission aligns with COP28 and COP29 climate goals through community-focused initiatives. We empower rural communities with tools for sustainable practices, emphasising education in eco-friendly agriculture, water conservation, and waste management. Key projects, like Project eXiT, support food security, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity by promoting organic farming and local food production.
We advocate renewable energy access, reducing fossil fuel dependency, and fostering rural energy independence. Our resilient infrastructure projects build climate-resilient spaces and integrate efficient resource management technology. Using robust monitoring frameworks, we assess and refine our impact, ensuring alignment with global climate objectives. Through these comprehensive efforts, we contribute meaningfully to sustainability initiatives.
7. Sustainable Business and Sector Transformation (SDGs 8 & 12)
a. How do you envision Kolong Foundation’s role in shaping sustainable business practices across sectors like technology, healthcare, and entertainment over the next decade?
I envision the Kolong Foundation driving sustainable business practices across sectors. In technology, we’ll use AI, IoT, and blockchain to develop scalable, eco-friendly models—such as IoT precision farming for resource efficiency and blockchain for transparent supply chains.
In healthcare, we aim to improve rural access to quality care with IoT remote monitoring and AI diagnostics, prioritising underserved regions. Through Project eXiT, we’ll merge sustainability with entertainment, food, art, and culture, creating renewable energy–powered hubs to promote eco-awareness.
By fostering cross-industry partnerships, I aim to build a collaborative strategy for sustainable development. Our vision is to expand decentralised, tech-enabled models, ensuring businesses align with circular economy principles to shape an innovative, inclusive, and sustainable future.
b. What advice would you offer to other business leaders looking to transition from commercial pursuits to social impact-driven initiatives?
For business leaders transitioning to social impact-driven initiatives, aligning purpose with profit is crucial. Today’s businesses can achieve financial success while creating social value. Starting small with manageable projects, like our Project eXiT in Nagaon, Assam, allows for sustainable scaling and demonstrates integration of sustainability.
Leveraging technologies such as IoT, AI, and blockchain enhances transparency and impact. Engaging local communities is essential; initiatives are most effective when co-designed with those affected, fostering trust and ownership. Measuring success through robust frameworks focusing on social and financial outcomes ensures accountability. Embracing long-term thinking is vital; social impact is a journey, not a quick win.
8. Building Strong Partnerships for Impact (SDG 17)
a. How do you engage with international stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and corporations, to align Kolong Foundation’s efforts with global sustainability goals, such as those set at COP29?
Ms. Anwesha Nath, a member of the UNFCCC youth constituency, has been a significant voice in climate action, participating in COP28 and other UNFCCC events, and representing youth at COP29 in Azerbaijan. Her carbon emissions tracking app earned accolades at RCOY MENA and LCOY UAE, advancing youth engagement in climate advocacy across the Middle East.
Our organisation aligns with global sustainability goals by partnering with governments, corporations, NGOs, and international entities to create innovative solutions for climate change, poverty, and social equity. Through platforms like COP29, we showcase impactful projects, such as India’s eXiT initiative, demonstrating the power of green technology and local entrepreneurship.
We support several UN SDGs, emphasising climate action, education, gender equality, and decent work. Our policy advocacy, focused on renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, is supported by data-driven impact assessments, fostering transparency and strengthening partnerships to achieve lasting sustainable development outcomes.
b. Looking beyond COP29, how do you foresee the role of social enterprises like Kolong Foundation evolving to meet the growing demands for sustainability leadership and climate action?
Looking beyond COP29, social enterprises like ours will play a crucial role in sustainability and climate action by integrating environmental, social, and economic solutions. Our locally focused approach empowers rural communities to take ownership of sustainable practices, ensuring relevance and impact. With a nimble structure, we rapidly adapt, incorporating technologies like IoT and AI for resource efficiency in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education.
Strengthening partnerships with governments, NGOs, and businesses is key to scaling our impact. Through advocacy and education, we raise awareness, drive engagement, and contribute to a sustainable future.
9. Climate Action in Vulnerable Regions (SDG 13)
a. Given your experience working in India and the broader Indian Subcontinent, what are the unique climate challenges these regions face, and how do you believe COP29 can address them effectively?
The Indian Subcontinent faces unique climate challenges, with rising floods, droughts, and cyclones disrupting agriculture and causing food insecurity and displacement. Water scarcity affects rural life, while urban centres grapple with severe air pollution. Vulnerable agriculture faces issues like irregular rainfall and pest invasions. COP29 offers a platform to promote community-led climate action and climate-resilient infrastructure. Investing in sustainable practices and strengthening policies will support adaptation and foster international collaboration for effective climate mitigation.
b. In your view, how can businesses and social enterprises contribute to the successful implementation of COP29 agreements at the grassroots level?
c. What are the most pressing sustainability issues you anticipate post-COP29, and how is Kolong Foundation preparing to address these through its social impact initiatives?
Post-COP29, critical sustainability issues, especially climate resilience, are expected to intensify, demanding robust community adaptation. We’re addressing this with projects focused on sustainable agriculture, water management, and renewable energy, empowering communities to adapt.
Food security remains essential amid climate change and population growth; thus, we’re bolstering sustainable agriculture, promoting local food systems, and supporting farmers with technology and training. Addressing social justice, we prioritise empowering marginalised groups through education. With natural resource demand rising, we emphasise sustainable water, energy, and waste management practices, fostering community awareness for a more sustainable future.
10. Inspiring Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing (SDGs 4 & 17)
a. How can platforms like NGF Magazine and international forums contribute to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among social enterprises, businesses, and governments in the post-COP29 era?
