BIMSTEC Youth Summit: A New Era of Collaboration
The inaugural BIMSTEC Youth Summit took place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, marking a significant milestone in regional cooperation among youth. Organized by the Department of Youth Affairs under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, the summit aims to strengthen collaboration among youth across the BIMSTEC member countries. The event was chaired by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and gathered distinguished dignitaries, including the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel, and other key officials. This summit is a platform for youth-led initiatives and aims to foster innovation and development across the region.
A Vision for Youth Empowerment
In his opening address, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the crucial role of young leaders in shaping a resilient and prosperous BIMSTEC community. He pointed out that over 60% of the 1.8 billion people in the BIMSTEC region are youth. This demographic represents a vast potential for growth and innovation. Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the importance of skill development and creating opportunities in a rapidly changing global landscape. He cited various initiatives by the Indian government, such as the Skill India Mission and the PM Internship Scheme, which have successfully trained over 15 million young people in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital technologies.
Furthermore, Dr. Mandaviya showcased India’s thriving startup ecosystem, which ranks as the third-largest in the world. With over 157,000 startups, nearly half are led by women. He proposed that BIMSTEC nations collaborate to establish an integrated regional startup network. This initiative aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth. Dr. Mandaviya also introduced the concept of BIMSTEC as a “Youth Bridge,” a multi-sectoral initiative designed to empower young leaders through knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities.
Strengthening Regional Ties
The summit featured remarks from various dignitaries, including Shri Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel, who echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s vision of the Bay of Bengal as a vital bridge for connectivity and prosperity. He emphasized the need for regional unity and growth, highlighting the importance of collaboration among BIMSTEC nations.
Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs, spoke about the shared history and common values that bind the BIMSTEC countries. He noted that the region, home to over 1.7 billion people, presents both opportunities and challenges. The strength of BIMSTEC lies in its deep-rooted bonds across borders, which can be leveraged for mutual growth and development.
During the summit, Dr. Mandaviya engaged in one-on-one interactions with youth delegates from BIMSTEC countries. He highlighted the Government’s Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue Initiative, which empowers Indian youth to engage and contribute to the nation’s growth. Heads of delegations also showcased their countries’ youth development initiatives, focusing on strategies for empowerment and innovation.
Exploring Future Opportunities
The summit included a session titled “Viksit Bharat @2047,” chaired by Smt. Raksha Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports. She outlined India’s vision for becoming a developed nation by 2047, emphasizing the pivotal role of youth in achieving this goal. The discussions also covered the importance of cultural inclusivity and mutual cooperation among BIMSTEC countries.
A panel discussion on “Celebrating Diversity across BIMSTEC Countries” explored how shared heritage can strengthen regional ties. Another session focused on “Digital Infrastructure for Inclusive Economic Growth and Sustainability,” highlighting the role of technology in promoting equitable economic progress.
The day concluded with a visit to Dandi Kutir, where delegates learned about Mahatma Gandhi’s life and legacy. This experience deepened their understanding of his ideals and contributions to India’s freedom movement. The first day of the summit set the stage for meaningful exchanges and collaborative solutions for the future. It ended on a vibrant note with a cultural performance celebrating the theme of unity in diversity.
The BIMSTEC Youth Summit represents a significant step towards fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth among the youth of the region.
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