Feb 10: As an initiative to foster regional cooperation spirit among the youth of the Bay of Bengal region, India is hosting the 1st BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Youth Summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on 7-11 February 2025. The Summit is a follow-up of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s announcement at the 4th BIMSTEC Summit and is jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Ministry of External Affairs along with the CII YI as the knowledge partner.
The Summit was inaugurated on 8 February by Dr Mansukh Mandavia, Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports of India, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, MoS Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Smt Raksha Khadse and Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) MEA.
The inauguration flagged off the 3-day congregation of young leaders of BIMSTEC discussing challenges and opportunities for the region in several areas including entrepreneurship, technologies, digital connectivity, cyberspace, sustainable development, and most importantly forging ties transcending boundaries. The bond of the shared heritage of the region is further strengthened with this initiative reaffirming India’s commitment to promoting regional cooperation in line with the ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, ‘Act East’ policy, and ‘Security & Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’ vision.
The Summit is themed ‘Youth as a bridge for intra-BIMSTEC exchange’. More than seventy youth delegates from seven BIMSTEC member countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka & Thailand) comprising Ministers, Members of Parliament, Mayors, entrepreneurs, technology developers, cultural personalities, social media influencers, and other civil society leaders are participating in various sessions of the Summit. The broad objectives of the Summit include: (i) Encouraging young leaders of member countries to actively participate in addressing the most significant challenges, economic and social issues, and development agenda in the region; (ii) Establishing a constructive exchange of views on strategic issues empowering youth; and, (iii) Building ideas for a brighter and better tomorrow.
Through this initiative, there will be further momentum for youth engagement and youth-led development in the region.
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