The BIMSTEC Youth Summit is bring held from 7th to 11th February 2025 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Organised by the Department of Youth Affairs, Government of India, the summit will officially commence on 8th February 2025, with Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurating the event. This summit aims to unify the youth of BIMSTEC nations to share insights and experiences on youth-led initiatives.

Background of BIMSTEC

• The (BIMSTEC) is a regional organisation formed by seven member states India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan.
• It focuses on addressing common challenges such as climate change, poverty, and sustainable development.

Objectives of the Summit

• The 4th BIMSTEC SUMMIT in Kathmandu in 2018 led to the announcement of this youth summit.
• The primary goal of the BIMSTEC Youth Summit is to facilitate dialogue among youth delegates from member countries.
• The summit is themed Youth as a Bridge for Intra-BIMSTEC Exchange.
• It aims to inspire young leaders to engage in global challenges and contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Delegate Participation

The summit will host 70 delegates, with each member country represented by 10 youth delegates. These delegates are selected based on their expertise in areas relevant to youth development. This diverse representation will encourage meaningful discussions and innovative solutions.

Key Sessions and Initiatives

A notable session will be the “Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue X BIMSTEC,” aimed at showcasing youth development initiatives. Another initiative is Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), which seeks to provide equitable access to opportunities for youth. This initiative leverages technology to support youth-led progress and aspirations.

Cultural and Technological Exploration

Delegates will have the opportunity to visit key cultural sites, including Dandi Kutir and Sabarmati Ashram. These sites are dedicated to the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Additionally, they will explore GIFT City, India’s first smart city and International Financial Services Centre, showcasing India’s ambitions in global finance and technology.

Impact on Youth Development

The summit is designed to empower youth by encouraging collaboration and sharing best practices. It aims to create a network of young leaders who can contribute to their communities and drive sustainable development across the region. The insights gained from the summit will help shape future initiatives and policies.