BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025 in Gandhinagar

The BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025 is set to take place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from 7th to 11th February 2025, bringing together young leaders from BIMSTEC nations to foster collaboration, innovation, and regional growth. The summit will be inaugurated on 8th February 2025 by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, with the aim of strengthening ties between the youth of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Organized by the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, the summit will focus on youth-led initiatives, leadership discussions, and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Why Is the BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025 Significant?

The BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) was formed on 6th June 1997 under the Bangkok Declaration, aiming to promote economic and social development among its seven member nations. Over the years, BIMSTEC has worked on trade, technology, energy, and cultural cooperation. However, youth engagement has become a key area of focus, making the BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025 an essential platform for young leaders to share ideas, discuss policies, and contribute to regional progress.

The theme of the summit, “Youth as a Bridge for Intra-BIMSTEC Exchange,” highlights the role of young minds in fostering regional integration. The Indian government sees this as an opportunity to align youth-driven initiatives with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, ensuring that the region progresses through innovation and collaboration.

What Are the Key Sessions and Initiatives?

The BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025 will feature several discussions and workshops designed to encourage active participation from youth representatives. One of the major sessions includes “Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue X BIMSTEC,” where young leaders from member nations will present their country’s youth-driven initiatives.

Another highlight is the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) initiative, launched by the Prime Minister of India. MY Bharat aims to create an institutional framework for youth development, leveraging technology to provide equal opportunities. This initiative focuses on preparing young individuals for leadership roles, helping them shape policies and drive economic and social transformation in their respective countries.

What Cultural and Technological Experiences Will Delegates Gain?

Apart from discussions and policy dialogues, the BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025 will provide an opportunity for delegates to explore India’s rich cultural and technological advancements. Key site visits include:

• Dandi Kutir – India’s largest museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, showcasing his life and vision of self-reliance.
• Sabarmati Ashram – A historical site symbolizing Gandhi’s ideology of non-violence and nation-building.
• Sabarmati Riverfront – A modern example of urban planning and sustainability.
• GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) – India’s first operational smart city and International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), offering insights into financial technology and global commerce.

Visiting GIFT City will allow youth delegates to witness India’s technological and financial advancements firsthand, inspiring them to implement similar models in their home countries.

What Lies Ahead for BIMSTEC’s Youth Collaboration?

The BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025 is more than just a conference; it is a movement towards greater regional unity and progress. By fostering direct engagement between young leaders, policymakers, and innovators, the summit will play a key role in shaping the future of South and Southeast Asia. The event will provide a strong foundation for future BIMSTEC youth summits, ensuring that young leaders remain at the forefront of economic and social transformation in the region.

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