The first BIMSTEC Youth Summit took place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from February 7 to 11, 2025. This summit marks step in encouraging collaboration among the youth of BIMSTEC nations. The initiative stems from discussions at the 4th BIMSTEC Summit. It is jointly organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Ministry of External Affairs. The Confederation of Indian Industry’s Young Indians serves as the knowledge partner.
Purpose and Theme
The summit’s theme was “Youth as a Bridge for Intra-BIMSTEC Exchange.” It aimed to engage young leaders from BIMSTEC countries in meaningful discussions. The focus was on regional cooperation and addressing emerging challenges. The summit provided a platform for youth to share ideas and solutions.
Key Participants
Over seventy youth delegates from seven BIMSTEC member countries participated. These countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Participants included ministers, members of parliament, entrepreneurs, and social media influencers. Their diverse backgrounds contributed to rich discussions and networking opportunities.
Main Discussions
The summit featured discussions on various critical issues. Key topics included entrepreneurship, digital connectivity, cybersecurity, and sustainable development. Participants explored how technology can address regional challenges. They also discussed the importance of encouraging ties that transcend national boundaries.
Regional Cooperation Frameworks
The summit aligned with India’s broader regional cooperation strategies. These include the ‘Neighborhood First’ policy and the ‘Act East’ policy. The initiative also supports the ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’ vision. These frameworks aim to strengthen ties among neighbouring countries through collaborative efforts.
Empowering Youth
A primary objective of the summit was to empower youth. Discussions encouraged young leaders to take an active role in regional development. Participants identified strategies for economic and social progress. The summit aimed to generate innovative ideas for a brighter future.
Future Prospects
The BIMSTEC Youth Summit is expected to enhance youth-led engagement in the region. By encouraging collaboration among young leaders, it aims to build a network of support. The initiative encourages ongoing dialogue and cooperation among BIMSTEC nations.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of youth engagement in regional cooperation frameworks.
- Critically examine the role of technology in addressing sustainable development challenges in South Asia.
- Explain the implications of the ‘Act East’ policy on India’s relations with its eastern neighbours.
- With suitable examples, discuss the impact of youth-led initiatives on economic development in developing countries.
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the significance of youth engagement in regional cooperation frameworks.
- Youth represent demographic, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
- Engaging youth encourages a sense of ownership and responsibility towards regional development.
- Youth involvement enhances collaboration across borders, building networks for future cooperation.
- Empowered youth can address pressing regional issues, such as unemployment and climate change.
- Involving youth in decision-making processes ensures sustainable and inclusive growth in the region.
2. Critically examine the role of technology in addressing sustainable development challenges in South Asia.
- Technology can improve access to education and healthcare, vital for sustainable development.
- It enables efficient resource management, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
- Digital platforms facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among regional stakeholders.
- Technological innovations can address challenges like energy efficiency and climate resilience.
- However, disparities in technology access may exacerbate inequalities, necessitating inclusive policies.
3. Explain the implications of the ‘Act East’ policy on India’s relations with its eastern neighbours.
- The ‘Act East’ policy aims to enhance economic ties and trade with Southeast Asian nations.
- It encourages strategic partnerships in areas like security, culture, and infrastructure development.
- Strengthened relations can lead to collaborative efforts in tackling regional challenges, such as terrorism.
- The policy enhances India’s influence in regional organizations, promoting stability and growth.
- Increased connectivity through initiatives like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway is a direct outcome.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the impact of youth-led initiatives on economic development in developing countries.
- Youth-led startups in India, like OYO and Zomato, have created jobs and boosted the economy.
- Initiatives like ‘Youth Employment Fund’ in Africa aim to reduce unemployment through skill development.
- Social enterprises led by youth, such as ‘Barefoot College’, promote sustainable practices and local economies.
- Involvement in local governance allows youth to influence policies that drive economic growth.
- Youth activism has led to reforms in areas like education and health, encouraging economic stability.
