“Youth as a Bridge for Intra-BIMSTEC Exchange” — Theme of BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025
The BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025 will take place from 7th to 11th February 2025 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, organized by the Department of Youth Affairs, Government of India. The summit will be inaugurated by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on 8th February.
This landmark event aims to foster collaboration among youth from all seven BIMSTEC member nations, enabling them to exchange insights on youth-led initiatives, leadership, and sustainable development. The summit was conceptualized following the 4th BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu (2018), where the need for a youth-driven initiative was highlighted.
🌏 What is BIMSTEC?
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization comprising seven member states around the Bay of Bengal:
- India (Founding Member)
- Bangladesh (Founding Member)
- Sri Lanka (Founding Member)
- Thailand (Founding Member)
- Myanmar (Joined 1997)
- Nepal (Joined 2004)
- Bhutan (Joined 2004)
BIMSTEC focuses on regional cooperation in areas like climate change, poverty alleviation, trade, technology, and sustainable development through collaborative efforts.
Think of BIMSTEC as a “neighborhood committee” for countries around the Bay of Bengal. Just like neighbors come together to solve common problems, these seven countries collaborate on trade, technology, and development. The Youth Summit is like a youth wing meeting where young leaders from all seven countries brainstorm solutions for their region’s future!
| Country | Membership | Capital |
|---|---|---|
| India | Founding (1997) | New Delhi |
| Bangladesh | Founding (1997) | Dhaka |
| Sri Lanka | Founding (1997) | Colombo |
| Thailand | Founding (1997) | Bangkok |
| Myanmar | 1997 | Naypyidaw |
| Nepal | 2004 | Kathmandu |
| Bhutan | 2004 | Thimphu |
Remember BIMSTEC Members: “BBIN-STM” — Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar. Four founding members (1997): India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand. Nepal and Bhutan joined in 2004.
🎯 Objectives of the BIMSTEC Youth Summit
The summit was conceptualized following the 4th BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu (2018). Key objectives include:
- Youth Dialogue: Facilitating dialogue among young leaders from BIMSTEC nations
- SDG Engagement: Promoting youth engagement in solving global challenges aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030
- Regional Cooperation: Strengthening cooperation under the theme “Youth as a Bridge for Intra-BIMSTEC Exchange”
- Leadership Development: Nurturing next-generation leaders for regional progress
- Policy Integration: Integrating youth perspectives into regional policymaking
👥 Delegate Participation & Selection
The summit will host 70 delegates, with 10 representatives from each BIMSTEC member country.
Selection Criteria:
- Proven contributions to youth development, leadership, or community-driven projects
- Expertise in entrepreneurship, policy-making, sustainable development, and digital innovation
- Diversity in participation to ensure meaningful discussions and innovative solutions
Eligible Participants:
- Young professionals and students from BIMSTEC member states
- Change-makers who have demonstrated leadership commitment
- Youth engaged in SDG-aligned initiatives
Don’t confuse: BIMSTEC has 7 members (not 8 or 5). The Youth Summit has 70 delegates (10 × 7 countries). The summit is in Gandhinagar (Gujarat), not Gandhi Nagar (other cities). Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurates it — he is the Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports. The 4th BIMSTEC Summit was in Kathmandu (2018), not the Youth Summit.
📋 Key Sessions & Events
The summit will feature interactive sessions and discussions:
1. Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue X BIMSTEC:
- Panel discussion on youth leadership, policy advocacy, and development
- Focus on India’s vision for developed nation by 2047
2. Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) Initiative:
- Focused on equitable access to opportunities for youth
- Technology and policy support for youth empowerment
3. Workshops & Innovation Labs:
- Entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem
- Climate change solutions
- Digital transformation and fintech
| Session | Focus Area | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Viksit Bharat Dialogue | Youth Leadership | Policy advocacy, regional development |
| MY Bharat Initiative | Youth Empowerment | Technology access, opportunities |
| Innovation Labs | Entrepreneurship | Startups, climate, digital transformation |
| Cultural Exchange | Heritage & Tech | Dandi Kutir, GIFT City visits |
🏛️ Cultural & Technological Exploration
Delegates will experience India’s rich cultural heritage and technological advancements through guided visits:
1. Dandi Kutir & Sabarmati Ashram:
- Learning about Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings and philosophy
- Understanding Gandhi’s impact on global peace movements
- Connection to India’s freedom struggle and non-violence principles
2. GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City):
- India’s first operational smart city and International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)
- Exploring fintech innovation and global economic integration
- Understanding India’s role in global financial services
The combination of Sabarmati Ashram (heritage) and GIFT City (technology) visits represents India’s “tradition meets innovation” narrative. This showcases how a nation can honor its historical values while embracing cutting-edge technology — a model that BIMSTEC youth can apply to their own countries’ development journeys.
🌍 Impact on Regional Youth Development
The BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025 aims to create lasting impact:
- Empower Young Leaders: Foster collaboration, networking, and leadership skills
- Create Changemaker Network: Build a regional network committed to sustainable progress
- Influence Policymaking: Integrate youth perspectives into regional development policies
- Drive Innovation: Promote youth-led solutions for climate, technology, and entrepreneurship
- Strengthen Regional Ties: Build people-to-people connections across BIMSTEC nations
The BIMSTEC Youth Summit represents India’s “Act East Policy” in action — engaging with Southeast and South Asian neighbors through people-to-people diplomacy. Consider: How can youth diplomacy complement traditional state-to-state relations? What role can regional youth networks play in addressing transboundary challenges like climate change and migration?
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The BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025 will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from February 7-11, 2025.
BIMSTEC has 7 member countries: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan.
70 delegates will participate — 10 representatives from each of the 7 BIMSTEC member countries.
The theme is “Youth as a Bridge for Intra-BIMSTEC Exchange,” focusing on regional cooperation through youth.
The summit will be inaugurated by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports.
