India hosted the BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit from September 9 to 11 in Guwahati, Assam, highlighting the critical role of the region’s youth in its holistic development.
The initiative was part of the 21-point action plan announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit to further strengthen BIMSTEC.
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The Summit, inaugurated by Assam Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya, and organised in association with Bharat Scouts & Guides, witnessed participation by over 80 young leaders from all member countries of BIMSTEC, representing a cross-section of their societies, including political, business, socio-cultural and civil society, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday.
The three-day Summit highlighted leadership for the 21st century — resilient, inclusive, and responsive to diversity. Sessions on entrepreneurship, design thinking, and cross-cultural collaboration encouraged participants to explore sustainable, socially responsive solutions.
Cultural exchanges and country-sharing sessions deepened mutual understanding and strengthened unity. The outcomes were encouraging — enhanced skills in communication and collaboration, innovative social business prototypes, and most importantly, networks of trust that will foster future cooperation.
“The event also highlighted the importance of North East India as the land bridge of the socio-economic developmental corridor bringing the Bay of Bengal region together,” the MEA said.
The initiative, in line with India’s Neighborhood First, Act East and MAHASAGAR visions for regional cooperation, would prepare the young leaders of the region to drive policies and development efforts, as also to deal with the challenges of today and the future, for growth and prosperity in the region.