(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
India Hosts BIMSTEC Young Leaders Summit in Guwahati to Empower Youth for Regional Growth
India took a big step towards strengthening ties in the Bay of Bengal region by hosting the BIMSTEC Young Leaders Summit in Guwahati, Assam, from September 9 to 11. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared on Monday that this event spotlights the key role young people play in driving holistic development across BIMSTEC countries.
This summit ties into a 21-point action plan that Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. The goal? To boost cooperation among these nations and build a stronger future together.
Assam Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya kicked off the event, which teamed up with Bharat Scouts and Guides. Over 80 young leaders from all seven BIMSTEC member countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—joined in. These participants came from diverse backgrounds, including politics, business, socio-cultural groups, and civil society, giving a real mix of fresh ideas.
The three-day gathering focused on 21st-century leadership that’s resilient, inclusive, and open to diversity. Sessions dove into exciting topics like entrepreneurship, design thinking, and cross-cultural collaboration. Young leaders brainstormed sustainable solutions that tackle social issues head-on. They also enjoyed cultural exchanges and country-sharing talks, which helped build deeper understanding and a sense of unity.
The results? Participants sharpened their communication and teamwork skills, created cool prototypes for social businesses, and formed strong networks of trust. These connections promise to spark more cooperation down the line, says the MEA.
The summit also put the spotlight on North East India as a vital "land bridge" for socio-economic growth in the Bay of Bengal area. It aligns perfectly with India’s Neighbourhood First, Act East, and MAHASAGAR policies, gearing up these young leaders to shape policies, tackle today’s challenges, and drive prosperity for the region.
In a related cultural highlight, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launched the first-ever BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival back in August. He called it a joyful celebration of shared heritage and a showcase of cultural unity among BIMSTEC nations.
Jaishankar spoke at the event, named Sapt-Sur—nodding to the seven musical notes and the seven member countries. He stressed how traditional music keeps cultural identities alive and fosters mutual respect. Posting on X, he said, "An enriching evening of Sapt-Sur! Great to witness traditional music performances from BIMSTEC countries. A commitment made by PM Narendra Modi at the BIMSTEC summit this year, the music festival builds on our shared cultural traditions and living bridges."
Organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the festival featured artists from all BIMSTEC countries. Their performances highlighted the vibrant diversity and harmony of South and Southeast Asia through timeless traditional tunes.
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