More than 150 youth from BIMSTEC member countries participated in the summit
With the aim of empowering youth and promoting collaborative efforts to address climate change in the Bay of Bengal region, Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with the Bharat Scouts and Guides, hosted the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) youth led conference on climate change in New Delhi.
 
More than 150 youth from BIMSTEC member countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand) participated in the five-day event, which ran from February 20 to 24.
 
During the conclave, participants discussed the challenges and opportunities for the region in dealing with climate change and developing a comprehensive understanding of the issue, equipped with the skills and motivation to lead and advocate for effective climate action.
 
The event included interactive exhibitions, special sessions focussed on SDGs, climate change mitigation strategies, adaptation, and sustainable living, visit to the BIMSTEC Centre of Weather and Climate Change and cultural performances.
 
BIMSTEC is considered as vital for India as it enhances its strategic, economic, and cultural ties with its neighbors and offers a platform for collaborative growth and development in the Bay of Bengal region. 
 
The conclave in New Delhi took place close on the heels of India hosting the first ever Youth Summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on February 7-11.
 
More than seventy youth delegates from BIMSTEC member countries, comprising Ministers, Members of Parliament, Mayors, entrepreneurs, technology developers, cultural personalities, social media influencers, and other civil society leaders participated in various sessions of the Summit.
 
The broad objectives of the Summit included: (i) Encouraging young leaders of member countries to actively participate in addressing the most significant challenges, economic and social issues and development agenda in the region; (ii) Establishing constructive exchange of views on strategic issues empowering youth; and, (iii) Building ideas for a brighter and better tomorrow.
 
During the event, participants discussed challenges and opportunities for the region in several areas including entrepreneurship, technologies, digital connectivity, cyberspace, and sustainable development.
 
With this initiative, the Ministry of External Affairs said, the bond of shared heritage of the region has been further strengthened.
 
These events were part of India’s efforts in fostering regional cooperation among BIMSTEC member states towards climate change awareness in line with our ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, ‘Act East’ policy and ‘Security & Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’ vision.