VISAKHAPATNAM: The BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting concluded in Visakhapatnam on Saturday with the adoption of a Joint Statement outlining areas for greater cooperation in youth development, education, skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and social participation among member countries.
The meeting, organised by the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, was chaired by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, in the presence of Minister of State Raksha Nikhil Khadse and Youth Affairs Secretary Sunil Paliwal. It followed the BRICS Youth Summit and BRICS Youth Council Meeting held in Gandhinagar on August 19 and 20.
Addressing delegates, Mandaviya highlighted India’s vision for 2047 and the need to develop young leaders to contribute to the country’s development. He pointed to the MY Bharat platform as a mechanism for volunteering, learning, leadership and civic engagement, noting that more than 25 million youth had registered on it.
He stressed the need to treat young people as partners in shaping the future rather than merely beneficiaries of government programmes. The discussions focused on creating opportunities for youth participation in decision-making, strengthening youth-led initiatives, promoting entrepreneurship, and expanding cross-border exchanges.
Delegates take part in ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ programme
The Joint Statement identified cooperation in education, training and skills, youth entrepreneurship, science and technology, social and cultural participation, volunteering, poverty and inequality reduction, health and sports, environment and sustainability, interfaith dialogue, youth exchanges and inclusion as key areas.
As part of the programme, delegates participated in an ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ plantation drive, planting saplings in honour of their mothers. They also visited the historic Thotlakonda Buddhist heritage site, providing an opportunity to learn about the region’s Buddhist heritage and traditions of cultural exchange.
Mandaviya also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from South Africa and the UAE. Discussions covered youth and sports cooperation, skill development, youth entrepreneurship and digital platforms, with the sides exploring exchange programmes, capacity-building initiatives and institutional cooperation.
At a cultural event for the visiting ministers and delegates, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the representatives to Visakhapatnam, and outlined the State’s plans to develop the city as a maritime, technology and sports hub. He described Visakhapatnam as the “City of Destiny” and highlighted its employment opportunities, coastline and potential for water sports and sports tourism.
Naidu noted that sports could contribute to youth well-being and employment by creating opportunities for athletes, coaches and trainers. He also highlighted sports, yoga and meditation as ways of promoting physical and mental well-being among young people.
The CM outlined plans for a comprehensive sports ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh, including State academies and centres of excellence centred around Amaravati Sports City.