summit report indian delegation july 1-7,...
TRANSCRIPT
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Index
List of officials and young delegates 03-04
Introduction 05
Our journey and adventures 6-10
Working sessions 11-23
Economic cooperation 11-13
Political cooperation 14-17
Humanitarian cooperation 17-19
Mass media cooperation 19-21
Scientific & technical cooperation 21-23
Action Plan & Preamble 24-32
Cultural activities 33-35
Conclusion 35
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Officials
Head of the Delegation
Rajeev Gupta, Secretary, Ministry of
Youth Affairs & Sports, Government
of India.
Deputy Leader
Latha Pillai, Director, Rajiv Gandhi
National Institute of Youth
Development.
Other Officials
Maj. Gen. Dilawar Singh, Director
General, Nehru Yuva Kendra
Sangthan.
Sadhana Relia, Scientist ‘G’ Science
& Technology.
Indu Bhusan Lenka, Under
Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs
& Sports, Government of India.
John Mai, Under Secretary (MER),
Ministry of External Affairs.
Young Delegates:
1. Avantika Tewari, New Delhi
2. Pooja Bakshi, New Delhi
3. Aditya Narayan Acharya, Odisha
4. Akanksha Varma, Rajasthan
5. Saurabh Kumar, Delhi
6. Anubhav Singh, New Delhi
7. Maneesh Singh, Uttar Pradesh
8. Sanjana Salimkutty Rawther, Kerala
9. Shani S S, Kerala
10. Deeksha , Bihar
11. Ramkumar Govindan, Tamil Nadu
12. Avantika Gode, Karnataka
13. Shrikant Vivek Wad, Maharastra
14. Swasti Raizada, Uttar Pradesh
15. Vishnu Narayanan Chengalath
Krishnakumar
16. Samapti Sinha Mahapatra, West
Bengal
17. Rashmini Anil Koparkar,
Maharastra
18. Arunmohan K., Kerala
19. Sushrut Sharma, Rajasthan
20. Sudhambika Vanzara, Gujarat
21. Shantanu Pratap Singh, Uttar
Pradesh
22. Veera Asha Kumari Aketi, Andhra
Pradesh
23. Sai Neha Santpur, Telangana
24. Jyothishraj, Kerala
25. Neha Juneja, Maharastra
26. Varun Sridharan, Tamil Nadu
27. Thanusha AV, New Delhi
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28. Dr. Abhinav Grover, New Delhi
29. Anitha Vasudevan, New Delhi
30. Aditi Saxena, Delhi
31. Garima Agarwal, Delhi
32. Aditi Singhal, Delhi
33. Mayank Goyal, Bihar
34. Sonal Dua, New Delhi
35. Saloni Chopra, Delhi
36. Dr. Viviktha Ramesh, Delhi
37. Arpita Acharya, Rajasthan
38. Sinam Basu Singh, Manipur
39. Rajeshwari S. Sawant, Goa
40. Neha Gupta, New Delhi
41. Neha Valecha, Panjab
42. Aniket Divakar Kale, Maharastra
43. Himujjal Sarma, Assam
44. Harsh Sanghvi, Gujraat
45. Ivy Rajkhowa, Assam
46. Pradipsinh Narendrasinh Vaghela,
Gujraat
47. Jehi Jha, Delhi
48. Banuchandar Nagarajan, Neyveli
49. Sumit Kumar Maurya, Uttar Pradesh
50. Aditi Gupta, Delhi
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INTRODUCTION
The first BRICS Youth Summit was held from 1-7th July 2015 in Kazan, Russia. There were
more than 200 delegates participated in the Summit from 5 different nations – Brazil, Russia,
India, China and South Africa. Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth
Affairs & Sports led a 60-member Indian Delegation comprising of 10 officials and 50 youth
participated in the first BRICS Youth Summit. The main objective of the Youth Summit was to
share experience between youth initiatives from BRICS countries and work out a concrete joint
Action Plan. The programme of the BRICS Youth Summit in Kazan on 4th July to 6th July 2015
included theoretical and practical sessions with the participation of experts, students and
representatives of government authorities in the areas of economic cooperation (energy, finance,
entrepreneurship, investments); co-operation in the political sphere (global security, new world
order construction, institutional development); humanitarian cooperation (civil society, informal
education, social policy); mass-media cooperation (journalism, new media, BRICS brand
promotion); scientific and technical cooperation (mechanisms of scientific and technical
collaboration, innovative cooperation).
(Indian Delegation)
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Our Journey & Adventures
Our delegation consisted of young economists, political scientists, Professional scientists,
entrepreneurs, engineering and medical students. Most of us spent few days together in New
Delhi and had regular preparatory and pre-departure meetings in Shastri Bhavan, Indian
Mountaineering Foundation and with respective group members thus preparing enthusiastically
for the events to come. We were made to understand that various youth groups (thematic) were
being constituted to represent India at the first ever BRICS youth summit. During the briefing we
were made to understand standard protocol elements, key points and an overview of our position
on the various fronts of diplomatic cooperation. Having thus prepared, the Indian delegation was
all set to fly at 4:15 am on 1st of July to Moscow.
Day 1 (July 1) - Landing in Russia
All of us were excited with the prospect of visiting Russia for the first BRICS Youth Summit as
it was in itself a historical event. Upon reaching Moscow, we were welcomed by volunteers who
had arranged for our transit to the Ibis hotels, located in the centre Bakhrushina. The stay was
very comfortable and cozy.
(Moscow River)
The evening was spent sightseeing the city and revising our presentation. It was an experience to
witness the city and its beauty. How can we forget the Moskva river (Moscow river) that rises
about 140 km west of Moscow and flows roughly east through the Smolensk and Moscow
Oblasts, passing through the heart of Moscow giving life to the city. This river is the tributary of
the Oka river which is itself a tributary of the main Volga River. Many of us took either evening
walks or the morning ones along the river and felt close to nature.
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Day 2 (July 2) - Orientation of delegates in Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Russia), & Moscow
Visit
First day was more of an informal day as the delegates were left to relax and socialize with each
other after the long journey from their homelands to Moscow. It was on the second day of the
visit that official meetings started. First official activity started with Russian Minister of foreign
affairs Sergei Lavrov, addressing the participants of the BRICS Youth Summit in Moscow along
with Sergei Pospelov, Head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs of the Russian Federation.
With the speech, it was very clear that the main agenda of the first youth summit is Cooperation.
Much focus was laid on social sector development especially education showcasing the role of
upcoming BRICS University and the involvement of youth on various frontiers. Following the
speech, there was Q-A session in which delegates from all nations asked some questions on
various topic like entrepreneurial cooperation, ease of business, role of NDB and BRICS
University to be some of the main issues covered.
Having experienced the air of the parliament, it was time for fun. We moved to have our lunch
on together with all delegates.
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(Kremlin)
Ex-post the lunch, the organizers had a plan to brief the delegations to the Russian history with a
visit to the Red Square and the Kremlin in the evening. The day was followed by boarding the
train to Kazan in the night.
Day 3 (July 3) – Arrival in Kazan, & IT Park visit
On a foreign land, it was great to have the train experience. The fun was amplified as all of us
were in the same compartment. The long train journey gave us the green exposure to the Russian
countryside. Upon arriving at Kazan, we witnessed the grand welcome. The beautiful song, the
students dancing, the traditional dress the girls were wearing, their traditional dish ‘chak-chak’
were all mesmerizing.
There was so much youth, valour and newness in their welcome. Indians never fails such
accounts and events. Getting the protocol, we immediately took out national flag and hosted it in
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front of the Russian media. The feeling of nationalism was to be experienced. Following this,
there was dance performances and the traditionally dresses up Russian women offering the
traditional Russian delicacies and cakes. This was followed by a formal yet fun interaction
between all the delegates and our transit to the Kazan Universaide Village.
(IT Park)
The following day we visited the Information Technology Park (IT Park) in Kazan and their
incubation centre. It was an enlightening experience to understand the entrepreneurial ecosystem
in Russia. Russia today is in the lookout for brilliant IT minds to set up start-up companies and
built smart & innovative businesses.
Days 4-6 (July 4-6) - Working Sessions and Work-in-Sections
There were three days working sessions in various groups on different areas of cooperation
among BRICS nations. The largest representations in these groups were from Russia, India and
China, Brazil and South Africa had nominal participation. The prime agenda of these sessions
was to prepare an action plan for cooperation between BRICS nation, which would be a part of
the consolidated MoU to be signed by the ministries of the BRICS nations.
We also had a basketball match on 6th
July. The beautiful memories will remain in the hearts
forever. Later we had a Gala Dinner party to bring the summit to a beautiful end.
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During these days, we visited Kazan University. We also participated in various cultural
programmes, sightseeing and witnessed a wonderful closing ceremony where the common
papers were presented to the heads of the delegations. We also made good friends and networked
for future collaborations.
Day 7 (July 7) - Visit to Innopolis University
We visited Innopolis Special Economic Zone & Innopolis University – the first smart city of
Russia. Post this visit we left for Moscow and then for Delhi.
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WORKING SESSIONS
During the working sessions of the five Cooperation Groups each BRICS country was required
to present their suggestions followed by detailed discussions to build a common consensus with
the objective to propose a Joint Action Plan. The representatives from India, Russia, South
Africa, China and Brazil actively participated in the discussions and extensively contributed to
the proposed Joint Action Plan.
ECONOMIC COOPERATION GROUP
The Indian youth delegation for the working sessions on Economic Cooperation was led by Ms.
Anitha Vasudevan, Young Professional (DEA), Ministry of Finance. The members of the youth
delegation were- Ms. Garima Agarwal, Ms. Aditi Singhal, Mr. Mayank Goyal, Ms. Sona Dua,
Ms. Saloni Chopra, Ms. Aditi Saxena and Ms. Neha Gupta.
(Economic Cooperation Group: Indian Youth Delegates)
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Action Plan proposed by the Indian Youth Delegation
India emphasized the importance to strengthen BRICS youth cooperation and discussed issues on
key priorities in the areas of Entrepreneurship, Energy and Investment. Based on India’s
continued commitment towards the BRICS platform, the following Action Points were proposed
by the Indian Youth Delegation.
Entrepreneurship:
India had suggested setting up a BRICS Women Entrepreneurship Forum and
expanding it to rural areas to assist inclusive growth.
India further emphasized the need for an online centric platform and youth research
group in line with the BRICS University to provide a social network for entrepreneurs,
investors and governments across BRICS nations. In addition, setting up a program for
intra-BRICS apprenticeships and internships.
BRICS Institutions:
Proposed to create BRICS Youth Fund using a portion of funds from the New
Development Bank in order to finance youth enterprises in BRICS nations.
Energy Sector:
India highlighted the need of BRICS Youth Energy Association in order to promote
cooperation and drive synergies between the youth in the energy sector.
In light of the above, India emphasized the establishment of student exchange programs
and degrees paying special attention to research and development of the energy sector
within the BRICS countries.
Infrastructure and Investment:
To strengthen the investment climate, India suggested active participation by the youth to
innovate various financial instruments in BRICS economies.
Build a capacity forum for PPP framework, where each member country will engage
in knowledge sharing, best practices and expertise.
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(BRICS Youth Summit 2015: Economic Cooperation Committee after the final presentation)
The Russian Federation had suggested including the subject “Entrepreneurship” as part of the
curriculum in schools and universities across BRICS countries. Also proposed bringing together
of young professionals and civil servants from state financial institutions and financial
universities of BRICS countries in 2016 in order to strengthen economic cooperation among
BRICS nations. The propositions made in terms of other key areas include establishing a BRICS
central depository agent and the BRICS clearing house which includes active participation by the
youth.
South Africa made significant contribution towards the proposed Joint Action Plan. They
suggested that BRICS nations recognize the special needs of target groups such as the disabled
and inexperienced people in terms of entrepreneurship. However, there was no unanimity on the
proposed idea and therefore a common consensus was drawn to build internships and youth
exchange programmes under the BRICS University. Furthermore, South Africa proposed to
promote youth participation in the BRICS New Development Bank through allocation of one
seat per member state in the Board of Directors.
Brazil and China had very few suggestions to make. At the end of the working session, the
proposed Joint Action Plan on Economic Cooperation was adopted by the BRICS Youth
delegates for inclusion in the “First BRICS Youth Summit 2015 Action Plan”.
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POLITICAL COOPERATION GROUP
The Indian youth delegation for the working sessions on “Cooperation in the political sphere”
was led by Shri. John Mai, Under Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs. The members of the
youth delegation were- Ms. Pooja Bakshi, Mr. Aditya Acharya, Ms. Avantika Tiwari, Ms.
Akansha Verma, Ms. Rashmini Anil Koparkar, Ms. Ivy Rajkhova, Mr. Aniket Divakar Kale, Mr.
Harsh Sanghvi, Mr. Pradeepsinh Narendrasinh Veghela, Mr. Banuchandar Nagarajan and Mr.
Sumit Kumar Maurya.
(BRICS Youth Summit 2015: Political Cooperation Group)
Action Plan proposed by the Indian Youth Delegation
India emphasized the importance to strengthen BRICS youth cooperation and discussed issues on
key priorities in the areas of global security, new world order construction and institutional
development. Based on India’s dedication towards the BRICS platform, the following Action
Points were proposed by the Indian Youth Delegation.
To create a BRICS Youth Council.
To create an environment of opportunities for the BRICS youth.
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The youth of the BRICS should take the lead to spread peace and oppose terrorism in all
its forms.
To establish a BRICS University.
To promote BRICS youth for a comprehensive reform agenda of UN.
To create new opportunities for youth entrepreneurship within BRICS.
To promote the respect for human rights.
Make one BRICS country each year responsible for facilitating BRICS youth exchange.
To create a joint communiqué on combating terrorism, drugs trafficking, cyber security
and Piracy.
The creation of common BRICS Media Platform.
(Photograph of the deliberations)
Action Plan proposed by delegates from other countries
Brazil -
To cooperate in developing sensitive information technology (software).
To promote an extensive reform of the United Nations, especially in terms of reforming
Human Right Council.
To stress the social and economic roots of terrorism.
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To recognize the principle of “responsibility while protecting” as adamant to the
international society.
To support the efforts towards the construction of multilateral global order by closely
working with the regions where we are inserted.
Russia -
To create the BRICS Integration Forum.
To create a joint communiqué on combating terrorism, drugs trafficking and cyber
security.
The establishment of the BRICS Youth Public Diplomacy Forum.
The establishment of the BRICS Young Diplomats Forum.
The establishment of the BRICS+ forum (for international organizations).
The creation of common BRICS Media Platform.
The establishment of the working group engaged in monitoring violation of rights of
BRICS citizens in other parts of the world.
The creation of a common BRICS youth vision concerning vision of current conflicts.
To establish a youth parliament section in the BRICS parliamentary forum.
To establish a BRICS youth politicians forum.
China -
To establish a BRICS Youth Diplomacy Council
To strengthen the cooperation in the sphere of people-to-people contacts.
To support the reform of the UN in the direction of bigger transparency.
South Africa -
The promotion of peace and security by coordinating BRICS efforts in peacekeeping
missions, involving youth representation.
BRICS should advocate for more impartial and consistent application of international
law.
Member countries should uphold a unified strategic vision to political, economic, social
and development programs.
To promote institutional exchange program in order to create strong relations among the
BRICS youth.
To promote best practices in combating youth unemployment and skill development and
setting of a uniform standard in terms of the definition of the youth.
Member countries must in the long term seek to align policies to ensure greater
cooperation and integration among BRICS countries.
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After a long discussion, Delegates of all countries finally made consensus on some points and
prepared a final draft of Political Cooperation Group. This draft was included in Final action
Plan. We also made efforts to contribute in the Making of Preamble.
HUMANITARIAN COOPERATION GROUP
The Indian youth delegation for the working sessions on Humanitarian Cooperation was led by
Ms. Latha Pillai, Director, Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development. The members
of the youth delegation were- Mr. Shrikant Wad, Ms. Swasti Raizada, Ms. Sanjana Salimkutty
Rawther, Ms. Shani S.S, Mr. Ramkumar Govindan, Ms. Avantika Gode, Mr. Maneesh Singh and
Ms. Deeksha.
India emphasized the importance to strengthen BRICS youth cooperation and discussed issues on
key priorities in the areas of Civil Society, Informal Education and Social Policy.
Since there was paucity of time in discussions with other countries and many topics were intense
and overlapping to some extent, following submissions were made to the young members from
other countries. None of the proposals received rejection, although amendments were proposed
and adopted after adequate discussion.
Following are the contributions specifically from the Indian team that were adopted in the final
proposal as it is or with minor amendments.
o Ensure ample space for young people to contribute positively to nation-building
activities.
o Encourage exchanges of young scientists, professionals, entrepreneurs, artistic
people, sportsmen, journalists, etc. of the BRICS nations so that the youth could
acquire a comprehensive vision of the polycentric world and the sense of
cohesion.
o Establish a BRICS Exchange Fund with the aim to support projects in the sphere
of youth interaction as well as grant loans to young people.
o Encourage sharing knowledge, experiences and resourceful support on
humanitarian grounds, and for this purpose make sure that the youth organizations
and civil society institutions are supported to work freely within the BRICS
framework sharing across the borders.
o Ensure that through the proposed Youth Association, grass-root youth
organizations (including but not limited to CBOs, NGOs, and NPOs) receive
adequate support from the BRICS states to create a common virtual space for
social and political transformation. A dedicated and safe internet platform should
be used and the activities should be coordinated through the BRICS Office or
respective country-offices on a rotational basis.
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o Pursue a synergy among life-long, formal, non-formal and informal education that
is developed and delivered with the help of grass-root youth organizations, as they
will have a local youth-to-youth connection.
o Improve the human capital of young public policy professionals, institutional
support for social policy making beyond bureaucracy and strengthening the pre-
legislative consultative policy process
o Suggest broadening the mandate of the BRICS Think Tank Council to include
collaboration with Universities/ Centres of Excellence in each member states of
BRICS in order to create avenues for young students to share experiences in the
fields of public policy and social entrepreneurship.
Action Plan
The Way Forward: On National Level
Following actions should be taken soon.
1. Incentivize participation of young interns and fellows in Indian civil society
organizations.
2. Declare the MPP (Master of Public Policy) – the professional degree program as the
programme of National Importance through a Government Order. Declare the public
autonomous institutions running the professional MPP programme as the institutes of
National Importance through a Government Order.
3. Appoint two members from India’s MPP participants as the young fellows in the BRICS
Think Tank Council (that currently exists in collaboration with Observer Research
Foundation) through a Government Order.
4. Appoint two members from the RGNIYD as the young social entrepreneurs/
representatives to the BRICS Youth Forum and the proposed BRICS Youth Association
through a Government Order.
5. Open opportunities for young people from all the BRICS countries in the ‘Ek Saal Desh
Ke Naam’ initiative of India by making little modifications in the eligibility criteria.
6. Incentivize grass-root social movements, encourage them to work across the BRICS
countries by creating specific incentive programs.
The Way Forward: Across BRICS
Following actions should be taken soon.
1. Start talks across the BRICS member-states for collaborations in education sector.
2. Explore the idea of dedicated BRICS Youth Fund.
3. Incentivise students for exchange programs within BRICS.
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4. Explore the possibility of establishing a BRICS Office in India (preferably in the
emerging metro-cities with young population like Pune).
5. Explore the idea of a dedicated institute similar to USIEF for the BRICS exchange
programs.
MASS-MEDIA COOPERATION GROUP
The Indian youth delegation for the working sessions on Mass- Media Cooperation was led by
Shri Amit Katoch, Director, I&B. The members of the youth delegation were- Mr. Arunmohan
K., Mr. Sushrut Sharma, Ms. Sudhambika Vanzara, Mr. Shantanu Pratap Singh, Mr. Saurabh
Kumar, Mr. Anubhav Singh and Mr. Himujjal Sarma.
(Indian Delegates during Discussion)
Indian delegates had presented their ideas to foster BRICS cooperation in the fields of
Journalism, Mass Media and BRICS Brand building. At the outset it was agreed by youth
delegates from all countries that cooperation in information will complement BRICS cooperation
in all areas and build fraternity amongst the people of the BRICS countries. The Indian
delegation presented recommendations in a "three for three" format - three recommendations for
three key areas mentioned above. The recommendations were -
Journalism
1. An autonomous, multilateral “BRICS Media School for Development and Journalism” -
The Indian Institute of Mass Communications, New Delhi is India's premier institute for
journalism. It has been training students of mass communications since 1965. It has
experience in training of journalists from developing countries. It conducts the
prestigious Diploma course in Development Journalism for mid career training of
practising journalists from countries across the world. Considering its experience it can
be set up as a BRICS institute for providing specialised training to BRICS journalists. It
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was agreed by all the youth delegates that the institution should focus on both aspiring
young students as well as professionals
2. A joint BRICS news agency service - This would draw from the strengths of the national
news agencies in providing verified and accurate news. There was convergence with the
Russian delegation on this proposal and the Indian and Russian delegation jointly
proposed the inclusion of this point in the plan of action.
3. “BRICS media forum” for sharing best practices and reporting on common concerns -
After discussion it was agreed that such a forum should be integrated with the BRICS
website.
New Media
1. A BRICS website with regular updates to disseminate information about the member
countries in the public domain. Such a website can provide an active forum for discussion
on issues of common concern amongst the member nations. Youth delegates from Russia
and South Africa had also formulated ideas on a BRICS website and this proposal was
unanimously adopted.
2. A “BRICSpeak” platform on the lines of www.mygov.in. Such a citizen centric platform
will foster people to people contact and foster mutual relations between BRICS member
countries. The Indian delegation showcased the www.mygov.in platform at the summit,
demonstrating how it can be an effective means of citizen to citizen engagement. It was
decided to include such a platform within the website.
3. Sharing socio cultural experiences via social media – Social media will be used to
popularise government sponsored travelogues, cultural exchanges etc. The South African
delegate highlighted the need to keep youth at the centre of such activity as they can
become ambassadors of BRICS. The Indian delegation seconded his ideas on the issue.
BRICS Brand Building
1. Develop the identity of “BRICS Citizens” with a feeling of unity amongst citizens.
2. Foster cultural exchange – dubbing of films, student exchange, collaboration between
citizen organizations using all platforms. The details of such cultural exchange were
discussed and included in the proposal.
3. Project joint stand on issues internationally (climate change, poverty, south-south
cooperation). The other youth delegates recognized the Indian delegations identification
of two audiences for BRICS soft power - BRICS member country citizens and the
international arena.
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Discussions of the Information and Mass Media group
The Brazilian delegation highlighted the need to include guarantees of rights to freedom of
expression to the government. The South African delegation emphasized that youth should be at
the centre of deliberations and the plan of action. The Indian delegation agreed with both points
of view. Further, the Indian and South African delegation jointly pointed out the need to include
a statement for greater participation of BRICS youth in the preamble to the final plan of action.
This was adopted by the information group delegates.
Discussions on Preamble to BRICS Youth Plan of Action
During discussions regarding the content of the preamble, the Indian delegation raised the issue
of the digital divide and the need to provide universal access to the internet and technology in
both urban and rural areas. This was seconded by the South African delegation as South Africa is
facing a similar rural urban divide over internet access. These proposals were taken forward and
included in the preamble to the plan of action.
The Russian delegation proposed the adoption on a declaration on internet democratization, and
mutual cooperation on the issue by BRICS countries considering the dependence of the world on
the United States of America for internet service. The Indian delegation objected to the
declaration being negatively directed against any particular country. The Indian delegation
suggested a more positive framing, which highlighted the BRICS countries' "commitment to
internet democratization". This was finally adopted by the Information and Mass Media group.
Finally, the discussions concluded with countries showcasing their culture through videos.
Delegations from China and South Africa presented short films on life and tourism in their
countries respectively. The Indian delegation presented tourism based films of Incredible India
and state tourism films on Gujarat, Rajasthan and Kerala.
The proposals of the mass media group were discussed in detail at the closing plenary session.
The leaders from BRICS countries added that there was also a need to make use of existing
platforms to cooperate in information and mass media. Additionally, the need to make BRICS a
more newsworthy item was emphasized by all representatives from countries, including the
Secretary, Youth Affairs, Mr. Rajeev Gupta.
SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL COOPERATION GROUP
The Indian youth delegation for the working sessions on Scientific & Technical Cooperation was
led by Ms. Sadhana Relia, Scientist ‘G’ & Head, International Multilateral and Regional
Cooperation Division IMRCD, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
The members of the youth delegation were- Dr. Abhinav Grover, Mr. Varun Sridharan, Ms.
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Neha Juneja, Ms. Thanusha A.V., Ms. Sai Neha Santpur, Dr. Viviktha Ramesh, Ms. Veera Asha
Kumari Aketi, Mr. Jyothishraj, Ms. Jehi Jha, Ms. Neha Valecha and Ms. Aditi Gupta.
(BRICS Youth Summit 2015: Indian Delegates of Scientific & Technical Group)
Indian delegation welcomes the efforts of BRICS states in developing cooperation in the field of
Science and Technology. Indian delegation proposes following points to be considered by other
BRICS nations.
Action Plan proposed by the Indian Youth Delegation
Initiation and promotion for young scientists forum.
Promoting young scientists to work in the research labs in BRICS nations.
Promoting young scientists to participate in youth summits conclave with in the BRICS
nations.
Setting up BRICS Joint Incubation Centres for Young entrepreneurs.
providing collaboration to the supervisors for doctoral and post doctoral students.
Need to provide mobility to the students in the BRICS nations.
Need for recognition of medical degrees in BRICS nations.
Proposes for information about science and technology to every student in the BRICS
nations through BRICS Young Scientists Forum portal.
Need for establishing joint research and development programs among young scientists
of BRICS nations.
The key issues which were proposed by different delegations are listed below:
Brazil:
Need for investment in education and innovation.
Supporting already existing national programs on S&T development.
Exchange of academics.
cooperation in the fields of defensive and surveillance systems, border security, law and
order equipment.
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Need to protect data and information.
Cooperation in aeronautics, naval industry, terrestrial security equipment and training.
Russia:
proposes to the problem of brain drain in BRICS states.
Need exchange in BRICS universities consortium.
Proposes for internship programs within the existing BRICS expert centers.
Need to establish BRICS joint applied research centers.
Need to create a social network and online database from BRICS states.
Support for setting joint factories, building houses and paving roads.
Technoparks in BRICS countries- BRICS space for innovation.
Annual exhibitions of the latest innovations of BRICS nations.
Student mobility programs.
Joint space exploration programs.
China:
propose to endow the “BRICS scholarship”.
Need to organize “BRICS youth technical innovation annual competition”.
BRICS information sharing and exchanging platform through social media.
South Africa:
promoting academic exchanges and internships.
Establishing an accredition forum for the BRICS academic institutions.
Youth fund within the BRICS development bank.
BRICS patent office to encourage research and development.
Promoting infrastructure development and social welfare commitments made by Delhi
declaration.
Focusing the youth participation in green economy.
A Memorandum of Understanding in the sphere of youth policy between BRICS
countries was signed on 6 July, 2015 by the Head of Russia’s Federal Agency for Youth Affairs,
Sergei Pospelov, and Deputy Ministers for Youth Affairs Ministries of Brazil, India, China and
South Africa. During the closing ceremony held on 6 July, 2015, the BRICS Action Plan was
adopted encompassing the areas of BRICS Economic, Political, Humanitarian, Mass Media and
Scientific and Technical Cooperation. The Indian Delegation takes pride in framing majority of
the First BRICS Youth Summit 2015 Action Plan of cooperation points and also in contributing
to the Preamble.
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(The first BRICS Youth Summit 2015 Action Plan was adopted on July 6, 2015)
FIRST BRICS YOUTH SUMMIT 2015 ACTION PLAN
PREAMBLE
We, the BRICS Youth, gathered in Russia in 2015 for the inaugural BRICS Youth Summit,
exhibiting concerted efforts in discussing issues crucial to the development of the BRICS
nations,
Looking for new sources of sustainable development of BRICS countries and youth engagement
in economic, political, humanitarian, information, scientific and technological cooperation
amongst the BRICS countries;
Recalling the principles of sovereignty and non-interference essential to the international system
and to the BRICS countries;
Recognizing the principles of human rights and ensuring safety, security and peace in
Compliance with international law;
Emphasizing the necessity to develop a favourable environment for the youth by creating social,
economic and political opportunities;
Welcoming the efforts made thus far by the BRICS partners towards the formulation of a
Comprehensive, transparent and efficient multilateral approach to establishing a polycentric
world order;
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Recognizing that the majority of the world youth population lives in the BRICS countries and it
is becoming increasingly relevant to addressing our challenges;
Recognizing that all forms of poverty and prejudice should be eliminated by providing equal
opportunities for the youth to build an inclusive society;
Being aware of the value of information and innovation for the BRICS economies;
Bearing in my mind the importance of current scientific and technical cooperation amongst our
countries;
Advocating the importance of youth participation in decision-making processes;
Propose to undertake actions in five spheres of cooperation:
BRICS ECONOMIC COOPERATION
Convened in order to address major imbalances in the economic systems of BRICS participants;
United in our resolve to contribute decisions on key financial and sustainability challenges;
Therefore propose:
Youth entrepreneurship
Include entrepreneurship as an integral part of the curriculum in schools and universities
across
the BRICS nations with specific focus on international conditions and to develop a
program of intra-BRICS internships and apprenticeships.
Set up an online centric platform and youth research group, acting in cooperation with the
BRICS University to provide a social network for entrepreneurs, investors and
governments across BRICS and create a detailed road map of legal framework and
experiences to facilitate the creation of youth businesses in BRICS.
Recognise the special needs of target groups within nations and set up a BRICS Women
Entrepreneurship Forum and expand it to rural areas to assist inclusive growth.
BRICS institutions
Establish the Youth Research Society under the New Development Bank in cooperation
with BRICS Universities League that would select young economists for internships in
New Development Bank or help to find assistants for professional research work.
Create the BRICS Youth Fund using a portion of funds from the New Development Bank
in order to finance youth enterprises in BRICS nations.
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Promote youth participation in the BRICS New Development Bank through allocation of
one seat per member state in the Board of directors. To promote youth participation
BRICS Business Council through allocation of seats for one youth representative per
BRICS member country.
Convene the first BRICS meeting of young professionals and civil servants of state
financial institutions and financial universities of BRICS countries in 2016 in order to
strengthen economic cooperation of BRICS nations.
Cooperation in the energy sector
Create the BRICS Youth Energy Association in order to promote cooperation between
youth interested in the energy sector and hold the first official meeting of the proposed
BRICS Youth Energy Association in November 2015 in Moscow, following the meeting
of Energy Association.
Promote youth scholarship programs under the BRICS University, paying special
attention to the research and development of the energy sector within the BRICS
countries.
Capital markets
Set up the BRICS central depository agent and the BRICS clearing house within which
the youth will actively participate.
Encourage youth to innovate financial instruments in order to strengthen the investment
climate.
Infrastructure and investment
Create sectorial Private Public Partnership standards, to issue infrastructural bonds,
circulating in the common financial market and minimize risks, by means of providing
reinsurance services on the common market.
Establish an international centre of project finance, with the main function of providing
revolving credit lines for launching BRICS infrastructural campaigns.
Build a capacity forum for PPP framework, where each member country will engage in
knowledge sharing, best practices and expertise.
BRICS POLITICAL COOPERATION
Admired the efforts of BRICS countries political leaders in transforming the world into a more
just and equitable place;
Dedicated to putting further efforts into addressing the issues of our common concern;
Therefore:
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Suggest making BRICS Youth Summit an annual event to enhance the role of the youth
in all BRICS formats. Supplementing Academic, Parliamentary, Diplomatic, Civic and
other forums with youth dimension will strengthen ties among young representatives of
the BRICS countries.
Emphasize the importance of an extensive and progressive reform of the United Nations
and its organs leading to a more representative, just and equitable world order.
Support public diplomacy, youth exchanges, people-to-people contacts to facilitate the
sharing of experience, knowledge and the best practices in the field.
Endorse the preservation and promotion of human rights within the framework of the
United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a prerequisite
for the holistic development and empowerment of the youth.
Oppose terrorism in all its forms and suggests cooperation in identifying and eliminating
its political, economic and social causes.
Support the construction of a polycentric global order based on BRICS+ format.
Engagement with various international actors is crucial for forging further understanding
on key political issues of global importance.
Urge BRICS governments to create a joint action plan on combating transnational
organized crime, including human and drug trafficking. The adoption of a cooperative
action plan is vital for combating these dangers, which are equally damaging to all
BRICS countries.
BRICS HUMANITARIAN COOPERATION
Reaffirming that the empowerment of youth through social participation and community
engagement both as state and non-state actors is important;
Believing that the BRICS nations will work further to protect youth rights, especially those of
minority groups such as religious, caste, linguistic, ethnic, racial, gender, migrants, disabled,
displaced and other; to realize their full potential and overall development, we have the
following proposal:
Youth policy
Increase youth representation in all BRICS institutional bodies: Ensure that the youth
contribute to BRICS decision-making processes and actively participate in strategic and
policy direction.
Create and support intra- and interstate governmental channels for social participation to
deepen youth interaction amongst each of the BRICS governments.
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Commit to eliminate state violence against vulnerable groups, specifically against youth
in disadvantaged situations.
Ensure ample space for young people to contribute positively to nation-building
activities.
Ensure appropriate legal access and support for young people.
Sports, arts and culture
Establish BRICS arts and culture centres in order to promote the knowledge about
BRICS nations.
Establish a tradition of Youth Sports Tournaments among young people of the BRICS
nations in order to promote activities and healthy life style.
Encourage linguistic learning programmes for young people of the BRICS countries to
learn the languages in the BRICS nations.
Encourage cooperation between the existing cultural institutions including Ministries of
Culture of the BRICS nations.
Youth interaction
Encourage exchanges of young scientists, professionals, entrepreneurs, artistic people,
sportsmen, journalists, etc. of the BRICS nations so that the youth could acquire a
comprehensive vision of the polycentric world and the sense of cohesion.
Establish a BRICS Exchange fund with the aim to support projects in the sphere of youth
interaction as well as grant loans to young people.
Develop specific labour and education policies aimed at vulnerable youth focusing on
providing youth dignity and fostering youth`s autonomy as a way of empowerment.
Simplify visa-granting procedures including reduction of prices and simplification of
visa application system for the youth.
Support volunteer projects and initiatives aimed at solving local problems in different
spheres of youth development.
Encourage sharing knowledge, experiences and resourceful support on humanitarian
grounds, and for this purpose make sure that the youth organizations and civil society
institutions are supported to work freely within the BRICS framework sharing across the
borders.
Support youth through exchange programmes in academic and humanitarian work
aimed at improving capacity of the civil society for BRICS member states.
Institutions and platforms
Encourage organization of joint arts & cultural projects between young people of the
BRICS nations and establish an Internet platform for getting acquainted with successful
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initiatives in this sphere and for effective communication among those involved in the
projects.
Establish a BRICS youth Association representing National Youth Councils,
International youth organizations, international sector-based youth associations, National
Youth NGOs, National Students organizations and local youth organizations as
applicable. It will cooperate in rder to create a BRICS youth Platform, realize the rights
and interests of the youth, empower young people to participate actively in society and
decision-making processes, representing and advocating their needs and interests and
those of their organisations, influence youth policy and youth work development.
Ensure that through this Association, grass-root youth organizations (including but not
limited to CBOs, NGOs, NPOs) receive adequate support from the BRICS states to
create a common virtual space for social and political transformation. A dedicated and
safe Internet platform should be used and the activities should be coordinated through
the BRICS Office or respective country-offices on a rotational basis.
Develop and adopt the BRICS standard rules of engagement for the youth summit,
coordination of conferences, workshops and seminars on a rotational basis.
Education
Encourage interaction of students, post-graduates, young scientists and entrepreneurs by
means of:
launching an exchange programme for students and professors among the universities
of the BRICS nations on the basis of already existing successful practices (in
particular, by analogy with the Erasmus Programme);
organizing student BRICS Framework in universities of the BRICS nations;
using the Global Apprenticeship Network experience as the basis for launching of a
relevant programme within the BRICS framework.
supporting and promoting online-education within the BRICS framework.
Pursue a synergy among life-long, formal, non-formal and informal education that is
developed and delivered with the help of grass-root youth organizations, as they will have
a local youthto- youth connection.
Create strategic partnerships between the universities and centres of knowledge in areas
that have been identified as scarce skills in member states, depending on the country’s
policy and position.
Public policy
Improve public security systems to make them more youth-centric and youth-friendly.
Improve the human capital of young public policy professionals, institutional support for
social policy making beyond bureaucracy and strengthening the pre-legislative
consultative policy process.
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Suggest broadening the mandate of the BRICS Think Tank Council to include
collaboration with Universities/Centres of Excellence in each member states of BRICS in
order to create avenues for young students to share experiences in the fields of public
policy and social entrepreneurship.
BRICS COOPERATION IN INFORMATION SPHERE
Recognising fair and free journalism as a strong tool to guarantee democracy in a society;
Expecting every nation to ensure the work of free press and protection of journalists from every
kind of threat or aggression;
Acknowledging the necessity of promoting access to new media and mass media in all regions in
order to guarantee the equality for all and not allow any discrimination;
Emphasising the importance of youth inclusion and participation in the media fields and in the
areas mentioned below, we have the following proposals:
Traditional media
Support establishing an independent BRICS News Agency to increase the media
coverage of the BRICS group development in each of the member countries and
providing privilege in access to information for people from BRICS News agency
according to their working spheres.
Recommend launching of mutual multilingual TV projects, movies and radio programs
between the BRICS member states, ensuring their newsworthiness and cultural relevance
for BRICS citizens, especially the youth, with the further possibility of creating the
BRICS TV channel.
New media
Call for creation of a mutual multilingual BRICS website linked with existing BRICS-
related websites and its mobile application, which would contain relevant information on
topics of: culture, science, business, tourism, youth opportunities, etc.
Propose creation of a mobile application for information sharing between media
professionals on a regional and a global level.
BRICS brand
Recommend establishment of professional marketing team, which promotes a consistent
development of BRICS brand.
Propose to build BRICS as a global brand through: BRICS Awards, BRICS Games,
BRICS Talk Show and BRICS Week.
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Information security
Encourage a joint mechanism for training and exchanging of cyber security
professionals, which will support strengthening of the cooperation and mutual respect
between the BRICS countries in countering cyber-threats.
Suggest a global Internet management reform to ensure transparency and democratisation
of the Internet.
Education and training
Propose establishment of a BRICS Media School for training programs, professional
exchanges and sharing best practices among media professionals and aspiring youth.
Call upon leaders for the creation of BRICS Youth Media Strategy to provide
opportunities for work and professional growth within BRICS nations to incentivise
talent retention.
BRICS SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL COOPERATION
Recalling the Cape Town Declaration,
Promoting the establishment of a harmonized approach for scientific research and information
exchange,
Stressing collaboration of academics, scientists and innovators in the prioritized areas, which will
be of mutual benefit for our nations, we have the following proposals:
Endorse the establishment of the Youth Fund within the BRICS Development Bank,
which is to commit funds for youth research and development, innovation and
technology.
Reaffirm the BRICS Universities League to facilitate exchange of students and educators
in science and technology.
Recognition of qualifications from the BRICS Universities League in prioritized
fields (particularly medicine, engineering and other);
The Youth Fund is to be employed in providing research grants and funding to the
BRICS Universities League.
Propose to introduce the BRICS scholarship within the BRICS Universities League.
The scholarship would be awarded to undergraduates, postgraduates, young
researchers and scientists;
The scholarship could be funded by the Youth Fund within BRICS Development
Bank, public and private sectors, donations and other forms;
Establish the BRICS Scholarship alumni association, which will contribute to the
youth development in the form of funding, coaching, mentoring, lecturing or
providing internships;
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Organize BRICS Youth Technical Innovation Competition and Exhibition, from
which excellent contestants could be sponsored.
Recommend facilitating collaborative technology and innovation promotion.
Organization of the joint program “BRICS Space for Innovation”, which will include
the collaboration of science and technology techno parks and technology
entrepreneurship networks;
Creation of a Young Scientist Council which will be a governing body that will
coordinate the activities, programs and projects;
Support the exchange of information by adding a portal on scientific collaboration to the
existing website for Youth Cooperation including a) current programs in BRICS States;
b) new ideas, ventures and opportunities; c) contact data of BRICS Youth; d) feedback
from BRICS Youth Summits and Conferences; e) online database of scientific materials
(publications, statistics, multimedia and other); f) social network enabling mutual
assistance, joint research and exchange.
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CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
BRICS Youth Summit involved not only academic discussions, but also a range of cultural
programs. Cultural Group led by Five Persons namely, Mr. Sinam Basu Singh, Mr. Vishnu
Narayanan Chengalath Krishnakumar, Ms. Arpita Acharya, Ms. Rajeshwari S. Sawant and Ms.
Samapti Sinha Mahapatra. We divided ‘Cultural Activities’ in three sub-headings;
(1) Exhibitions
(2) Cultural Programs
(3) Cultural Exchange
Exhibitions:
During the course of Summit, all the participant countries were allotted a space to exhibit
materials reflecting their respective cultures and arts. This space was in the big open lobby from
where all the participants passed for their academic sessions. Therefore, the participants could
enjoy taking look at the exhibitions in the free time. The organizers had given 2 big boards to
each delegation on which printed materials were to be pasted and a table on which pamphlets and
brochures were kept.
Delegations from each country had brought with them posters, pamphlets and photographs that
highlighted their historical and cultural heritage, their popular tourist sites as well as national
symbols. Countries like India and China had put the national souvenirs, show pieces and crafts
articles to make the exhibition more colorful and eye-catching. National flags were exhibited for
gaining patriotic fervor.
The exhibition counter of Indian delegation was very attractive. It had exhibited following
materials;
1. Photographs of major tourist sites in India, including Taj Mahal of Agra, Red Fort of
Delhi, Char Minar of Hyderabad, Hawa Mahal of Jaipur, Sun Temple of Konark, Golden
Temple of Amritsar and Gateway of India of Mumbai.
2. Photos of various performing art form in India, including classical dances like
Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi and Manipuri; and folk arts like Bhangra, Bihu and
Tamasha.
3. The pamphlets highlighting flagship programs of the Central Government, like Digital
India and Swachh Bharat, were pasted and also kept for participants to take with them.
4. Major initiatives of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports were displayed through
banners and posters. This included Prime Minister’s Youth Leadership Development
Program called ‘Ek Saal, Desh ke Naam’.
5. Pamphlets published by the Ministry of Tourism, popularly known as ‘Incredible India’
were kept and distributed at large scale.
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(Indian Exhibition in BRICS Youth Summit)
Cultural Programs:
On 5th
July, a Cultural Evening was organized in the Auditorium of the Media Center of the
Universiade Village. There were music and dance performances by the participants from all 5
countries. There were also some professional performances by Russian artists. This Evening was
grand occasion and a timely opportunity for cultural exchange.
Indian delegation had prepared several performances, including classical and folk dances. In very
few performances Indians were able to win the hearts of all the audiences. Be it Manipuri
classical dance performance; be it breathtaking Yoga demonstrations; or be it romantic duet
number like ‘Pyar hua, Ikrar hua’. The dance choreographed on the song ‘Jai Ho!’ exhibited
various classical and folk dance forms in India. This dance was simply amazing as the whole
auditorium was standing and clapping in joy.
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Cultural Exchange:
Cultural exchange in the Summit was not just confined to actual cultural programs. Individual
interactions between members from various countries were great source of information about
each others’ culture, languages, festivals, clothing and cuisine. On the last day, members
exchanged souvenirs between each other. These souvenirs also represented their respective
national cultures.
Indian delegation was very active and vibrant in the cultural aspect. All the female members of
the delegation wore Sarees in the Inaugural function and also in the closing ceremony. The male
members wore Kurta- Payjamas. In the Cultural Evening, Indian delegation was dressed in
regional costumes reflecting cultural diversity in India. The delegates from other countries were
curiously enquiring about Indian clothing, jewellery, cuisine, music, dances and of course about
Bollywood movies.
Conclusion
To bring this Summit at the concluding end, BRICS Youth Summit was truly an ‘Idea exchange
and culturally-rich’ experience. All the five countries, viz., Brazil, Russia, India, China and
South Africa are great civilizations. They have thousands of years of history; and have rich and
diverse cultures. All of them have so much to give to each other. Such events like BRICS Youth
Summit are timely opportunities for the participants for Idea’s and cultural exchanges. The most
important factor was personal ‘Give and Take’ that was facilitated during the course of this visit.
The Youth of the BRICS Nation carries with them the dream of development and world welfare
in the near future. Flow of Idea exchange between BRICS Nation will mold into a newer shape
for development on the global grounds. The first ever BRICS Youth Summit has open up new
doors of hope and opportunities for the BRICS Nations.