The first-ever Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Youth Summit 2025 was inaugurated in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

• Organized under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), the summit aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing on youth initiatives. 
• The event emphasized skill development, entrepreneurship, and regional cooperation. 
• The summit seeks to empower young leaders to address global challenges and contribute to regional development.

Key Highlights of Summit: 

Theme: "Youth as a Bridge for Intra-BIMSTEC Exchange." 
The summit highlighted that over 60% of BIMSTEC’s 1.8 billion population comprises youth, underlining their role in regional growth. 
Highlighted India's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, stressing youth participation. 
India proposed a BIMSTEC-wide startup network to boost innovation and entrepreneurship. 

About BIMSTEC

The BIMSTEC is a regional organization comprising India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan. 
It tackles climate change, poverty, and sustainability while strengthening cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.