Following initiatives announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in collaboration with Bharat Scouts and Guides, successfully concluded the "BIMSTEC Youth Heritage and Sustainability Immersion Programme."

The seven-day event, held in Madhya Pradesh from March 17 to 23, brought together over 80 young leaders from BIMSTEC member nations to strengthen regional connectivity and cultural diplomacy.

The program was divided into two specialized modules. The initial phase in Bhopal focused on cultural immersion, featuring visits to tribal community centers, museums, and heritage sites to foster intercultural dialogue.

The second phase, held at the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, centered on environmental leadership.

Participants engaged in forest ecology workshops, sustainability projects, and eco-tourism initiatives aligned with the Prime Minister's "Mission LiFE," which promotes sustainable lifestyles and environmental stewardship.

During the event, the Governor and Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh interacted with the participants, emphasizing the importance of youth as ambassadors for regional cooperation.

A key outcome of the gathering was the establishment of the "BIMSTEC Youth Sustainability Network," designed to ensure continued collaboration among the participants in the sectors of culture and the environment.

This immersion program follows the recent conclusion of the 1st BIMSTEC Young Professionals Exchange Programme, held in Mumbai and Pune from March 9 to 15.

That initiative, organized in partnership with the Government of Maharashtra, focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, bringing together 30 young tech developers and innovators from across the region.

Together, these programs mark a significant escalation in India's efforts to deepen people-to-people engagement under the BIMSTEC framework.

Source: ANI