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SUMMIT REPORT

INDIAN DELEGATION

JULY 1-7, 2015

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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.

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Reports about BRICS Youth Summit in

various News Papers -: