To celebrate the ‘International Youth Day’ on 12th August 2020, BRICS CCI under its BRICS CCI Young Leaders Program inaugurated its website and hosted an inaugural session for its members. The event was attended by large number of youth from BRICS and other friendly nations.
Mr. Vishwas Tripathi, Chairman of the BRICS CCI while addressing the guests said, “Engagement for global action can be fostered by engaging youth and hence it is necessary to nurture our policies for building a strong network for young minds to facilitate the growth of their ideas“. Dr. BBL Madhukar, Director General, BRICS CCI who said that “youth is the youthful firearms of the world, who will convey new change to lead another changed life for better“. Mr. Sameep Shastri, the President of BRICS CCI Young Leader’s Program and also the Vice Chairman of BRICS CCI, in his address outlined, “I am a believer in the fact that the Youth has huge potential and can change the world. Further their role and importance in these young economies need to be looked upon and given encouragement, so they turn out to be a better human resource and aid the growth of not only their nation, but the whole world”. Mr. Shastri concluded his speech by unveiling the website and announcing a book, ‘100 Success Stories of Young Entrepreneurs’ to be released next day marking the first anniversary of the Young Leaders program.
Ms. Sonal Goel, IAS, special guest for the session shared her views on the importance of youth for a sustainable future. She said “If you want to bring positive change in society, empower the Youth.”
The event witnessed an interactive webinar with Representatives from BRICS nations who are part of the Steering Committee for BRICS Chapters. Brazil, Mr. Lucas Mendez, CEO at Brazil Global; Ms. Polina Kochetova, Researcher from Moscow State University of International Relations; India, Mr. Avi Mittal, Founder, Golden Ace Ventures; China, Mr. Johnson Chow Chun Shing, HKU graduate, now working as an Executive Officer in Shatin Pui Ying College (alma mater); South Africa, Mr. Raymond Shillboy Matlala, Founder and CEO of Inter African Research Consultancy and Raymond’s Traders and Founder, South African BRICS Youth Association. Theme for the same was ‘FUTURE and Potential of Youth in BRICS nations and beyond’.
As concluding remarks, the representatives had shared their insights.
Mr. Lucas (Brazil Chapter) said, “We need leaders who are aware of the problems we currently face. And we need to be tech savvy to be able to address these challenges”.
Ms. Polina (Russia Chapter) said, ” The youth need to be educated, guided and encouraged to be able to take leadership roles“.
Mr. Avi Mittal (Chair of India Chapter) said, “We need to accept the change gracefully and work with and as policy makers to bring the change”
Mr. Johnson (Hong Kong, China Chapter) said, ” It’s important to the young people to quip with skills that make them future ready. A hobby or a language is necessary to better engage in a multilateral world”.
Mr. Raymond (South Africa Chapter) said, ” There is nothing for us without us” and to equip oneself for a strong business development one needs to think from a perspective of an employer or a leader”.