Demographic strength gives BRICS countries an opportunity to shape the future of work : Dr Mansukh Mandaviya

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Demographic strength gives BRICS countries an

opportunity to shape the future of work : Dr Mansukh Mandaviya When BRICS nations work together and learn from each other, local innovations can create global impact : MoS Raksha Khadse BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting underway in under India’s BRICS Chairship

Posted On: 20 MAY 2026 6:57PM by PIB Delhi The BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting is currently underway in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, as part of India’s BRICS Chairship 2026. The meeting has brought together youth entrepreneurs, delegates, policymakers, and stakeholders from BRICS countries to deliberate on strengthening cooperation in entrepreneurship and promoting innovation-led sustainable growth.

Organised by the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, the meeting is being held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, joined the event through video conferencing and addressed the participants. In his remarks, he underscored the demographic strength that gives BRICS countries an opportunity to shape the future of work.

He further stated, “Together, our countries represent nearly half of the world’s population. Across many BRICS economies, more than 50% of the population is below the age of 35. India alone has nearly 65% of its population below the age of 35. This demographic strength gives BRICS countries an opportunity to shape the future of work. Across BRICS nations, young people are already driving transformational change.” He further noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made remarkable progress in expanding decent employment opportunities and building one of the world’s most vibrant start-up ecosystems through focused efforts on skilling, digital inclusion and enterprise-led growth.

A dedicated session on “From Local Innovation to Global Impact: BRICS Cooperation for a Youth-Led Startup Ecosystem” brought together participating BRICS countries to present their experiences, initiatives, and best practices in the field of entrepreneurship. The session provided a platform for exchange of ideas and discussions on strengthening startup ecosystems and enhancing cooperation among BRICS countries.

Addressing the session, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, said, “When BRICS nations work together and learn from each other, local innovations can create global impact.”She also highlighted India’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem and noted that youth from smaller towns and Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are increasingly building successful enterprises, reflecting the country’s commitment towards inclusive and youth-led innovation.

Addressing the plenary session, Dr. Pallavi Jain Govil, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, highlighted the growing importance of youth entrepreneurship in driving innovation and inclusive growth.

She stated, “Youth-led entrepreneurship is increasingly being recognized as a key driver of innovation, employment and inclusive growth. As our economies continue to evolve, young entrepreneurs are playing an important role in shaping solutions that are both locally relevant and globally adaptable.”She further emphasised that the BRICS Entrepreneurship Working Group provides an important platform for member countries to exchange developmental experiences and identify practical and scalable approaches for strengthening resilient and future-ready entrepreneurial ecosystems across diverse economic contexts. The inaugural session was attended by Shri Vishwas Kailash Sarang, Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Madhya Pradesh and ; Shri Nitesh Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, Government of India; delegates from BRICS member countries;

senior government officials; youth entrepreneurs; and stakeholders from the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.The event commenced with the inauguration of an exhibition showcasing innovations and entrepreneurial initiatives across sectors including technology, sustainability, and social enterprise. The programme also featured plenary discussions and interactive engagements focused on strengthening youth-led entrepreneurial ecosystems across BRICS countries.

The meeting also featured thematic panel discussions focusing on digital innovation and technology- driven entrepreneurship, social and inclusive entrepreneurship, and green entrepreneurship and climate- positive business models. The discussions explored emerging opportunities for young entrepreneurs across sectors such as AI, fintech, agritech, sustainability, and clean energy, while also highlighting the importance of inclusive growth and community-driven enterprise.

In addition to the panel discussions, the programme included interactive networking engagements and a fireside conversation with young entrepreneurs, aimed at encouraging dialogue, collaboration, and cross- country learning among participants.

The meeting has provided an opportunity for delegates to share experiences, exchange best practices, and explore avenues for deeper cooperation in entrepreneurship and innovation across BRICS countries.

The programme will continue with workshops, discussions, and interactive sessions aimed at fostering partnerships and strengthening collaboration among young entrepreneurs from BRICS countries.

The BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting reflects India’s continued commitment to promoting youth-led innovation, entrepreneurship, and international cooperation during its BRICS Chairship.

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