The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports wrapped up the BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting in Visakhapatnam on August 22, 2026. Youth affairs ministers from BRICS countries adopted a joint statement aimed at strengthening cooperation among young people across the five nations. The meeting builds on earlier youth summits held in Gandhinagar and marks a significant moment in India’s leadership of BRICS during 2026.
What the meeting covered
The gathering brought together youth ministers and senior officials from BRICS member countries to review progress in youth cooperation and set priorities for the future. Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led the Indian delegation alongside Minister of State Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse.
The joint statement adopted by all nations focuses on ten key areas: education, training and skills; youth entrepreneurship; science, technology and innovation; social and cultural participation and volunteering; poverty reduction and fighting inequality; health, youth and sports; environment and sustainability; interfaith youth dialogue; youth exchange programmes; and youth inclusion.
During the meeting, ministers discussed the need to create environments where young people can develop abilities, participate in decision-making, and address youth-related challenges. They emphasised supporting youth-led initiatives, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, and expanding opportunities for cross-border collaboration among young people.
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted India’s MY Bharat platform for volunteering, learning and civic engagement, which has registered over 25 million youth participants. He also mentioned India’s plan to develop 100,000 young leaders without political backgrounds to support the nation’s vision for 2047.
On the sidelines, delegates participated in a tree-planting activity called ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and visited the historic Totlakonda Buddhist Monastery near Visakhapatnam. Dr. Mandaviya also held bilateral meetings with youth ministers from South Africa and the United Arab Emirates to discuss skill development, youth entrepreneurship and digital platforms.
What this means for you
If you are a young person in India or other BRICS countries, this meeting signals greater focus on your participation in decision-making rather than simply receiving government programmes. The joint commitment to youth exchange, entrepreneurship support and skills development suggests more opportunities for cross-border learning and career growth may emerge. The emphasis on digital platforms like MY Bharat indicates government expects to expand online spaces where young people can volunteer, learn and lead civic action.