Demographic Edge Gives BRICS Nations Chance to Shape Future Workforce
The BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting took place in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, as a part of India’s BRICS Chairship 2026. The meeting convened youth entrepreneurs, delegates, policymakers, and stakeholders from BRICS countries to discuss strengthening entrepreneurship cooperation and promoting innovation-led sustainable growth, according to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Organised by the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the event was held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, joined the meeting via video conferencing and addressed the participants. He emphasised that the demographic strength of BRICS nations provides an opportunity to shape the future of work.
He 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.” Mandaviya also noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has made significant progress in expanding decent employment opportunities and developing one of the world’s most vibrant start-up ecosystems through focused efforts on skilling, digital inclusion, and enterprise-led growth.
A dedicated session titled “From Local Innovation to Global Impact: BRICS Cooperation for a Youth-Led Startup Ecosystem” brought together representatives from BRICS countries to share experiences, initiatives, and best practices in entrepreneurship. The session provided a platform for exchanging ideas on strengthening startup ecosystems and enhancing cooperation among BRICS nations.
Speaking at the session, 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, noting that youth from smaller towns and Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are increasingly establishing successful enterprises, demonstrating the country’s commitment to inclusive and youth-led innovation.
Addressing the plenary session, Pallavi Jain Govil, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, underscored the importance of youth entrepreneurship in driving innovation and inclusive growth. She stated, “Youth-led entrepreneurship is increasingly being recognised 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.”
The meeting featured thematic panel discussions on digital innovation and technology-driven entrepreneurship, social and inclusive entrepreneurship, and green entrepreneurship alongside climate-positive business models. These discussions explored emerging opportunities for young entrepreneurs in sectors such as AI, fintech, agritech, sustainability, and clean energy, while emphasising the importance of inclusive growth and community-driven enterprise.
The programme will continue with workshops, discussions, and interactive sessions designed to foster partnerships and enhance collaboration among young entrepreneurs from BRICS countries.
The News Mill