3rd South Africa–India Bilateral Youth Forum 2025 Convened by IYESF and SABYA to Advance Youth Dialogue in BRICS

On Saturday, 20th September 2025, the 3rd Annual South Africa–India Bilateral Youth Forum took place with enthusiastic participation from youth delegates of both countries. Since its inception in 2023, this forum has been co-organised by the International Youth Edu-Skills Foundation (IYESF) and the South Africa BRICS Youth Association (SABYA).

This year’s forum was held under the theme “From Opportunity to Action: Youth Leading Change in a Rising BRICS World,” and focused on three key thematic areas:

1. Youth Empowerment in a Growing Global South – Opportunities from BRICS Expansion

2. Future Finance – Empowering Youth through Financial Literacy in the Age of BRICS Currency

3. Bio-Economy – Building Green Skills for a Sustainable Future

   
   

The event began with welcome notes by Program Directors Asfia Kulsoom, Project Manager at IYESF, and Oscar Mosenogi, Projects Manager in the Office of the Chair at SABYA. This was followed by opening remarks from Mr Raymond Matlala, Founder and Executive Chairman of the South African BRICS Youth Association.

The first session featured a panel discussion with expert speakers across the three thematic tracks, followed by a lively Q&A session:

1. Youth Empowerment in a Growing Global South

   • Mr. Keval Kishorbhai Pavra

   • Mr. Sbonelo Gift Ndlovu

   
   

2. Bio-Economy: Building Green Skills for a Sustainable Future

   • Mr. Yogesh Kumar

   • Mr. Lucky Litelu

   
   

3. Future Finance: Empowering Youth through Financial Literacy

   • Mr. Bongani Mahlangu

In the second session, delegates were divided into three breakout rooms aligned with the focus areas. Participants engaged in thoughtful discussions and collaborated on creating PowerPoint presentations.

The third session brought everyone back to the main room, where each group presented their ideas and solutions developed during the breakout discussions.

The event concluded with closing remarks from the program directors. The forum was a resounding success, marked by high levels of engagement, insightful contributions from the speakers, and dynamic collaboration among the youth delegates.

About the Organisers:

International Youth Edu-Skills Foundation (IYESF) -

The International Youth Edu-Skills Foundation (IYESF) is a not-for-profit, non-governmental youth organisation registered under the Charitable Indian Trusts Act, 1882. Established in 2018, IYESF works to empower youth through education, skills, employment, and entrepreneurship in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

South Africa BRICS Youth Association (SABYA) -

SABYA is a registered non-profit organisation (205-671 NPO) in South Africa that focuses on youth development, international cooperation, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the BRICS nations. It aims to foster cultural exchange, collaboration, and mutual understanding among young people in Brazil, Russia, India, China, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.