Call for Participation in the South Africa - India Youth Bilateral Forum 2025 by IYESF and SABYA

Date: 20 September 2025

Mode: Online

Working language: English

Last Date of Application: 30 August 2025

Link to Apply:

Apply Here

The International Youth Edu-Skills Foundation (IYESF) and South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA) would like to invite young leaders from all sectors of society to participate in the South Africa - India Youth Forum 2025.

Objectives of the Forum:

• To facilitate dialogue between South African and Indian youth on shared priorities in innovation, inclusion, and sustainability.

• To explore the strategic implications of BRICS+ expansion for youth empowerment and regional cooperation.

• To provide a platform for showcasing youth-led solutions in financial literacy, green skills, and economic resilience.

• To foster long-term bilateral collaboration between South African and Indian youth networks and institutions.

Theme:

The South Africa – India Youth Forum 2025 will convene under the theme "From Opportunity to Action: Youth Leading Change in a Rising BRICS World"

Thematic Focus Areas:

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

   Explore how the enlarged BRICS+ framework provides a platform for enhanced South-South cooperation, new trade and development opportunities, and expanded space for youth diplomacy and influence in shaping global policy.

   
   

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

   Deliberate on youth financial empowerment, digital financial skills, and readiness for evolving macroeconomic shifts—including the concept of a BRICS currency and the expansion of fintech ecosystems in emerging economies.

   
   

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

   Discuss strategies for youth-driven innovation in sustainable agriculture, green entrepreneurship, and bio-economy sectors, highlighting the role of indigenous knowledge, climate-smart practices, and circular economies.

Criteria for Participation:

• Between 18-35 years of age. (Exceptions will be granted to excellent candidates)

• A citizen of South Africa OR India

• A demonstrated youth leader in their field, e.g. business, entrepreneurs, politics, international relations, academia, civil society, Higher Education and Training, Agriculture and Agri-entrepreneurship and Socio-Economic Development; 4IR, etc.

• Demonstration of extensive knowledge and/or experience in one or more of the thematic areas of the dialogue.

• Willing and able to participate in the full duration of the dialogue, as well as in follow-up events and activities.

  
  

Benefits to the Participants:

• The participants will have the opportunity to network with multiple stakeholders from both nations.

• The participants will receive the certification of participation.

• The forum intends to empower young people with best practices to engage with fellow counterparts and other young people within BRICS.

• The forum intends to equip the youth from both South Africa and India with the necessary skills to engage on topical issues as reflected in the thematic areas.

Background:

The rapidly shifting global order has placed youth at the centre of economic transformation, innovation, and policy discourse, particularly across the Global South. The expansion of BRICS+ —with new members such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Indonesia—signals a stronger voice for emerging economies. Within this evolving context, youth from South Africa and India are uniquely positioned to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and co-create solutions that drive sustainable development.

IYESF -

The International Youth Edu-Skills Foundation (IYES Foundation) is a not-for-profit, non-commercial and non-government youth organization registered under the charitable Indian Trusts Act, 1882, Government of India to empower youth through education, skills, employment and entrepreneurship to achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. IYES Foundation was founded in 2018 by enthusiastic young professionals dedicated to bringing change to society.

SABYA -

The South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA) is a non-profit organisation registered with the Department of Social Development in South Africa (205-671 NPO). SABYA is a youth-led organization that focuses on promoting youth development, international relations and cooperation, entrepreneurship, and innovation in South Africa and other BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)).