64% India’s population will be in the working age group by 2020 and such a vast population is going to be important workforce for not only India but also Asia, said Ms Preeti Saran, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India at the at the ASEM Youth Dialogue session held in New Delhi on March 26, 2016. More than 35 young Asian and European youths have participated in the dialogue which was organized by Ministry of External Affairs, the Young Indians, and Confederation of Indian Industry.
Ms Saran stated that ASEM is a dialogue forum which was established in 1996 and India became its member in 2007. In the context of ASEM, the Government of India had initiated various initiatives under tangible areas of cooperation. Realizing the relevance of youth issues, the Prime Minister shri Narendra Modi initiated “Skill India” to develop skills and employment of 400 million youths. She added that India today provides right environment for youths to flourish. Moreover, youth aspiration is finding more importance today.
The Secretary acknowledged that Young Indians (YI) aims to address many of these core youth issues and people from both the Asia and Europe can learn new ideas, share best practices through such engagements. She felt that business associations can help.
Ms Pooja Kapur, Joint Secretary ASEAN – ML, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India said, “India joined ASEM late in 2007 but what we lost in time, we made up with enthusiasm.” She suggested that countries need to respond to aspiration of people and harness social, economic and political benefits. There should be greater reinforcement of cultural cooperation. More focus should be given on capacity building, technology transfer, synergistic compatibility, etc. Connectivity including economic, institutional, digital should be improved. She added that ASEM should make imaginative use of social media and public outreach.
Earlier, giving his address, Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said that with 53 partners include 51 member countries and 2 international organizations (ASEAN Secretariat and European Commission), ASEM represents around 62.5 % of the world's population, 57% of the global GDP (2012) and almost 60% of the world's trade. He added “European youths have huge opportunities to collaborate with their Asian counterparts to exchange ideas, skills & technologies; collaborate in entrepreneurial ventures and R&D. We, the policymakers, business associations and academia can facilitate far greater and effective regular Youth interactions.”
While chairing the inaugural session, Mr Jacob Joy, National Vice Chairman Designate, Young Indians (Yi) proposed to create a “Youth Alliance” in line with the G20 Youth Alliance.
New Delhi
26 March 2016