Former Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Education Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh today called upon young leaders to play a transformative role in building a developed India, stating that the country’s progress must be driven by inclusive leadership, innovation and global cooperation.
Delivering the inaugural address at the Viksit Bharat Young Leadership Summit 2026, organised by the Forum for Global Studies in collaboration with the South African BRICS Youth Association at the India International Centre, New Delhi, Dr. Singh described the summit as “a convergence of civilisations, a dialogue of futures and a declaration of intent by the youth of our time.”
Highlighting India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, he said the country is not merely aspiring towards development but is actively shaping its future through its demographic strength, economic growth and civilisational values. He also underscored the importance of India-South Africa relations, saying both nations represent the aspirations of over two billion people and share the enduring legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.
Dr. Singh said the partnership between the Forum for Global Studies and the South African BRICS Youth Association aims to create a lasting platform for collaboration among young leaders, policymakers, civil society and institutions across the Global South.
Urging delegates to move beyond speeches and engage in meaningful dialogue, he said the challenges of creating inclusive economies, harnessing technology responsibly and building effective institutions are not merely policy issues but moral responsibilities that the younger generation must address.
Describing the BRICS grouping as more than an economic alliance, Dr. Singh said it represents the growing voice of the Global South and demonstrates that international cooperation can be built on shared aspirations rather than a single global model. He expressed confidence that partnerships forged at the summit would lead to joint research, policy collaboration and long-term people-to-people ties.
Calling on the participants to lead with courage and a sense of responsibility, Dr. Singh said true leadership lies not in exercising power but in serving others. He urged young leaders to rise to the expectations of billions whose futures will be shaped by the decisions taken today.
The summit brought together youth leaders, policymakers, academics and representatives from India, South Africa and other BRICS countries to discuss leadership, innovation and sustainable development under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.