Policymakers from around the world attending Y20 Consultation at KIIT Deemed University on Friday highlighted the role of youth in building a prosperous and peaceful society.

The two-day event Y20 Consultation was organised under the aegis of G20 began on Friday.

The event was inaugurated by Union minister for environment Ashwini Kumar Choubey, who encouraged the younger generation to emulate the life and principles of Swami Vivekananda and strive to make India a leading nation in the 21st century.

Choubey said: “Youths hold the future of this great nation. They have a crucial role to play in the development process that will bring peace and prosperity to society.” He also applauded the accomplishments of KIIT and its students in various sectors.

The participants were welcomed and felicitated by Achyuta Samanta, the founder of KIIT and KISS.

The Y20 Consultations brought together students, educators, business leaders, and spiritual leaders from India and G20 countries.

The forum provided a platform for youths to raise awareness of global issues, exchange ideas, share innovative thoughts, engage in discussions, and negotiations, and reach a consensus. The outcomes of the deliberations will be presented at the G20 meeting later this year, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this year.

Odisha minister Tusharkanti Behera highlighted the importance of the theme of the Y20 Consultations, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), and emphasised the need for youths to come together and work towards preserving cultural heritage and promoting national integrity.

Behera also lauded the sporting achievements of Odisha’s youths, mentioning that three out of six students have been selected from the state to participate in the NASA Rover Challenge 2023 in the US.