Bal Raksha Bharat hosts Y-20 Chaupals for Youth from marginalized communities

New Delhi : Fostering youth discussions on Industry 4.0 as part of the Y20 conversations, Bal Raksha Bharat (globally known as Save the Children) hosted discussions on Challenges faced by youth from marginalised communities in the start- up ecosystem and navigating these challenges for the future of work. The first session was led by a delegation of 7 youth participants from Bal Raksha Bharat, Vishwa Yuvak Kendra and AV Baliga Trust, while the second session was a high level discussion by industry experts led by Deepti Saxena, Head- Standards, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

The Y20 Secretariat inducted the participants into the role of youth in G20 for shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues. The convention, which was a step up after a series of Youth Chaupals were held across 5 states of Bihar, West Bengal, Delhi, Telangana and Maharashtra, engaged the youth on constructive policy inputs and to voice their opinions to the world audience. The Delhi Chaupal recognised the crucial role of the government in empowering young people and their suggestions reflected their commitment towards building a more equitable society.

Akash Jha from the Y20 Secretariat, giving special remarks at the panel discussions held in Delhi recently said, “The challenges confronting today’s youth are complex and diverse. Through Youth Chaupals and discussions they have been provided with a safe and supportive platform to share their experiences and opinions. This forum encourages them to explore solutions which were achieved through discussions, deliberations and collaborative problem solving that empowered them to take ownership of their challenges and work collectively to find solutions towards their brighter and shared future”.

Speaking at the importance of youth participation in policy matters of the country and the opportunity the Y20 platform provides, Sudarshan Suchi, CEO, Bal Raksha Bharat said, “Industry 4.0 is eventually going to be the future of work further in the coming days. So, it is important for countries to prepare and equip youth for this changing scenario. The Y20 working group on ‘Future of Work- Industry 4.0, Innovation and 21st Century Skills’ thus is very important. It is critical to strengthen its critical agendas to discuss how youth are prepared for Industry 4.0 which is powered by the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and cyber-physical systems and how innovative and adaptive mindsets can be inculcated among youth that triggers innovations and solutions.”

The sessions delved deeper by providing youth with a broad overview of its five key themes including Industry 4.0, Innovation and 21st century skills. The focus of the Y20 Chaupals focused on the challenges and issues that youth face in their vicinity to prepare themselves for Industry 4.0 and Innovation. Specifically, working group has been to bring out the voices of youth from marginalized section of India on the issues related to the Future of Work- Industry 4.0, Innovation and 21st Century Skills.

Some key recommendations from the youth for inputs into the G20 discussions included –

• Establishment of an information & communication system at the Panchayat level for the Youth development
• Skill-based vocational training to be incorporated from the high school level along with the academics
• Life skill Education needs to be incorporated into high schooling
• Linkage of youth from tier 2 states and rural areas to newer and innovative ecosystem was felt needed during the discussions.
• Youth in Chaupals emphasized on getting 21st Century Skills and training on Computer Skills, Problem Solving skills, English Language, Marketing Skills, and Business Proposal Making Skills.

The youth focused on developing recommendations for the government. They recognised the crucial role of the government in empowering young people and their suggestions reflected their commitment towards building a more equitable society by drawing solutions like Career counselling in schools should be made available to all youth, Exposure visits for students to their relevant industries, Entrepreneurship and business development modules should be made available for students, A relevant platform where they can gather vendors for business, A greater emphasis on providing skill-based training in schools, Modules related to mindset building though which they can expand their horizons. Awareness campaigns of government schemes and initiatives amongst others.

India assumed the presidency of G20 this year which reflects its growing global stature and the theme of India’s G20 presidency is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which translates to “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” The Y20 or Youth 20 is a significant component of G20 which focuses on fostering youth engagement and empowerment. It provides a platform to the youth to discuss and express their concerns on various issues and present remedies to address them as well.