Statement by India under Agenda Item 3, Biennial Panel on Youth and Human Rights, at the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council (08 September – 08 October 2025), delivered by Ms. Anupama Singh, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India
Geneva, 16 September 2025
Mr. Vice President,
India recognizes the crucial role that young people play in building inclusive, just and peaceful societies. With over 65% of its population under the age of 35, India sees youth not only as beneficiaries of development, but as active agents of change in promoting human rights, pluralism, and democratic values.
Our national programs, such as ‘Yuva Sangam’ and ‘National Service Scheme’, empower young people to engage in meaningful conversations, critical thinking, and self-discovery, aimied at fostering social cohesion, mutual respect, and an ethos of unity in diversity.
Mr. Vice President,
India also strongly believes in international cooperation as a cornerstone for sustainable development and global peace. Through our Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, we have partnered with over 160 countries, offering capacity-building opportunities in good governance, digital education, rural development, election management, and parliamentary studies —many of which directly engage and benefit youth leaders.
Best practices from India, including grassroots democratic participation and various digital literacy campaigns, have shown that empowering youth fosters resilient, inclusive, and pluralistic democratic societies.
Mr. Vice President,
As we collectively advance the global human rights agenda, India remains committed to sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and supporting youth-led efforts that strengthen peace, dignity, and justice worldwide.
Thank you.
