Global Participation and Policy Focus Mark Start of Youth Leadership Conference at IIM-I
Indore: The Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM-I) recently inaugurated a three-day international conference titled Youth for Impact: Social Innovation and Inclusive Leadership – Empowering Youth, Transforming Futures. This event, which commenced on February 17, 2026, features participation from scholars and speakers from various countries including Australia, Italy, the United Kingdom, Dubai, and Brazil.
Conference Overview
The conference aims to explore the intersection of youth leadership and social innovation, with a strong emphasis on India’s youth development policy framework. The event is organized in collaboration with the Department of Youth Affairs under the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including scholars, policymakers, development practitioners, and young leaders, to discuss how youth-led initiatives can lead to measurable social transformation.
Keynote Addresses and Themes
The opening day of the conference featured a series of keynote addresses from prominent international scholars. These addresses focused on various themes such as:
- Technology: Exploring the role of technology in empowering youth and facilitating social change.
- Health: Discussing health-related challenges faced by youth and potential solutions.
- Employment: Addressing employment opportunities and challenges for the younger generation.
- Ethical Leadership: Emphasizing the importance of ethical leadership in fostering responsible youth engagement.
In addition to the keynote addresses, there were deliberations on youth-driven transformation and inclusive development, highlighting the need for structured opportunities for young people to engage in social change.
Inaugural Remarks
Professor Himanshu Rai, the director of IIM Indore, inaugurated the conference. In his address, he emphasized the critical role of youth in India’s nation-building journey. He stated, “India’s nation-building journey is deeply linked to the aspirations, innovation, and leadership potential of its youth. Academic institutions must create enabling ecosystems that transform intent into impact and nurture socially responsible leadership aligned with the vision of a Viksit Bharat.”
Importance of Policy Alignment
Professor Shruti Tewari, the conference convener, highlighted the necessity of aligning policy, education, and community engagement to deepen youth participation. She remarked, “Structured opportunities such as social internships and field-based learning help young people convert knowledge into action and leadership into measurable social change.”
Notable Keynote Speakers
The conference featured several distinguished keynote speakers, including:
- Professor Ronald Fischer – Brazil
- Professor Jolanda Jetten – University of Queensland
- Professor Belgin Okay-Somerville – University of Glasgow
- Professor Alex Newman – University of Melbourne
These experts shared their insights on the role of youth in fostering social innovation and inclusive leadership.
Engagement and Participation
The conference aims to create an engaging platform for participants to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that can lead to positive social change. By fostering dialogue among youth leaders and experts, the event seeks to inspire actionable solutions to pressing social issues.
Future Implications
The discussions and outcomes of this conference are expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing discourse on youth empowerment and leadership. By focusing on practical strategies and collaborative efforts, the conference aims to pave the way for a more inclusive and socially responsible future.
Conclusion
The Youth for Impact conference at IIM Indore marks a significant step towards empowering the youth and transforming their potential into impactful actions. With a focus on social innovation, ethical leadership, and inclusive development, the event serves as a vital platform for young leaders to engage with experts and policymakers.
Note: This article is based on the coverage of the Youth for Impact conference at IIM Indore and aims to provide an overview of the event’s significance and key discussions.
