Pillar I
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Recommendations to strengthen youth entrepreneurship ecosystems, widen access to finance and mentorship, and enable cross-border collaboration for youth-led ventures.
International Youth Day · 12 August 2026
Rising Youth Summit
Youth Shaping the Future of a Connected, Sustainable and Inclusive World
A virtual global summit convening young leaders and experts from across BRICS nations to exchange ideas on leadership, entrepreneurship, climate action and governance, culminating in the Rising Youth Declaration 2026.
- Date
- 12 August 2026 (International Youth Day)
- Format
- Virtual Global Summit
- Organized by
- BRICS Youth Alliance and Partner Organizations
- Participating Countries
- BRICS Nations
About
Young people are not beneficiaries of change. They are its architects.
The world is experiencing unprecedented transformation driven by technological innovation, geopolitical shifts, climate challenges, demographic transitions, and evolving economic landscapes. Young people are no longer merely beneficiaries of development; they are active architects of change, leading innovations, shaping public discourse, building enterprises, and driving social impact across communities and nations.
International Youth Day presents a unique opportunity to convene emerging leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, innovators, and civil society representatives to engage in meaningful dialogue on the future of global development and cooperation.
BRICS Youth Alliance presents the Rising Youth Summit, aiming to create a platform where young leaders can exchange ideas, explore solutions to global challenges, and contribute to shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future.
BRICS Youth Alliance
The BRICS Youth Alliance is an organisation dedicated to advancing cooperation within BRICS and amplifying the voices of young people across BRICS and other multilateral forums. The alliance is committed to empowering youth to participate meaningfully in BRICS relations, fostering a network of young experts prepared to tackle global challenges.
The Rising Youth Summit
The Rising Youth Summit 2026 is a flagship virtual conference launched by BRICS Youth Alliance in observance of International Youth Day 2026, and within the broader context of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, recognizing the vital role of volunteerism in advancing peace, social cohesion, humanitarian action, and sustainable development.
Bringing together young leaders, policymakers, innovators, entrepreneurs, academics, humanitarian actors, and development practitioners from across BRICS countries and beyond, the Summit seeks to empower youth as active partners in shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future. Through high-level dialogue and multi-stakeholder engagement, the Summit explores youth leadership, education and skills, innovation, entrepreneurship, climate action, digital inclusion, humanitarian initiatives, and global governance.
Vision
To provide a high-level platform for young leaders, innovators, and changemakers to engage in dialogue, foster international cooperation, advance humanitarian initiatives, and develop youth-led solutions that contribute to sustainable development, social progress, peace, and shared prosperity.
Objectives
- 1Promote meaningful youth participation in global governance and policy discourse.
- 2Facilitate dialogue between youth leaders and decision-makers.
- 3Showcase innovative youth-led initiatives and enterprises.
- 4Strengthen international cooperation and people-to-people connections.
- 5Develop actionable recommendations on youth priorities for sustainable development.
- 6Create a network of emerging leaders committed to collaborative impact.
Session Details
What each session sets out to do
From the thematic panels and Rising Youth Talks to the fireside conversation and plenaries, every session has a defined objective and discussion agenda.
Inaugural Panel Session
The Future Is Young: Leadership for a Transforming World
As the world navigates rapid technological advancements, shifting economic realities, climate challenges, and evolving geopolitical dynamics, young people are emerging as key stakeholders in shaping the future of societies and economies. This opening plenary will explore the critical role of youth leadership in addressing global challenges and driving innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.
Valedictory Session
Youth Shaping the Next Decade
A forward-looking discussion on the commitments, partnerships, and collective actions needed to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future.
Panel Session I
Entrepreneurship without Borders
- Strengthening youth entrepreneurship ecosystems and start-up culture
- Expanding access to finance, investment, and business support services
- Leveraging technology and digital platforms to access global markets
- Promoting cross-border partnerships and international business collaboration
- Advancing social entrepreneurship and impact-driven innovation
- Supporting women and underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship
Fireside Conversation: Have the chance to ask your questions to experts from across the BRICS nations.
Panel Session II
Climate Leadership and the Green Transition
- Youth leadership in climate action and environmental sustainability
- Advancing the green transition through innovation and entrepreneurship
- Climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and humanitarian response
- Promoting sustainable lifestyles and responsible consumption
- Expanding opportunities in green jobs and the circular economy
- Strengthening partnerships for climate action and sustainable development
Fireside Conversation: Have the chance to ask your questions to experts from across the BRICS nations.
Panel Session III
Youth Voices in Global Governance
- Strengthening youth participation in governance and policymaking
- Youth engagement in international cooperation and multilateral processes
- Promoting inclusive leadership and civic participation
- The role of young people in advancing peace, dialogue, and social cohesion
- Youth contributions to humanitarian initiatives and community development
- Enhancing representation of youth perspectives in global development agendas
Fireside Conversation: Have the chance to ask your questions to experts from across the BRICS nations.
Fireside Conversation
Put a question to the fireside panel of global leaders and young changemakers.
Ask a question, Fireside ConversationRising Youth Talks
Present your ideas for collective impact. Deliver a five-minute presentation on your work, research, or initiative, demonstrating how youth-led solutions are advancing sustainable development and international collaboration across the BRICS nations.
Let your voice be heard, Rising Youth TalkSpeakers
Our experts. One conversation.
Experts drawn from across BRICS nations join Rising Youth Summit 2026 as plenary speakers, panellists and moderators.
Speaker list releasing shortly. Check back soon.
Register now and we’ll email you the line-up as it’s announced.
Register
To attend.
Registration is free and open to youth aged 13–35, with priority given to applicants from BRICS nations. We welcome students, young professionals, entrepreneurs and civil society representatives. Speaking and panel slots are by separate nomination only.
Registration closes once capacity is reached. Closing date to be announced.
- Date
- 12 August 2026
- Certificate
- E-certificate for all verified attendees
- Eligibility
- Youth aged 13–35
- Priority
- Applications from BRICS nations, open to all
- Format
- Virtual, joining link will be emailed to delegates
- Fee
- Free, no cost to attend
Summit Outcome
Rising Youth Declaration 2026
Key recommendations under three key pillars:
Pillar II
Climate & Sustainability
Youth-led commitments on climate resilience, green entrepreneurship, sustainable lifestyles, and expanding opportunities in green jobs and the circular economy.
Pillar III
Leadership & Governance
Actionable recommendations to strengthen youth participation in governance, multilateral cooperation, civic leadership and peacebuilding.
The final Declaration will be published here after the Summit, with a downloadable PDF and a summary of the recommendations that emerged across the three pillars.
Partners
Convened together
Rising Youth Summit 2026 is organised by BRICS Youth Alliance together with partner institutions supporting youth leadership across BRICS nations.
Partner announcements coming soon.
Interested in supporting the Summit? Write to us with a short note on your organisation and proposed collaboration.
Become a partnerFAQ
Questions, answered
Everything delegates usually ask before registering.
Is the Summit free to attend?
Yes, participation is completely free for all registered delegates.
Do I need to be from a BRICS country to register?
Priority is given to applicants from BRICS nations, but the Summit welcomes youth participants globally, subject to available capacity.
Will there be a certificate of participation?
Yes. All verified attendees will receive an e-certificate of participation after the Summit.
What do I need to attend?
A stable internet connection and the joining link, which will be emailed to registered delegates ahead of the Summit. No software installation is required.