CONCEPT FOR THE 3rd BRICS INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FORUM,5-12 June 2016, SOUTH AFRICA

1. PURPOSE
The purpose of the concept note is:

To outline the purpose of hosting the 3rd BRICS International Youth Forum
To outline the themes for the 3rd BRICS International Youth Forum
To outline roles and responsibilities of the participating partners in hosting
To present programme of the 3rd BRICS International Youth Forum

2. BACKGROUND
BRICS is an association platform/forum/grouping of leading emerging market economies
formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. BRICS members are distinguished by
their large, fast-growing economies and significant influence on regional and global affairs. As
of 2015, the five BRICS countries represent almost 3 billion people (43%), with a combined
nominal GDP of US$13.7 trillion and an estimated US$4 trillion in combined foreign reserves.
Presently, Russia holds the Chairship of the BRICS group and held successful held Heads of
States Summit for BRICS and SCO in Ufa, Russia 8-9 July 2015.The competent and authorised
bodies in State Youth Affairs has concludedMemorandum of Understanding and Co-operation
represented by the National Youth Development Agency (Republic of South Africa), the AllChinese Federation of Youth (Peoples Republic of China), the Ministry of Youth Affairs and
Sports (Republic of India), the Federal Agency on Youth Affairs (Russian Federation), the
General Secretariat of the President of Brazil (Federative Republic of Brazil)in Ufa, Russia 6th
July 2015.

The BRICS Non-Profit Organisations held a successful inaugural 1st BRICS and SCO
International Youth Forum in Ufa, Russia 25 - 30 July 2015 and the Generation Next Institute
(Republic of South Africa) and All-Russia Public Organisation Russian Union of Youth
(Federation of Russia) has concluded Memorandum of Understanding and Co-operation on
the 26th July 2015.
The First BRICS International Youth Forum was held in Moscow, Russia July 2014 wherein
Republic of South Africa was represented by Generation Next Institute and the Second BRICS
International Youth Forum was held in New Delhi, India January 2015 wherein Republic of
South Africa was represented by Generation Next Institute. The Third BRICS International
Youth Forum will be held in South Africa, on 5-12 June 2016 under the auspices of National
Development Agency and collaboration with Generation Next Institute as a Non-Profit
Organisation.
BRICS International Youth Forumis a platform forNon-Profit Organisations to dialogue and
cooperate amongst membercountries striving for the promotion of humanitarian
activities,cooperation on short-term exchange programmes for young leaders, experts and
specialists, organisation of workshops, round tables, exhibitions, forums and conferences, of
mutual interests in the field of youth development, business, research and innovative activities,
cooperation in science and innovation, trade and investment, youth entrepreneurship and
development in a multi-polar, inter-dependent and increasingly complex, globalizing world for
co-operation of non-profit organisations.
Membership of BRICS is one of the most strategic platforms, at the international level, through
which South Africa is able to pursue and realise its foreign and domestic policy priorities. This
membership is aimed at three levels of engagement, i.e.) global governance reform; ii)
enhancing the African agenda, promoting Africas sustainable development and iii)
strengthening political and economic relations. The latter is approached in line with its
domestic imperatives as manifested in policy frameworks such as the Outcome 11/White Paper
on South Africas Foreign Policy/Strategic Plan 2012-2015, the New Growth Path (NGP),
Industrial Policy Action Plan II (IPAP II) and National Development Plan. In the context of
Gauteng Provincial Government, The Radical Transformation, Modernisation and ReIndustrialisation and Ten Pillar Transition, Modernisation and Restructuring (TMR) which
takes precedence in the interface within BRICS Countries.
The value that BRICS contributes to South Africas interests includes already existing bilateral
bases, comprising strategic and strong relations. BRICS as a grouping, moreover, constitutes
what can be done collectively as compared to what cannot be done bilaterally, i.e. their
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collaborative strength in realigning the global economic, political and financial architecture. It
also provides an amplified voice to the interests of the emerging economies and developing
countries to ensure equal weight to determine the best interest of the global community.
Pertinent thereto is global governance reforms of the United Nations and Breton Woods
Institutions. BRICS is already influencing various global policy debates and decisions, notably
through concerted collaboration in the United Nations (UN) and its related structures, e.g. the
World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the United Nations
Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) etc.
Informed by these realities, the BRICS countries acknowledge that there cannot be sustainable
development until the challenges of unemployment and poverty amongst youth are addressed.
Majority of youthin BRICS countries continue to face unemployment, underemployment, lack of
skills, relevant education, access to capital, unmet need for health-related information and
services including those related to diagnosis, treatment, and care of those living with HIV and,
above all, prevention of new HIV infections among them. This situation is even more
accentuated among youth in rural areas. The greater proportion of youth does not have the
opportunity to fully develop its potential and contribute effectively to the realization of the
declared Vision and the Mission of BRICS leaders.
In response to the above challenges and guided bythe Resolutions of the:

1st BRICS and EAEU Science and Innovation Forum in Moscow, Russia October 2015
1st BRICS Youth Summit in Moscow, Russia, July 2015
1stBRICS International Youth Forum and SCO Ufa, Russia, July 2015
2n BRICS-International Youth Forum in New Delhi, India, January 2015
1ST BRICS International Youth Forum in Moscow, Russia, July 2014

And guided by the Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation in youth affairs between

On behalf of the Republic of South Africa National Development Agency

On behalf Peoples Republic of China The All-Chinese Federation of Youth
On behalf of India The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
On behalf of Russian Federation The Federal Agency on Youth Affairs
On behalf of the Federative Republic of Brazil The General Secretariat of the
President of Brazil
And
The Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation between (NPOs)

Generation Next Institute (RSA) andAll-Russia Public Organisation Russian Union of

Youth

The Forum will discuss five thematic areas within the umbrella of BRICS and Youth Development.
The proposed overall theme of the Forum would be BUILDING YOUTH FUTURE WITH
BRICSCOOPERATION AND ADVACEMENT
The thematic focal areas are broadly represented as follows:
B Business,Youth Entrepreneurship and Trade and Investment
R Responsibility and Patriotism (Public Diplomacy)
I Innovation, Science and Technological Advancement
C Cooperation on Culture, Education and Training
S Synergy and Knowledge Economy
The 3rd BRICS International Youth Forum will serve as a precursor of the planned 4thBRICS
International Youth Forum which will be hosted by Brazil in 2016. During this Forum, Youth,
Experts and Specialists, Young Entrepreneursfrom the BRICS countries will find an opportunity
to discuss challenges experienced, successes realized and opportunities emanating from the
BRICS platform for cooperation and partnership for the implementation of mutual beneficial
projects.
The Forum will be guided by the 7thBRICS Declaration and Plan of Action; and this platform will
be a life changing experience for many of youth practitioners in BRICS as it would provide an
open forum where youth can exchange their views on the implementation and propose a BRICS
programme of action for the youth development. This will be an inaugural BRICS International
Youth Forum platformin South Africa to encourage young people, government, civil societyand
private sector representatives of respective countries to elevate/ prioritize issues of youth
development to be part of the agenda during All BRICS meetings.
The sections below outline the proposed approach by South Africa and its BRICS partners in
taking this discourse forward during the planned 3rd BRICSInternational Youth Forum,
scheduled for 5-12 June 2016.
The forum will commence with two days of public and cooperate exhibitions and followed by
the three days of conferencing spread across three Metropolitans across Gauteng City Region
namely; City of Johannesburg, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality and Ekurhuleni
Metropolitan.
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3. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
The objectives of 3rdBRICS International Youth Forumare the following:

To share best practice on how to conduct and implement youth development programmes.
Have a conversation on the challenges experienced, successes realized and opportunities
emanating from the BRICS platform for cooperation.

Facilitate the exchange of information on the implementation of systems for the monitoring
of youth policies and programmes, and more specifically on the formulation of a youth
development index as a monitoring tool.

Exchange views on how to anticipate and offset the negative social and economic
consequences of globalization, and to maximize its benefits for young people in the BRICS
context.

Consider cooperation on youth job creation, skills development and vocational training to
meet specific labour market needs of the youth; which would include available funded
scholarships that will promote exchange programmes amongst BRICS countries.

Explore opportunities for increased youth entrepreneurship, including the development of

networks of young entrepreneurs. Thereby fostering youth entrepreneurship and
empowerment programmes in all countries for market linkages to improve trade benefits.

Encourage the participation of youth groups in international events, cultural exchange, and
sports development programmes organized by all represented countries.

Promote gender aspects and the role and needs of youth in capacity building activities
within BRICS.

Develop a working plan on the 3rd BRICS International Youth Forum; that would further
assist in implementing the outcomes of 7TH BRICS Heads of States Declaration and Plan of
Action in relation to the work streams related to youth cooperation within BRICS Countries.

It is therefore important that the thematic areas identified for the engagements assist us to
take forward our understanding of the tools, ideas and instruments that drive youth
development cooperation.

4. PROPOSED APPROACH AND THEMATIC AREAS

It is proposed that each country focuseson theassigned thematic area, and use it to guide
discussions in the 3rd BRICS International Youth Forum in South Africa 2016.
Table 1: Approach and thematic areas: National
CHALLENGE

THEMATIC AREA

KEY QUESTION

Access to finance to
fund youth
development
programmes

Collaboration to advance
youth development in
BRICS through the
sharing of best practices
by all represented
countries.
Promotion of Youth
Entrepreneurship
through exploration of
market opportunities
that would promote
trade between the BRICS
countries.
Youth Exchange
programme in areas of
sports and culture as a
way to promote
Integration and promote
Social Cohesion
Building of citizenry
through promotion of
Political and Economic
understanding of BRICS
and the sharing of best
practice.
Education and skills
training with an interest
in facilitating acquisition
of scarce skills to address
unemployment in BRICS
Countries

What are/is the ideal

institutional arrangement that
would make resource
allocation and implementation
of youth programmes
effective?
What are the competitive
advantages of individual
countries and what benefits
could be derived in
collaborating in those
identified sectors?

Access to markets for

youth owned
enterprises. (Market
Linkages)

Coordinated
approach to share
progress in areas of
sports and culture.

The need for

establishment of the
BRICS Youth
Secretariat to be
chaired by the host.
Establish Academic
Forum that will
identify scarce skills
and academic
opportunities of
mutual benefit
amongst BRICS
members

How do we inculcate the spirit

of citizenship and service
amongst the youth through
sports and culture?

PROPOSED
LEADING
COUNTRY
South Africa

China

Brazil

How do we advance political

Russia
and economic awareness to
enhance the agreed leadership
programmes?

How to coordinate and

influence the type of
scholarship opportunities and
skilling programme offered by
BRICS countries?

India

5. EXPECTED OUTCOMES OF THE BRICS YOUTH POLICY DIALOGUE

It is envisaged that the Forum will produce the following outcome:

Produce a mutually agreed Plan of Action and Resolutionsfor consideration and

implementation by participants from respective member countries.

Produce Bi-lateral and Multi-lateral Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation between

and among participating BRICS Institutions and organisations.

Produce Draft Programme for the 4th and 5th BRICS International Youth Forum to be held in
Brazil and China 2016 respectively.

Produce and outline road map and strategies for the implementation of BRICS International
Youth Forum cooperation and advancement for 2018 and beyond.
6. PROGRAMME AND ACTIVITIES OF THE 3RD BRICS INTERNATIONAL FORUM

The 3rd BRICS International Forum will commence with two days of public and corporate
exhibitions followed by three days of conferencing across three Metropolitan Cities of Gauteng
City Region namely; City of Johannesburg, City of Ekurhuleni and City of Tshwane. Please see
attached programme for the details. Please see attached programme for the details marked
A1.
7. PARTNERS IN HOSTING 3rdBRICS INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FORUM
Partners

GNI

GDE

NYDA

DIRCO

Responsibilities

Overall coordination and

preparation of the Forum

Co-hosting and
Strategic Adviser
Financial Sponsor of
the Event

Lead Financial Sponsor

and Implementing
Partner

Protocol and Technical

Support Partner

Contact Person:

Mr. Teboho Sehloho

Chairperson

Mr. Rufus Mmutlana

GCRA: CEO

Mr. Khathu
Ramukumba: CEO

Mr. Jerry Matjila

DG

Partners

DTI

DHET

PRESIDENCE (YOUTH
MINISTRY)

OFFICE OF THE PREMIER

(GAUTENG)

Responsibilities

Financial Sponsor and

Investment Partner

Sponsor and
Exhibition Partner

Sponsor and Youth

Policy Partner

Sponsor and Strategic

Partner

Contact Person:

Mr. Mzwandile Masina:

Deputy Minister

Mr. Mdu Manana:

Deputy Minister

Mr. Buti Manamela:

Deputy Minister

Ms. Elizabeth Thobejane:

DDG -Institutional
Development and

Integrity Management
Partners

CITY OF JHB

CITY OF
ERKURHULENI

CITY OF TSWANE

GAUTENG DEPARTMENT
OF ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT

Responsibilities

Sponsor and Co-Hosting

Partner

Sponsor and CoHosting Partner

Sponsor and Co-Hosting Sponsor and Economic

Development Partner

Contact Person:

Mr. Ruby Mathang:

MMC Economic
Development

Mr. Mondli
Gungubele: Mayor

Mr. kgosientso
Ramokgopa:
Mayor

Mr. Dr. David Masondo:

Economic Sectors

Partners

GAUTENG TOURISM
AGENCY

PROUDLY SOUTH
AFRICA

SCI-BONO

ACSA

Responsibilities

Sponsor and Travel and

Tourism Partner

Sponsor and Branding Sponsor and Science

Partner
and Technology Partner

Sponsor and Co-hosting

Partner

Contact Person:

Ms. D Robertson
CEO

Mr. Leslie Sedibe

Mr. David Kramer

CEO

Mr. Bongani Maseko:

Managing Director

Partners

PRASA(Autopax)

SABC

OAKBAY INVESTMENT

HP South Africa

Responsibilities

Sponsor and Logistics

Partner

Sponsor and Media

Partner

Sponsor and Media

Partner

Sponsor and Technology

Partner

Contact Person:

Mr. Bongani Kupe

CEO

Mr. Hlaudi
Motsoneng: COO

Mr.Goerge Pieter van

der Merwe:
CEO

Mr. Pieter Bensch:

Managing Director

8. PROTOCOL COURTESIES (TRANSPORT AND ACCOMMODATION)

The South African hosting partners will be responsible for air travel costs, venue hire,
refreshments and related costs during the forum for the delegates. The delegates will be
required to pre-register with the organizer upon receiving invitations from the lead host.
The host partners will arrange transport from the airport to the hotel and back to the airport
for departure. The delegates will have full participation during enter period of the forum as
outlined in the programme at the courtesy of the hosting partners.
9. CONSULTATION WITH MEMBER COUNTRIES
The Generation Next Institute, as the custodian member of BRICS International Youth Forum,
will co-host the 3thBRICS International Youth Forum. The session will be organised under the
Broader BRICS International Youth Forum Theme: Partnership for Youth Entrepreneurship and
Cooperation, Integration and Industrialisation.

Given the degree of interest shown by the member countries,Generation Next Institute
together with lead the organiser have engaged various partners within the BRICS member
countries to agree on the proposed concept and the thematic areas. This was in order to reach
a degree of consensus on the proposed approach, questions and areas for discussions during
the forum.
To this extend, the Concept Documents has been circulated to member countries for
comments. The member countries have then consulted with relevant stakeholders and agreed
on the approach and thematic areas as proposed.

10. DETAILED PROGRAMMES

The final detailed programmes for the Forum will be circulated upon approval of the delegates
to the Forum as outlined in the programme.

11. INVITATIONS AND DELEGATES

The invitations for the International delegates will be issued from the Department of
International Relations and Cooperations Director Generals office to BRIC Embassies and High
Commissions of South Africa in BRIC missions for the attention of delegates. The invitations of
the local delegates will be issued by the National Youth Development Agency and Generation
Next Institute to the selected participants.
Approximately Three Hundred (300) delegates will be composed as follows:

BRICS Young Scientists, Experts and Entrepreneurs

BRICS Senior Government Officials in charge of youth development programmes
BRICS International Youth Forum member of organisations who are Non-profit
organisation and Civil Society
BRICS Young Investment Specialists and aspirants Industrialist
BRICS Young Professionals and Media Experts

These participants will be drawn from all five BRICS countries (Russia, India, Brazil, China and
South Africa). Russia, India, Brazil and China will be represented by twenty (20) delegates each
with a total number of foreign delegates being eighty (80) and hundred and eighty (180) will be
participants coming from South Africa, composed of relevant State Owned Entities, Institutions
of Higher Learning, Leading Cooperates in South Africa, Representatives of BRICS Embassies,
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The Presidency, Gauteng Provincial Government, Gauteng in Metros, Youth Directorates in

National and Provincial Governments and the NYDA and the South African Youth Council
Structures.
12. PROPOSED BUDGET AND ESTIMATES
The proposed budget and estimates for the 3rd BRICS International Youth Forum is contained
in an attached document marked B1.

13. CONCLUSION
This Concept Documenthas successfully managed to outlined and presented the broad Themes
and Programme for the 3rd BRICS International Youth Forum as well as the roles and
responsibilities of the hosting partners. This Concept Document will serve as a guiding tool for
the purpose of preparation and coordination of the activities leading to the commencement
and conclusion of the Forum.
The document will also be utilise as an instrument for galvanising resources and support in
engagement with potential partners in hosting the 3rd BRICS International Youth Forum.
It is envisaged that the approach will provide participants and partners with sufficient platform
to focuson key challenges related to Youth Cooperation and Advancementin areas of mutual
interests in spheres of the activities of the Forum.

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