The first-ever BIMSTEC Youth Summit was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, by the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. Its purpose was to expand youth cooperation throughout the region and promote the sharing of youth-led projects among BIMSTEC Member Countries. In order to empower young leaders throughout the BIMSTEC countries, India has proposed the multi-sectoral "Youth Bridge" initiative. The Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre hosted the meeting, which was presided over by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports.