The Commonwealth Students’ Association was proudly represented at the BIMSTEC Youth Leadership Exchange Program 2026 by its Vice President for Democracy & Participation, Shaikh Rifad Mahmud, who participated in the prestigious regional engagement hosted in India from 24 April to 1 May 2026.
The program was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, as part of the 45th Anniversary celebrations of the Art of Living Foundation. The initiative brought together emerging youth leaders from across the BIMSTEC region to strengthen regional cooperation, leadership development, and people-to-people connections among young changemakers.
The high-level event was graced by globally renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, alongside C.S. Ram and P. Vijayan, whose presence underscored the importance of youth leadership and regional collaboration in shaping a peaceful and progressive South and Southeast Asia.
Hosted at the Art of Living International Center and Sri Sri University, the exchange program convened delegates from all seven BIMSTEC member states — Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Throughout the intensive week-long engagement, participants took part in leadership workshops, intercultural dialogues, policy discussions, and wellness sessions aimed at strengthening emotional resilience, enhancing leadership capacity, and promoting sustainable regional partnerships among young leaders.
During the program, Shaikh Rifad Mahmud engaged extensively with student and youth leaders from across the BIMSTEC region, exchanging perspectives on the realities, priorities, and evolving challenges confronting students in their respective countries. These discussions also explored opportunities for greater regional collaboration in advancing student advocacy, youth participation, educational development, and democratic engagement.
His participation further reinforced the Commonwealth Students’ Association’s commitment to international youth diplomacy, democratic participation, and the promotion of collaborative leadership among students and young people across regions of the world.
The CSA remains committed to creating and supporting platforms that empower young leaders to engage meaningfully in global conversations, foster intercultural understanding, and contribute to sustainable development and regional cooperation.
