Thematic Pillars
Bharat as Yuva — Media & Global Leadership
Empowering youth-led media as a force for global change
In an era of information overload and competing narratives, the role of youth-led media has never been more critical. This pillar places emerging communicators, journalists, and digital storytellers from India and Africa at the centre of global discourse.
Focused on empowering youth-led media and communication platforms, this theme challenges dominant narratives, advances responsible storytelling, and positions India and Africa as agenda-setters in global discourse. The forum recognises that the Global South must not merely be the subject of narratives — it must be their author.
Through dialogue on digital diplomacy, combating disinformation, and the role of Gen-Z influencers as citizen voices, this pillar seeks to forge new media collaborations across continents.
Sub-Themes
- Combating disinformation & fake news/propaganda
- Digital diplomacy & online narrative-building
- Youth as changemakers: Gen Z, influencers & citizen voices
- Cross-continental media collaborations and co-productions
Expected Guests
- Minister/MoS, Information & Broadcasting
- Senior Journalists
- Senior Government Officials
- National Socio-cultural Organisation Representatives
AI, Innovation & Leadership
Technology as the great equaliser for Global South development
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping every facet of society — from healthcare and education to agriculture and financial services. For India and Africa, it represents both a transformative opportunity and a challenge that demands thoughtful, inclusive leadership.
This pillar integrates AI, innovation, fintech, digital education, skills, human capital, and energy transition to drive youth-led, inclusive growth. It aims to reduce developmental divides and enable Global South-led development models that reflect the lived realities of two of the world's most dynamic youth populations.
The discussion will explore how to harness AI not as a tool of inequality, but as a platform for leapfrog development — enabling communities that were once left behind to lead the next wave of global innovation.
Sub-Themes
- AI-driven solutions for agriculture, healthcare & education
- Fintech and digital financial inclusion
- Energy transition and youth-led green innovation
- Start-up ecosystems and cross-border entrepreneurship
Expected Guests
- AI Researchers & Practitioners
- Fintech Leaders
- Energy & Infrastructure Experts
- Start-up Founders & Investors
Legal Governance & Digital Frameworks
Future-ready law for a technology-driven world
As AI, big data, and digital platforms reshape commerce, governance, and daily life, existing legal frameworks struggle to keep pace. This pillar addresses the urgent need to shape legal and regulatory systems that are equitable, transparent, and reflective of Global South realities.
Focused on data privacy, digital rights, cybersecurity, intellectual property protection, ethical AI, and algorithmic accountability, this theme brings together legal minds, policymakers, and regulators to design governance frameworks that enable innovation without compromising rights.
The forum recognises that law must evolve with technology — ensuring that digital trade, AI deployment, and data governance serve humanity's interests rather than narrow commercial or geopolitical ones.
Sub-Themes
- Data privacy & digital rights frameworks
- Cybersecurity law & IP protection
- Ethical AI & algorithmic accountability
- Emerging legal frameworks for digital governance
Expected Guests
- Senior Legal Experts & Advocates
- Members of the Judiciary
- Policy & Regulatory Experts
- Representatives from Legal & Regulatory Bodies
Defence & Strategic Policy Cooperation
South–South security cooperation for a multipolar world
The evolving global security landscape demands new forms of cooperation that respect sovereignty, build capacity, and foster strategic autonomy. India and Africa share a common interest in a stable, multipolar world order where the Global South's voice is heard.
This pillar explores defence diplomacy as a tool of South–South cooperation, focused on capacity building without compromising sovereignty. It examines how joint training, defence exports, and institutional partnerships can foster mutual trust and long-term stability.
Critically, the forum also addresses emerging non-traditional security challenges — cybersecurity, terrorism, and maritime threats — where collaboration between India and African nations can yield strategic dividends for both regions.
Sub-Themes
- South–South defence cooperation frameworks
- Capacity building & strategic autonomy
- Training, joint exercises & defence partnerships
- Cybersecurity & counter-terrorism cooperation
Expected Guests
- Minister/MoS, Defence
- Defence & Strategic Affairs Experts
- Former Military Officials
- Strategic & Security Institution Representatives
Cultural & Diplomatic Synergy
Civilizational bonds as the foundation for lasting partnership
Beyond trade and policy, the India–Africa relationship is rooted in deep civilizational connections — shared histories of colonialism and resistance, complementary artistic traditions, and a profound respect for diversity. Cultural diplomacy is often the most enduring form of soft power.
This pillar celebrates shared civilizational linkages through art, heritage, sports, and people-to-people diplomacy. It explores how India's rich cultural heritage — from yoga and Ayurveda to classical arts — can serve as bridges of understanding and cooperation with African societies.
The forum also spotlights the role of the Indian diaspora in Africa (3.5 million strong) as agents of cultural and economic integration, and explores how sports diplomacy, indigenous games, and creative industries can reinforce the India–Africa partnership at the grassroots level.
Sub-Themes
- Cultural diplomacy & heritage exchange programmes
- Sports diplomacy & indigenous games
- Indian diaspora in Africa as bridge-builders
- Creative industries & cross-cultural artistic collaboration
Expected Guests
- Union Minister of Culture
- Cultural Organisation Representatives
- Eminent Artists & Cultural Figures
- Diaspora Community Leaders
Ready to be part of the dialogue?
Join 600+ delegates at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on 28 April 2026.