New Delhi, 6th March 2025 –In a significant roundtable discussion held at the World Bank Office in New Delhi, key stakeholders from the Commonwealth CYSDP (Commonwealth Youth for Sustainable Development Program), executive council members, and industry leaders from various sectors convened with the World Bank leadership to deliberate on India’s evolving economic landscape. During this session, the formation of the World Bank Youth Platform was also discussed.
The esteemed gathering featured insights from Anna Bjerde, Managing Director of Operations, World Bank, and Martin Raiser, Global Vice President, World Bank, among other senior representatives from the World Bank Group. The discussion focused on India’s trajectory as an emerging economic powerhouse and explored collaborative opportunities where the World Bank could contribute to sectoral growth and sustainable development.
Mr. Akash Jha, Chair, Commonwealth CYSDP, emphasized the importance of youth engagement and international cooperation in shaping India’s economic framework. He stated, “India’s growth story must be inclusive, ensuring that young entrepreneurs and emerging leaders play a central role in defining our development roadmap. This collaboration with the World Bank sets a strong foundation for the necessary policy frameworks and investments.”
Mr. Chiranjiv Patel, Global Advisor, Commonwealth CYSDP, highlighted the impact of the dialogue, remarking, “This meeting has been incredibly fruitful, bringing together global expertise and local insights to create a roadmap for India’s sustainable development. The commitment from both Commonwealth CYSDP and the World Bank to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and infrastructural advancements will drive India’s growth to new heights.”
The discussion covered key sectors such as infrastructure, technology, financial inclusion, climate resilience, and youth-led entrepreneurship. Stakeholders from diverse industries engaged in a collaborative approach to identify how India can leverage global partnerships to accelerate its economic progress.
The event concluded with a strong commitment from all parties to continue engagement on policy development and investment strategies that will drive long-term impact. The Commonwealth CYSDP team and industry leaders will work closely with the World Bank in the coming months to outline actionable steps for fostering innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth in India
