Chandraveer Lutchmun: Mauritian Leadership at UNESCO and Beyond

Chandraveer Lutchmun, chosen from thousands of candidates, represented Mauritius at the UNESCO International Youth Forum in China. This global recognition highlights the commitment of this young leader to creativity, heritage, and innovation.

Lutchmun made a significant impact by representing the island at the UNESCO International Youth Forum (FIJ) on Creativity and Heritage, held from November 17 to 22, 2025, in China. As President of the Grand River South East Youth Circle (GRSEYC), he was among the 40 international young leaders selected and fully funded by the organization, chosen from thousands of global applications.

The event took place in the cities of Nanjing and Changsha, focusing on the theme "Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Youth for the Protection and Transmission of Heritage." The forum brought together brilliant minds along the Silk Roads to explore how technology, creativity, and assertive young leadership can play a crucial role in safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations.

For Chandraveer Lutchmun, this week was "truly magical and unforgettable," marking a significant and transformative step in his personal and professional journey. The program kicked off in Nanjing with an opening ceremony attended by high-ranking UNESCO officials and Chinese authorities. Initial plenary sessions quickly immersed participants in in-depth discussions centered on cultural preservation and the future of heritage in the digital age.

The experience provided by UNESCO uniquely combined intense cultural immersion with cutting-edge learning in innovation. In Nanjing, participants attended high-level presentations and took study tours of major sites, including the city wall, a historical symbol, and a notable visit to the Alibaba Center, showcasing China's technological advances in heritage digitization and presentation. During these exchanges, the young Mauritian actively contributed, sharing the rich multicultural identity of his island and highlighting the creative work and community engagement driven by the GRSEYC.

The second phase of the forum took place in Changsha, a city known for its historical cultural scene and its role along the ancient Silk Roads. Chandraveer Lutchmun participated in the Heritage Business Lab, an intensive entrepreneurial challenge. Young leaders collaborated in multidisciplinary teams to design innovative business solutions, all rooted in technology, to protect and promote intangible cultural heritage. This included enriching collaborations with local firework artisans from Liuyang and embroidery specialists.

Group discussions focused on integrating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), immersive media, and digital storytelling, laying the groundwork for potentially scalable entrepreneurial projects. The week concluded with iconic visits, including the Hunan Provincial Museum, and a festive Youth Gala celebrating the new global solidarity and intercultural friendships forged during the forum.

The Strength of the Collective Against Social Ills

One of the main challenges Chandraveer and his team face is mobilizing youth against the complex social ills affecting their generation: drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. "We have launched several awareness campaigns to encourage youth to choose sports over succumbing to social ills. We will continue in this direction. We will never give up," emphasized Chandraveer Lutchmun.

Passionate Leader from the East

This international recognition echoes Chandraveer Lutchmun's ongoing commitment on his island. At just 22 years old, he has established himself as a key figure in youth leadership in Mauritius, already recognized with the Youth Leadership Award at the 17th Global Youth Peace Fest (GYPF) in October 2024, in Chandigarh, India.

As president of the Grand River South East Youth Circle (GRSEYC), he leads an organization whose impact on his community is now recognized internationally. Founded in 2014 by his older brother, Sarvesh, the GRSEYC is a model of engagement in Mauritius, multiplying projects across various fields, from education to environment, culture, and sports.

The GRSEYC started with a simple ambition: to bring together young people in the region to initiate positive actions. Under Chandraveer Lutchmun's leadership, the team has multiplied concrete initiatives. These include beach clean-ups, organizing forums on climate change, awareness campaigns, and hosting unifying cultural and sports events. He has succeeded in bringing together a dynamic team of 25 young people aged 14 to 35, from diverse professional and academic backgrounds. Together, they form a collective force ready to create sustainable solutions for their community and tackle local challenges.