As part of the UNESCO Interreligious Dialogue Program, this meeting is in keeping with a cycle of conferences started ten years ago and held in several places all around the world. For this occasion of a dialogue in the SAARC region, Auroville has been chosen because it offers a well-established field of experimentation where ideas are being expressed and a unique environment for viable alternatives exist in many fields including education, urban planning, environment, regional development, culture, etc. At this opportunity, the main goal of the Interreligious Dialogue Program, which is an essential component of the Dialogue among Civilizations and Cultures, is to take advantage of this specific environment to broaden the scope of dialogue between youth and religious personalities through debates on topics related to contemporary challenges and stimulate renewed action in the South Asian region. To prepare this meeting, the young people answered a questionnaire.

The Meeting will evolve around five main themes (Spirituality and Religion; Youth and Society: from Globalisation to Universality; Education, Art and Culture; Integral Development; Spirituality and Science) presented by high-qualified speakers to more than 80 youngsters heading from the SAARC region and from different Indian states, several experts and religious representatives. This would give rise to comments and debates that should be sustained thanks to the creation of a website. As the website, other feedbacks have been proposed to be given over a four-year period such as the establishment of a UNESCO Chair for Dialogue among Civilizations, Cultures and Religions in the SAARC region or the publication and dissemination of the Proceedings that will include best practices and "success stories" of dialogue. UNESCO will also have a stand showcasing its main publications in the areas regarding the topics on debate.

This event, involving young people, could provide an example in other regions of the world, focusing on intercultural and interreligious dialogue in order to understand contemporary challenges.