BRICS and SCO Young Leaders Award 2025

On 18-19 August 2025, Kazan will host the "BRICS and SCO Young Leaders Award" for the third time. The Award is an international competition aimed at recognising the achievements of young leaders of the #BRICS and #SCO member states.

The Award includes 5 nominations:
➖Young Media Influencer of the Year
➖Social Solution of the Year
➖Research & Innovation Project of the Year
➖Public Diplomacy Project of the Year
➖Eco-Initiative of the Year

Requirements:
✔Candidates must be aged between 18-3.
✔Authors, CEOs, or founders must be representatives of BRICS or SCO member state
✔Projects must be successfully implemented on the territory of BRICS or SCO member states within 2024-2025 and demonstrate measurable social impact

🔥Submission deadline: July, 10
📎Additional information
❕Application form
🗣️Email: academy@youthdiplomacy.ru

@youthdiplomacy

#ANNOUNCEMENT #youth

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BRICS Cooperation: A Programme for Trade and Investment

Our colleagues at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) have unveiled a new issue of the report that delves into how BRICS cooperation in trade and investment can lower trade costs while paving the way for sustainability.

This report examines key areas of collaboration among #BRICS members, focusing on trade and investment. It highlights vulnerabilities within current supply chains, such as connectivity challenges, limited raw materials, the necessity for new mineral corridors, and issues surrounding trade and investment facilitation.

📎 Read the issue

#ANALYTICS

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BRICS trade hits $1 trillion milestone

Domestic trade among the BRICS nations has surged to $1 trillion, reported Kirill Dmitriev, Russia's Special Presidential Representative for Investment and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries and CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).

"The $1 trillion trade volume marks a major achievement for #BRICS. It demonstrates our strengthening economic ties and the group's growing influence in shaping the new global economic order. Following President Putin's directives, we continue to further enhance business cooperation through platforms like the BRICS Business Council," Dmitriev stated.

#BRICS #trade

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Russia–Brazil Forum to be held in Rio de Janeiro

On July 3, 2025, Rio de Janeiro will host the Russia-Brazil Business Forum, timed to coincide with the 17th BRICS Summit. This forum aims to advance Russia's international business interests in Brazil and is being organised by the Russia-Brazil Business Council and Roscongress International.

The event will bring together government officials, politicians, public figures, entrepreneurs, and media representatives from both nations. The programme includes a plenary session, along with B2B and B2G negotiations involving leaders from large and medium-sized businesses, government officials, and heads of public institutions from Russia and Brazil.

The business forum will serve as a platform to identify, discuss, and promote initiatives and projects designed to enhance cooperation between Russia and Brazil. It is part of the calendar of key events during Brazil’s Chairship in #BRICS, which will also feature the BRICS Business Forum on July 5, followed by the BRICS Summit on July 6 and 7.

@roscongress

#NEWS #business #economics

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International Science Week kicks off in Brazil

On June 30, the BRICS+ Open Science Week commenced in Rio de Janeiro — a major international initiative uniting scientists, science popularisers, students, and tech companies from dozens of countries. This event is part of the Nauka (Science) 0+ Festival and precedes the BRICS Summit which will take place on July 6 and 7.

The aim of the week is to harness the intellectual resources of the #BRICS nations and their partners to explore vital research topics, including food and energy security, sustainable development, artificial intelligence, health, space exploration, and particularly quantum technologies — in alignment with the UN's International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.

Over 50 Russian scientists from the Russian Academy of Sciences, leading universities, and institutes, including Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Kurchatov Institute, Rosatom, Roscosmos, and HSE University, will showcase their innovations, share insights, and participate in open lectures, forums, and workshops. They will be joined by colleagues from Belarus, Brazil, and other nations.

#NEWS #science

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Experts discuss Chile's potential accession to BRICS

Amid shifting geopolitical and economic landscapes, Chile is considering deepening its ties with BRICS. This issue was the central topic of the discussion titled "BRICS: Regional Challenges," held at the Academy of Christian Humanism University (UAHC) in Santiago. Experts examined the prospects of the nation's potential participation in the group’s activities.

Participants underscored the significance of Chile's alignment with #BRICS. According to them, this move could enhance the country's foreign policy connections and boost its contribution to creating a more equitable economic and political global order.

"Chile has been one of the most open economies for the past fifty years. Its foreign trade volume is nearly equal to its GDP, with exports making up 57% and imports 43%. China stands as the primary trading partner, accounting for a third of total trade. Following closely are Latin America and Caribbean countries, with Brazil ranking third among Chile’s foreign trade partners," stated Manuel Riesco, Vice President of the Centre for National Studies on Alternative Development (CENDA).

Discussing strategies for equitable development across Latin America, Africa, and other developing nations, Riesco highlighted the importance of strengthening regional alliances such as MERCOSUR, the Pacific Alliance, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the Union of South American Nations.

"Latin America, acting as a united force, must actively interact with BRICS and other associations of countries of the Global South," emphasised the Vice President of CENDA.

The participants concluded that Chile's potential accession to BRICS is not merely an economic consideration but a strategically vital decision regarding the country’s role in the new global order.

#NEWS #Chile

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Russia initiates development of joint databases and catalogues of peer-reviewed journals within BRICS

Russia proposed an initiative to create international scientific databases within the BRICS framework, as reported by the Press Service of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education. This proposal was presented by the Russian delegation during the 13th Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Science, Technology, and Innovation held in Brasília. The delegation was led by Konstantin Mogilevsky, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

"It is well-known that data is the 'fuel' for modern big science—the more data we have, the greater the chances of achieving scientific breakthroughs. Given that BRICS represents over half of humanity, the group holds a significant competitive advantage in this area. We must capitalise on it: we are advocating for the creation of international databases within #BRICS focused on medicine, genetics, and materials science," emphasised Mogilevsky.

Another critical issue raised by the Russian delegation at the meeting was the ongoing reliance of BRICS scholars on Western catalogues of peer-reviewed journals.

"Many researchers from the BRICS nations still find themselves dependent on Western scientometric frameworks. It is time to establish a unified list of peer-reviewed publications that will be recognised when evaluating the scientific output of researchers across all member countries," Mogilevsky stated.

#NEWS #science #technology

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Will BRICS have its own currency?

Dr Dejan Jovović, expert in international finance and Full Member of the Scientific Society of Economists in Serbia, explored the potential for a unified BRICS currency and its implications for the global financial landscape in an article for the Serbian newspaper Novi Standard.

He pointed out that the idea of establishing an alternative reserve currency has been a recurring topic at BRICS meetings. Such a move could bolster the group's economic sovereignty and challenge the dominance of the US dollar, which currently makes up about 90% of foreign exchange transactions.

Dr Jovović highlighted that the global monetary system is already undergoing transformation: while oil trade was once almost exclusively conducted in dollars, in 2023, around 20% of these transactions were carried out in other currencies.

A BRICS currency could significantly impact vital sectors of the American economy, including oil and gas, banking, finance, international trade, technology, and tourism.

The expert emphasised that the new currency would demand revised investment strategies, as it would alter currency dynamics and heighten market volatility. However, it would also pave the way for new trade partnerships.

#OPINION #finance

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Seminar on depoliticised cooperation in criminal justice with BRICS representatives

A seminar focused on countering the politicisation of international criminal justice cooperation took place in Moscow, featuring representatives from the BRICS member states and partner nations.

Legal experts and officials engaged in substantive discussions on enhancing law enforcement collaboration to combat transnational crime through strictly professional, non-political approaches—ultimately aiming to strengthen citizen security across all participating countries.

The seminar facilitated the alignment of approaches to key issues surrounding international legal cooperation among the #BRICS nations. Participants agreed to hold such events annually, with plans to broaden participation by including relevant government agencies, as well as representatives from the academic, legal, and judicial communities within the BRICS states and their partners.

#NEWS #politics

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Special session of the Civil BRICS Council set to take place in Brazil

On July 4–5, a Special Session of the Civil BRICS Council will take place in the city of Rio de Janeiro, in line with the official calendar of events for Brazil's BRICS Chairship in 2025.

In 2025, BRICS Civil Forum was structured in two phases. The first phase saw around 200 participants from Brazilian social movements and organisations come together to create the Zero Drafts for eight Working Groups: Health, Education, Ecology, Culture, Finance, Digital Technology and AI, and BRICS Institutionalisation and World Peace. These Zero Drafts served as the foundation for the second phase of the Forum, where representatives from social movements and organisations across all #BRICS nations convened online to finalise the documents.

To mark this significant moment, the Brazilian chapter is hosting a Special Session of the Civil BRICS Council, which will be attended by Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia, Co-Chair of the Russian Chapter of Civil BRICS Council, Russia's W20 Sherpa, and Vice Rector at HSE University.

#CivilBRICS

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SCO & BRICS Chess Superfinal

The SCO & BRICS Chess Superfinal is an international competition held in both online and offline formats, bringing together top players from the SCO and BRICS nations. The tournament follows a 9-round Swiss system format with multiple age categories. Participants will receive certificates, trophies, medals, and valuable prizes.

The event will take place on July 10-13. Invitations to the Superfinal were extended to the winners of regional champions, industry selection finalists, and official #SCO and #BRICS delegations.

#ANNOUNCEMENT

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BRICS Sherpas endorse climate, health, and AI initiatives

A BRICS Sherpas meeting is underway in Rio de Janeiro, serving as the final preparatory stage before the BRICS Summit set for July 6 and 7. From June 30 to July 4, Sherpas will engage in discussions on critical issues related to healthcare, artificial intelligence, and climate change.

✔In the health sector, BRICS ministers have released a final declaration calling for the creation of a Partnership to Eliminate Socially Determined Diseases. Beyond expanding vaccine cooperation, the document positions the alliance among Global South nations as a driver of integrated, cross-sectoral action.

✔In the realm of artificial intelligence, under Brasil’s Chairship, the group is working to build international governance that ensures AI is used ethically and directed toward solving global problems such as poverty, educational gaps, climate change, and diseases.

✔On the climate front, high-level #BRICS representatives signed a document outlining ambitious goals and different paths for implementing climate action in the Global South countries.

#BRICSsherpasmeeting #Sherpasmeeting #AI #health #climate

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On July 3, the Republic of Belarus celebrates its national holiday—Independence Day.

This important occasion embodies freedom, national unity, and the enduring spirit of progress.

As a BRICS partner country, Belarus holds a key role in fostering international relations and cooperation. Russia deeply values the strong bond between our nations and is committed to deepening this partnership in the years ahead.

On this joyful day, we extend our warmest wishes to Belarusian people—for good health, prosperity, and continued success. May your nation forge ahead with confidence, reaching even greater heights on its path forward!

#Belarus

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🇷🇺🇷🇺 BRICS interested in Russian energy despite sanctions – Deputy Energy Minister

BRICS countries are showing growing interest in Russian energy, including oil, LNG, petroleum products, and coal, with oil demand already surpassing available volumes, most of which are already contracted, Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin told Sputnik.

Some of this interest extends to projects under Western sanctions. Marshavin added that BRICS partners are also seeking Russia’s experience in trading under sanctions, noting that in 2022, Russia managed to reorient exports and maintain volumes.

Russia, he said, is ready to help build joint economic infrastructure, including alternative payment systems and logistics, to reduce reliance on Western financial systems and ratings.

The image is AI-generated

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BRICS science diplomacy in the context of Russia’s Chairship in 2024 and BRICS expansion

Under Russia’s Chairship, BRICS fostered favourable conditions for forging new scientific partnerships and strengthening collaboration between Russian institutions and those representing friendly nations. This progress is particularly crucial amid the ongoing hybrid war against Russia, which has long targeted its scientific sector in an attempt to hinder the country’s technological and research advancement.

In the latest issue of the International Affairs journal, experts unveiled a comprehensive study on BRICS science diplomacy, reflecting on the outcomes of Russia's Chairship in 2024 and the group's expansion. Key structures highlighted include the BRICS Network University, the BRICS Think Tanks Council, and the BRICS Global Research Advanced Infrastructure Network.

The study placed a strong emphasis on training talent in the field of BRICS science diplomacy. The authors underscored the vital role that young scientists play in advancing this diplomatic effort, a focus that resonated throughout Russia's Chairship.

"Establishing internship and academic mobility programmes for young scholars from the BRICS nations in Russia, offering grants for collaborative research, and fostering interaction through student scientific societies and associations should become standard practices among the BRICS partner nations.

One notable success story is the BRICS International School—a short-term, specialised scientific and educational programme designed to cultivate young specialists engaged in research pertinent to #BRICS across political, economic, humanitarian, and other relevant fields of interaction among member states. In October 2024, Moscow hosted the eighth edition of this school," the experts shared, highlighting the significance of the BRICS International School.

#ANALYTICS #science

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BRICS Depository

In recent years, the BRICS nations have been actively strengthening their institutional framework, and a pivotal milestone in this endeavour was the establishment of the #BRICS Depository. Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia and Vice Rector at HSE University, presented this platform at the BRICS Academic Forum.

The depository serves as a comprehensive repository for all official documents generated by the group since its inception. It is home to vital information about summits, including endorsed declarations and various official documents organised by themes and years.

The BRICS Expert Council-Russia consistently updates the materials on the platform, ensuring it remains a relevant and useful resource for the academic community. The platform is useful for anyone who is closely following the development of the bloc.

To access the depository, please visit the official website of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia.

#BRICSExpertCouncil #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia

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📖 Word of the Week: Civil BRICS

The BRICS Civil Track was initiated in 2015 by Russia to foster constructive dialogue between civil society representatives and decision-makers on pressing social issues. These encompass vital areas such as healthcare, education, culture, sustainable development, urbanisation, economics, and finance.

🗣️ Philosophy

The mission of the BRICS Civil Track is to ensure that the voices and priorities of civil society are translated into the BRICS agenda. By doing so, it aims to influence the leaders of the BRICS nations to consider the genuine needs of their populations when making decisions.

🖋️ BRICS Civil Forum

The key event under the BRICS Civil Track is the BRICS Civil Forum, which takes place on an annual basis and is included in the list of official events of the Chairship.

The first forum took place in 2015 in Moscow, initiated by Russia and attended by over 400 civil society representatives, experts, scientists, and journalists.

In 2020, the forum, held in Russia, gathered more than 450 participants from civil society, media, and academia in both online and offline formats. The three-day event featured a diverse range of thematic sessions, including Food and Healthcare, Education and Science, Economic Development in the Digital Era, Information Strategies and Society, Environment, Climate and Energy, Sustainable Cities and Rural Development, Women and Girls, and People-to-People Exchanges.

In 2024, the BRICS Civil Forum welcomed new group members for the first time. During Russia's Chairship, delegates from Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Ethiopia joined a gathering of 650 representatives from over 20 countries in Moscow. The official theme was "Right to Development: Equality, Equity, and Justice." The forum marked a significant step towards institutionalising the civil process and actively engaging member countries in crafting a unified stance on achieving equal, sustainable, and just development.

📊 Civil BRICS Council

In the Kazan Declaration of the BRICS Summit in 2024, the BRICS leaders supported the initiative of the civil society of the BRICS countries to institutionalise the BRICS civil society process. The establishment of the Civil BRICS Council was an important step towards strengthening the voice of civil society in the global arena.

The Russian chapter of the Civil BRICS Council is coordinated by the BRICS Expert Council-Russia.

#wordoftheweek #CivilBRICS

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Today we commemorate a pivotal moment in the history of Russia and Thailand — on July 3, 1897, formal diplomatic ties between our two nations were established. This historic occasion laid the foundation for 127 years of growing partnership, marked by mutual understanding and fruitful cooperation.

As a valued BRICS partner country, Thailand holds special significance in Russia's international relations. We see great potential to further expand our bilateral ties and economic cooperation.

On this meaningful anniversary, we extend our warmest wishes for Thailand's continued prosperity and development. May the enduring friendship between our nations grow even stronger, bringing forth new opportunities for joint initiatives that benefit both our peoples.

#RussiaThailand

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We continue to share quotes about BRICS from our new column. Sergey Ryabkov highlights how the group's informal status serves as a unique advantage.

#BRICSquotes

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Russian experts discuss Brazil's initiatives during meetings of BRICS Civil Council Working Groups

Throughout May 2025, five working groups convened under the BRICS Civil Council umbrella: Health, Culture, Economy and Finance, Ecology and Adaptation to Climate Change, and Education. These sessions, held both in person and online, focused on reviewing draft recommendations prepared by Brazil's civil society for the leaders of the BRICS nations. Experts representing Russia analysed their Brazilian counterparts' proposals, crafting their own adjustments and additions to be submitted for further approval.
These working groups serve as platforms for expert and public dialogue on key areas of cooperation among the BRICS nations. In 2025, Russia is participating in seven such groups, with representatives from specialised organisations, civil activists, and experts contributing to all discussions.

All proposals articulated during the meetings will be consolidated and forwarded to Brazil for integration into the BRICS Civil Forum’s final recommendations.

📎 Read the full article on the official website of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia

#CivilBRICS

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