Final Meeting of BRICS Sherpas/Sous-sherpas Held in Yekateringurg
On 26-28 November 2024, Yekaterinburg hosted the closing BRICS Sherpas/Sous-Sherpas meeting under the chairship of Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia and Russia’s Sherpa in BRICS.
Participants reflected on the outcomes of their collaborative efforts across the three key pillars of cooperation: Policy and Security, Economy and Finance, and Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges. More than 250 events of different levels were held as part of Russia’s BRICS Chairship, with the 16th BRICS Summit (Kazan, 22-24 October) opening a new chapter of development of the group.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing coordination on international platforms, particularly regarding the reform of global governance and the international monetary and financial system, as well as addressing modern challenges, including terrorism, corruption, and illegal drug trafficking. Representatives of Russian government ministries and agencies presented their reports on the results of joint work in different areas.
Guidelines for institutional strengthening and further consolidation of the BRICS strategic partnership were established. Discussions also centred on practical cooperation aspects, particularly in light of the decision made at the XVI BRICS Summit in Kazan to establish partner country category. A strong commitment was voiced to fostering dialogue with countries of the Global South and East through the Outreach/BRICS Plus format.
Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, briefed the participants on the development of BRICS parliamentary cooperation during Russia’s Chairship. He highlighted the signing of the Protocol to the Memorandum on BRICS Parliamentary Forum, marking the launch of a new cooperation format - meetings of heads of international affairs committees of BRICS Parliaments.
Participants recognised the tangible benefits of initiatives introduced during Russia's Chairship, such as the establishment of BRICS Grain Exchange and Geological and Investment Platforms. They also stressed the importance of enhancing financial cooperation to boost the use of national currencies in mutual transactions, as well as through mechanisms developed in transport and nuclear medicine.
Anna Nesterova, Chairperson of the Russian Chapter the BRICS Women's Business Alliance, briefed on the results of collaboration of women business representatives from BRICS countries with particular emphasis on the first BRICS Women’s Entrepreneurship Forum and BRICS Best Women’s Startup Competition.
The participants acknowledged the significant strides made in strengthening cultural and people-to-people connections within BRICS. Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council – Russia, Vice Rector at HSE University, and Russia's W20 Sherpa, presented a report detailing the outcomes of intra-BRICS interactions involving expert community and civil society.
Brazilian delegation presented the priorities of Brazil's BRICS Chairship, which begins on 1 January 2025 under the motto “Enhancing the Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”.
Source: Roscongress Foundation