Representatives from HSE University took part in the X BRICS International Youth Summit

The X BRICS International Youth Summit was held in Ulyanovsk on July 22–26. For the first time, the event brought together representatives of youth organizations, students, and activists from all BRICS countries, including new members of the group: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. Among the attendees of the summit were representatives of the BRICS Expert Council, which was established at HSE University following an order by the Russian Government at the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance. The Council performs expertise, analysis, and academic research on the most relevant issues of political, socio-economic and humanitarian cooperation among the BRICS members.

Participants in the X BRICS International Youth Summit talked about a broad range of topics, including youth entrepreneurship, education, and cutting-edge technologies, as well as ecology. The extensive programme featured panel discussions, business breakfasts, dinners, and workshops where professionals from the BRICS member nations discussed their experiences with social responsibility, leadership, and career development. Special attention was paid to the collaborative projects that can be implemented within the framework of the association's activities.

Every year since 2015, the BRICS Youth Summit has taken place. Youth from the BRICS nations, ranging in age from 18 to 35, attend it. The aim is to create a space for dialogue between young people from the BRICS countries on current issues of shared interest.

The international youth media platform was introduced at the summit. The media platform is a multi-level website that makes it possible to compile the most crucial information related to youth. The platform now offers news on research, education, culture, and youth collaboration.

"The initial positive feedback has already been received, demonstrating how user-friendly and easily available it is, enabling anyone to obtain information <...> from a single source and in any language worldwide. The platform is currently operational in both Russian and English, and plans are to expand its language support to include all BRICS languages. This will only serve to further connect our youth," stated Valeriia Gorbacheva, Deputy Head of the BRICS Expert Council and Head of the Multilateral Strategic Projects Office at HSE University. She added that restrictions in the field of social media create a problem in obtaining information: "Individuals from many nations are unable to obtain information resources in Russian or Chinese. These days, it is crucial to develop alternative platforms where a single source of trustworthy information in every language would be accessible."

Another important outcome of the event was the adoption of the Declaration of the Youth Summit, in which the participants expressed hope for deepening cooperation between the youth of the BRICS countries and also called on their governments to support youth initiatives. The document was the result of intense discussions and included proposals and initiatives for bolstering cooperation in five areas: education, science and training, youth entrepreneurship, science, technology, and innovation, youth social work and volunteers, healthy lifestyle, and sports. The recommendations will be forwarded at the October 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan.

Head of the HSE University's International Partnerships Office and Deputy Director of the BRICS Expert Council Ksenia Shevtsova said: "The BRICS Youth Summit has evolved into a forum for current issues discussions as well as a significant step toward the integration of youth from all member countries of the group. For the first time, Russia is hosting the youth of 10 countries thanks to its BRICS Chairship this year, and this is significant, given that the very first youth summit was also held in Russia."

The summit's schedule included activities beyond business events; delegates were able to learn about Ulyanovsk's and the region's rich cultural and historical legacy within the framework of the cultural programme. Additionally, a meeting was organized with Russian Hero Sergei Kud-Sverchkov, a cosmonaut who spent six months aboard the International Space Station.

An employee of the BRICS Expert Council and Chief Expert of HSE University's International Partnerships Office Nikita Makshanov offered his thoughts on the Youth Summit. "The Summit was conducted in a convivial and pleasant environment that allowed attendees to build closer bonds with experts and facilitate fruitful dialogue. The rich cultural and historical legacy of Russia, as well as the numerous chances our government offers young people to reach their potential, also piqued the interest of foreign guests."

Such programmes facilitate the development of more long-lasting and efficient pathways for young people of the BRICS countries to share best practices and experiences in a variety of fields.

BRICS International School is another exceptional opportunity for youth from the BRICS nations between the ages of 18 and 35.

We invite future leaders in the field of BRICS to come to Moscow from October 1-3 to participate in the BRICS International School, which will be held in English.

Application deadline is August 15th.