Cape Town, South Africa – The 15th BRICS Academic Forum commenced in Cape Town, bringing together delegates from the BRICS nations and select African countries for meaningful deliberations on accelerated growth, sustainable development, and inclusive multilateralism. The South African BRICS Think Tank expressed deep honor in facilitating this platform for collaboration.
The opening ceremony, held on the first day, set a positive tone for the forum. Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, delivered a key message emphasizing the importance of collective objectives that bind the BRICS countries together, rather than their differences. The spirit of cooperation and shared goals resonated throughout the event.
During the parallel plenary sessions, which spanned the course of the forum, delegates engaged in insightful discussions on a wide range of topics. The first session focused on “Developing a partnership towards an Equitable #JustTransition.” Experts explored the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to sustainable and equitable systems, highlighting the need for collective action and knowledge sharing.
Antara Sengupta, a participant in the forum, underscored the role of technology as an enabler in education and skills development. Sengupta emphasized the importance of collectively developing platforms and avenues to share best practices and provide cross-border opportunities for youth within the BRICS framework.
Sachin Chaturvedi, the Director General of RIS, New Delhi, delivered a talk on just transition, sustainable consumption and production, and the significance of embracing a Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE). His insights shed light on the critical path towards sustainable development within the BRICS context.
The second day of the forum witnessed engaging discussions among esteemed delegates from the BRICS nations and select African countries. These conversations revolved around the key themes of the event and sought to foster collaboration and understanding among the participating nations.
On May 14, Mr. A. Malenko, the Consul General of Russia in Cape Town, attended the opening ceremony and highlighted the growing importance of the BRICS group in today’s global landscape. He emphasized that BRICS plays a crucial role as “the guardian of true multilateralism,” further highlighting the significance of the forum and its commitment to fostering cooperation.
The second plenary session of the forum focused on “Strengthening Multilateralism: Towards a Meaningful Participation of Women in Peace Processes.” Delegates delved into the importance of women’s involvement in peace processes and the need to create an inclusive environment for their participation, emphasizing the role of multilateralism in achieving this goal.
As the 15th BRICS Academic Forum continues to promote collaboration and intellectual exchange, the participants express their appreciation for the successful event hosted by Cape Town. The forum’s engaging discussions and networking opportunities have paved the way for continued partnership and cooperation among the participating nations.
As the forum nears its conclusion, the delegates are optimistic about the outcomes and the contributions made towards achieving mutual growth, sustainable development, and inclusive multilateralism. The 15th BRICS Academic Forum has strengthened academic ties, fostered cross-border collaboration, and paved the way for a more prosperous future for the participating countries and beyond.
