Generation BRICS

Generation BRICS pinned «New episode of the podcast "Destination Known" was recorded in New Delhi during the Raisina Dialogue—India’s leading forum on geopolitics. The guest is a distinguished diplomat whose expertise and perspective are widely respected. Amb. Prof Anil Sooklal…»

New episode of the podcast "Destination Known"

was recorded in New Delhi during the Raisina Dialogue—India’s leading forum on geopolitics. The guest is a distinguished diplomat whose expertise and perspective are widely respected.

Amb. Prof Anil Sooklal, High Commissioner of South Africa to India. For the last 10 years, he served as South Africa's BRICS Sherpa—one of the most frequently cited voices in contemporary diplomacy.

In this conversation with Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia, Vice-Rector at HSE University, and Russian W20 Sherpa, he offers a clear and thoughtful perspective: BRICS represents an emerging global future—one that reflects the interests of the Global Majority and a more balanced international system.

Topics discussed:
➖South Africa’s role in shaping a global values framework
➖Power dynamics in today’s world and navigating geopolitical uncertainty
➖BRICS: anti-Western, non-Western, or a distinct and independent platform?
➖The rationale behind BRICS expansion

This episode provides valuable insights into the formation of a multipolar world, the evolving role of BRICS, and shifting global alignments.

🎞 Watch and subscribe
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#DestinationKnown

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NDB calls China the main financial pillar of developing countries

According to representatives of the New Development Bank (NDB), China's domestic bond market—thanks to abundant liquidity and a stable yuan exchange rate—is rapidly becoming a key market.

Speaking in Beijing on Tuesday, Zhongxia Jin, Director General of the NDB's Treasury and Portfolio Management Department, emphasised that low borrowing costs make the Chinese debt market "one of the most cost‑effective sources of financing in the world."

"We don't just view the Chinese bond market as a source of cheap money. We see this market as the future of local currency financing," Jin stated.

According to the bank's representative, yuan‑denominated financing provides developing countries with a natural safety net when implementing large‑scale infrastructure projects. This is particularly relevant for countries in Latin America (such as Brazil) and Asia (including India, Indonesia, and the Philippines).

As reported by Bloomberg, the New Development Bank issued five yuan‑denominated bonds in 2025, totalling 25 billion yuan ($3.6 billion). This represented the bank's highest annual borrowing since it entered the market in 2016.

#NEWS #NDB #finance

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🗣️ How BRICS Nations Are Reducing Mortality from Lifestyle Diseases

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular conditions (including heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension), liver disease, chronic respiratory issues, certain cancers (notably lung cancer), and lifestyle-related mental disorders account for a substantial portion of premature mortality across the 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 countries.

Read more about the mortality from noncommunicable diseases and policies for preventing and treating lifestyle diseases in the new article by Alexander Orekhov, Research Fellow of the Centre for Comprehensive Social Policy Studies of the Institute for Social Policy at HSE University.

📎 More #BRICS analytics is available on the official website of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia.

#ANALYTICS #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #BRICSExpertCouncil #health

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In touch with BRICS: news digest

Stay ahead with the most impactful BRICS stories of the week

✔The first textbook on the socio‑economic characteristics of the BRICS nations will be published

✔Russia strengthens dialogue on mineral resources within #BRICS

✔Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) will host a roundtable discussion titled "India's BRICS Chairship: Expectations and Priorities"

✔National Committee for Business Cooperation within BRICS held its first meeting

✔Intermuseum.BRICS+ will be held in Moscow in May

#BRICSExpertCouncilDIGEST

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📖 The first textbook on the socio‑economic characteristics of the BRICS nations will be published

On April 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM, the Rossiya Segodnya International Multimedia Press Centre will host a press conference to present the first-ever textbook, Socio‑Economic Characteristics of the BRICS Countries, published with the support of the BRICS Expert Council‑Russia.

Press conference participants will include:
➖Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council‑Russia, Vice Rector at HSE University, and Russia’s Sherpa to the Women 20 (W20) @vv_panova
➖Alexandra Morozkina, Associate Professor at the School of World Economy, Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, HSE University
➖Marina Sheresheva, Head of the Laboratory for Institutional Analysis and Director of Research Centre for Network Economy, Faculty of Economics, Lomonosov Moscow State University

The textbook presents the key socio‑economic characteristics of the BRICS countries, including demographics, economic growth, public finance, trade, investment, regional structure, and the social sector.

🔥 Date and time: April 7, 2026, 11:00 AM

📎 More information about the event can be found on the official website of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia

#ANNOUNCEMENT

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❕Subscribe to our social media

To keep up with the latest BRICS news, events, and initiatives, follow the official social media pages of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia:

• Telegram (in Russian) — news, announcements, and expert insights
• Telegram (in English) — international agenda and BRICS projects
• VK (in Russian) — updates, news, and analysis
• YouTube (in English) — interviews, expert discussions, and video coverage of key events
• Rutube (in Russian) — interviews, analytical content, and recordings of BRICS-related discussions

For those interested in the BRICS youth agenda, we also have another channel:
• Telegram BRICS International School: New Generation (in English) — information on youth initiatives, upcoming events, and opportunities for international cooperation.

Subscribe and stay informed!

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Russia strengthens dialogue on mineral resources within BRICS

On the eve of Geologist’s Day, Dmitry Patrushev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, spoke at a meeting of the Russian Federal Subsoil Resources Management Agency, stressing the strategic importance of developing the mineral resource base and expanding international cooperation.

He noted that Russia maintains a leading position in the production of several key resources—from diamonds and gold to platinum group metals. Particular attention is being paid to the extraction of rare and rare‑earth elements, including new lithium reserves, which play a vital role in high‑tech industry.

The Deputy Prime Minister specifically highlighted the need to broaden international dialogue within #BRICS, particularly on geological exploration, technology exchange, and joint mineral resource projects.

#NEWS

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India's BRICS Chairship: Expectations and Priorities

On April 16, 2026, the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) will host a roundtable discussion titled "India's BRICS Chairship: Expectations and Priorities."

In 2026, the #BRICS Chairship passed from Brazil to India. Today, India is one of the world's largest economies and a key player in shaping the multipolar architecture of international relations. New Delhi has traditionally advanced an agenda focused on sustainable economic development, technological sovereignty, and increasing the representation of developing countries in global governance institutions.

The roundtable discussion will address the following questions:

⚪What is India's current role in Asia and globally?
⚪How does BRICS expansion affect the global balance of power?
⚪What opportunities and constraints shape BRICS relations with leading global powers?
⚪How might external pressure from Western countries—including sanctions and trade wars—affect the development of BRICS?

Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council‑Russia, Vice Rector at HSE University, and Russia's Sherpa to the Women 20 (W20), will take part in the expert discussion.

⏰Date: April 16
🗣️ Working language: English

@russiancouncil @vv_panova

#ANNOUNCEMENT

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National Committee for Business Cooperation within BRICS held its first meeting

On March 26, the inaugural meeting of the National Committee for Business Cooperation within BRICS was held at the National Centre RUSSIA. Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation, chairs the committee. The event took place on the sidelines of the 35th Congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP). Following the meeting, the committee's composition was approved.

"The Committee was established by decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is a new form of organising interaction with our business partners within BRICS. The group's share of the global economy has already surpassed that of the G7. Currently, as we know, in purchasing power parity terms, it represents approximately 40% of global GDP. These seemingly simple figures conceal an important reality: the nature of international relations is changing. Whereas previously technology, trade, and finance moved primarily through Western countries, direct ties are now strengthening between the #BRICS countries, as well as among the Global South nations. In particular, new financial payment mechanisms are emerging. We are seeing how modern technological solutions are being developed in new growth centres. This is precisely why such relationships are already playing—and will continue to play—an even greater role in the economy of the future," Maxim Oreshkin told the participants.

Speaking about the work of the National Committee for Business Cooperation within BRICS, Maxim Oreshkin noted that a meeting is planned in the coming months to identify objectives and working mechanisms for various areas of business cooperation within BRICS. He added that the committee will be a flexible, evolving structure, with meetings scheduled to be held twice a year on the sidelines of major events such as the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Vladimir Putin signed the order establishing the committee on February 16, 2026. It was created to ensure effective interaction between the business community and interested federal executive bodies involved in developing Russia's multilateral and bilateral business cooperation within BRICS.

#NEWS

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Intermuseum.BRICS+ will be held in Moscow in May

The Intermuseum.BRICS+ International Festival will take place in Moscow from May 20 to 23, announced Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova.

"The events will span eight venues—all buildings of the Tretyakov Gallery, the GES‑2 House of Culture, the Museum of Moscow, and Gorky Park. The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts will join them for the first time. 'Museum—Territory of the Future'—that is the theme for 2026. The modern museum as an institution is confidently moving towards new horizons, actively expanding its functions and mission. While remaining the primary custodian of heritage, the museum strengthens its social role, not only carefully preserving the past but also actively shaping the future," Lyubimova said.

The festival's main tracks will focus on engaging with the younger generation, applying cutting‑edge technologies in museum practice, and developing relevant forms of communication with modern visitors.

⏰ Date: May 20–23

#ANNOUNCEMENT #culture

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🇺🇿🇷🇺 Russia-Uzbekistan Cooperation
 
Uzbekistan is Russia's strategic partner and ally in the Central Asian region. Russian-Uzbek relations are characterized by intensive and trusting political dialogue, are traditionally friendly, and are steadily developing in various areas. See more about cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia in our infographic.

💠 The infographic was prepared especially for the Russian-Uzbek conference of the Valdai Discussion Club, in partnership with the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISRS) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

#Valdai_ISRS #Валдай_ИСМИ

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The first issue of BJE in 2026 presents research on institutional dynamics, technological transformation, and the shifting geopolitical landscape in the BRICS countries and other emerging economies. The issue opens with an analysis of the fragmentation of global science under geopolitical pressure, highlighting the evolving roles of BRICS nations in international research collaboration. Several articles focus on macroeconomic stability and institutional challenges. They evaluate the effects of foreign exchange restrictions on economic outcomes in developing nations, examine the long-term impact of political instability on economic growth in Afghanistan, and systematically review the implementation of ESG corporate governance across the BRICS bloc. The issue also addresses market integration, digital innovation, and diplomacy. These contributions explore the competitive evolution of Russian e-commerce marketplaces, compare AI adoption in the financial sectors of Ghana and Kazakhstan, and analyze the diplomatic complexities of South Africa's bilateral relations with the United States. Additionally, the role of retail franchising in ensuring food sovereignty within BRICS is discussed. Together, the contributions provide concise insights into the strategic, technological, and policy shifts shaping the future development of BRICS and related economies.

The publications in our journal is free of charge for the readers thanks to the support of VTB.

In touch with BRICS: news digest

BRICS in motion—capturing the most consequential developments

✔BRICS International School: New Generation successfully

✔Rousseff: New Development Bank to support high-quality growth in BRICS countries

✔Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman: BRICS Summit in India to be held in September

✔Putin: Russian businesses should engage in international cooperation within BRICS

✔Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office: ties within BRICS are strengthening

✔Indian External Affairs Minister: Evolving multipolar order requires expanded cooperation within #BRICS, SCO, and UN

#BRICSExpertCouncilDIGEST

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BRICS Cooperation in Sustainable Development

Today, sustainable development forms an integral part of the international agenda. For the 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 nations, this topic is becoming not only an area of responsibility but also an opportunity to establish themselves as active participants in a new global governance architecture, one founded on the principles of multilateralism and balancing economic growth with environmental protection.

Read about the creation of the new mechanisms and instruments for cooperation in sustainable development by the BRICS countries in the new article by Elizabeth Smokovik, Junior Research Fellow at the Laboratory for Economics of Climate Change, Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs at HSE University.

📎 More #BRICS analytics is available on the official website of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia.

@weia_hse

#ANALYTICS #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #BRICSExpertCouncil

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Indian External Affairs Minister: Evolving multipolar order requires expanded cooperation within BRICS, SCO, and UN

The emerging multipolar world demands greater cooperation among countries across international forums. This was stated by Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in a video address to the 2nd International Conference "Russia and India: Toward a New Agenda for Bilateral Relations" in Moscow.

"The evolving multipolar order requires broader cooperation, including through BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the G20, and the United Nations (UN). During its BRICS Chairship, India, guided by the principles of humanity, looks forward to close cooperation with Russia to address common challenges in a balanced and inclusive manner," Jaishankar noted.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in his video address to conference participants, also emphasised the two countries' foreign policy coordination. He praised New Delhi's independent course, which strengthens India's position as one of the world's leading centres in the emerging multipolar world.

"Strengthening our special and privileged strategic partnership with New Delhi is one of our absolute foreign policy priorities. We highly appreciate that our Indian friends fully share this approach. This year, India is chairing #BRICS under the motto 'Strengthening Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Stability.' We are ready to fully support our Indian friends throughout their term as the presiding chair," the Russian Foreign Minister stated.

#NEWS #India

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Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office: ties within BRICS are strengthening

The nature of global relations is changing: whereas in the past technology and finance moved through Western countries, today ties between the BRICS countries are strengthening. This was stated by Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation, speaking at a meeting of the National Committee for Business Cooperation within BRICS at the Congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP).

"Overall, the nature of global relations is changing. While previously technology, trade, and finance flowed through Western countries, now ties—genuine ties—are strengthening between BRICS countries and among the Global South nations. We are seeing new financial payment schemes, and we are seeing new technological solutions emerging in new growth centres. It is precisely for this reason that these direct relationships are already playing a key role in the economy of the future," he said.

Oreshkin noted that business diplomacy in today’s world is beginning to play a much more important role than it did ten, fifteen, or twenty years ago:

"Therefore, the role of business—both at the national level and across industry sectors—in interactions with the #BRICS countries and on international platforms is now difficult to underestimate. I am convinced that the role and impact of this interaction will certainly grow," he emphasised.

#NEWS #politics

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Putin called on Russian businesses to engage in international cooperation within BRICS

Russian entrepreneurs should take an active part in international cooperation within the BRICS framework, President Vladimir Putin stated at the plenary session of the Congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP).

The head of state noted that the Russian authorities will provide particular support for business implementation of solutions in "three key cross‑cutting technologies: artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and digital platforms." This work, he added, also offers scope for collaboration with foreign partners, including those from rapidly growing regions of the world—the Asia‑Pacific region, the South, and Eurasia. The President emphasised that the Russian authorities plan to develop such cooperation primarily within the BRICS framework.

Vladimir Putin recalled that the National Committee for Business Cooperation within BRICS was established in February, with its first meeting held on March 26:

"I urge my colleagues from Russian business, members of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, to actively participate in the committee's work. Together, we will develop proposals for expanding economic ties within #BRICS, and for launching new, cutting‑edge projects with partners in science, innovation, industry, agriculture, infrastructure, and logistics," he said.

#NEWS #business

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Platform Employment in BRICS Countries: Effects on the Labour Market, Poverty, and Inequality

Platform employment represents a rapidly developing type of non‑standard work, mediated by online platforms and digital technologies. According to some estimates, up to 12.5 percent of the global workforce is currently engaged in some form of platform employment. In many 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 countries, the share is substantial.

Read about the emergence of digital employment platforms in the new article by Svetlana Biryukova, Chief Research Fellow at the Centre for Comprehensive Social Policy Studies, Institute for Social Policy at HSE University.

📎 More #BRICS analytics is available on the official website of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia.

#ANALYTICS #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #BRICSExpertCouncil

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Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman: BRICS Summit in India to be held in September

The BRICS summit in India will be take place in September, and the meeting of foreign ministers will be held in May. This was announced at a briefing by Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

“Of course, we support the BRICS priorities announced by our partners, our Indian friends, for the current year. I am confident that through joint efforts, we will be able to approach the next BRICS Summit, which will take place in September, with tangible results,” she said.

“One of the key events on the political track, in addition to the traditional leaders’ meeting, will, of course, be the meeting of BRICS foreign ministers, scheduled for May. This will be a good opportunity for a substantive discussion of current issues on the international agenda, the role of #BRICS in the world, and opportunities for joint action,” the diplomat noted.

As Zakharova observed, Moscow has never doubted New Delhi’s commitment to developing cooperation within BRICS:

“We may have differing positions on individual topics and issues, but we are united on the relevance of BRICS and the importance of preserving its foundations, including the principles of consensus and mutual respect, consideration of each other’s interests, and continuity in our work. These are guidelines, and they are not subject to revision; they are quite literally the framework that has ensured BRICS’s stability over its two decades of operation,” the Russian diplomatic representative concluded.

#NEWS #Summit #India

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