The International Youth Forum "BRICS PLUS" was held in the online format on 14-15 December 2021. Due to some COVID-19 restrictions it was decided to hold the first part of the forum online and the second part of it will be held offline in 2022.
More than 200 youth leaders, public organizations, scientists, entrepreneurs and students from 33 countries of the world joined the forum online. Participants of the forum were divided in the small groups using breakout meeting option of the zoom platform where they had a chance to discuss and present their presentations to other participants exploring the possibilities of partnership for the realization of projects and ideas. Main idea of dividing the participants was to get the suggestions from other participants, developing an international project team and improvisation based on the earlier session held on project development.
On the 15th of December, the most interesting 16 projects in the sphere of international youth cooperation, public diplomacy, business, art and culture which were selected by the participants themselves in breakout groups were presented to experts for feedback. The forum was also attended by experts, representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations, ministries, government agencies, think tanks with considerable experience in BRICS research.
The thematic focus of the Forum is the development of international youth cooperation between the BRICS countries and friendly states. The International Youth Forum “BRICS PLUS” is aimed at developing inclusive leadership and partnership in international youth cooperation and create a positive image of BRICS among young people from the participating countries to form new ideas for cooperation within the framework of BRICS Plus.
The Forum was organized by the International Youth Edu-Skills Foundation in association with the Confederation of Young Leaders and the Project Office for International Youth Cooperation “Russia-BRICS” with the support of the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund.
Partners of the forum includes National Committee for BRICS Research (NKI BRICS), South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA), Regional Public Organization “BRICS. World of Traditions”, International Media Network "TV BRICS", People's Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), "Ulyanovsk – Capital of Culture" Foundation, RIC Media, Janhit Times, Association of Young Researchers and Uzbekistan Volunteer Association.
At the opening session of the forum participants were addressed with a welcome speech by Mikhail Ktitorov, Counsellor (Culture), Russian Embassy in India, Larisa Efremova, Vice-rector for international affairs, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Valeria Chernogorodova, Head of the Department of International Affairs, the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs of Russia "Rosmolodezh".
In his welcome speech Counsellor (Culture), Russian Embassy in India, Mikhail Ktitorov said,
“BRICS association is in many ways unique and interstate format of cooperation, an outstanding example of new global network diplomacy. In this context the dialogue between our citizens plays a special role and it covers a whole range of areas including the youth. Interaction on this track embodies the manifestation of the vitality of the BRICS concept itself, its growing attractiveness for public associations and youth organizations of our countries. It contributes to strengthening the contacts between young people, laying a foundation of friendship and mutual understanding between our peoples. It has become a good tradition to hold the Youth Summit, the Youth energy summit, forums of young diplomats and scientists.”
He mentioned that the initiatives like BRICS School, Youth Camp of BRICS Countries and various competitions in the BRICS spaces are being organized every year. He also emphasized that most of these initiatives are coming from grassroot levels and not from the decision of governments.
Vice-rector for international affairs, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Larisa Efremova noted in her address
“BRICS Network University is a unique and ambitious project, one of the largest initiatives in the world to integrate educational and scientific schools in a wide geopolitical space. BRICS NU promotes intercultural dialogue among students, preservation, development and mutual enrichment of culture, languages, historical and national traditions of the peoples of the BRICS member states.”
Head of the Department of International Affairs, "Rosmolodezh" the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs of Russia which is the main organization to implement youth policies in Russia Valeria Chernogorodova said,
“We attach great importance to fostering close cooperation with partners from the BRICS countries. This year a very important project was launched which is called BRICS Youth Camp held in Ulyanovsk region and I hope it will be annual event in the BRICS sphere gathering young people from other countries which might be interested in fostering closer cooperation with BRICS in the BRICS++ format. As the agency we are very happy that the platforms such as BRICS Youth Summits and BRICS Youth camp results in the projects led and implemented by young people of BRICS countries and this forum is widely joined by the young people from whole world and it makes me happy that topics of BRICS is getting interested not only people from BRICS but from youth from all over the world.”
Opening session of the forum was also attended and addressed by Sandra Stoilkovich, Specialist and Project Manager of the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund, Valeriia Gorbacheva, GR-Director, National Committee on BRICS Research, Lyudmila Sekacheva, President of the Regional Public Organization “BRICS. World of Traditions”, Dr. Raymond Matlala, Founder and Chairman, South African BRICS Youth Association, Sameep Shastri, Chairman, Indian Institute of Governance and Leadership (IIGL), President, Confederation of Young Leaders (CYL), Vice Chairman, BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI) and President, BRICS CCI Young Leaders and Akil Mohammad, Founder and Chairperson, International Youth Edu Skills Foundation, President, Asian Students Association in RUDN University.
The Session was moderated by Diana Kovela, Representative of the Project Office of International Youth Cooperation “Russia – BRICS”, Deputy Director – Head of the International Relations Department, “Ulyanovsk – Capital of Culture” Foundation.
“This is a breakthrough! I am so proud of the members of the Russia-BRICS Project Office for International Youth Cooperation. Back in April, an active leader from India, Akil Mohammad conceived the idea of a forum and turned his idea into a project using project management tools and becoming the winner of a grant competition. This is an excellent illustration of youth diplomacy and the results of working with both young leaders and experienced experts”,
said Diana Kovela.
GR-Director, National Committee on BRICS Research, Valeriia Gorbacheva in her address noted
“The main goal of the BRICS international youth cooperation are the fulfilment of creative, educational and social potential of the young generation, the strengthening of friendship in the format of BRICS Plus, mutual understanding and interaction of peoples of our countries as well as the promotion of the consolidation of the common humanitarian, economic and socio-cultural space based on the experience of the BRICS cooperation, BRICS Plus cooperation in various field of humanitarian activities. BRICS is a striking example of exciting collective principles of international affairs, therefore first of all, it is the youth of the five countries to face the challenges of building a sustainable future. I am confident the results of this forum result to enable the exchange of useful experience among BRICS and BRICS Plus youth and strengthen inter-BRICS solidarity.”
President of the Regional Public Organization “BRICS. World of Traditions” Lyudmila Sekacheva started with her greetings to the participants of the forum and congratulations to NKI BRICS on its 10th anniversary, she noted,
“This Forum will act as a communicative platform, a master class, where young BRICSologists have the opportunity not only to present their projects, but at the same time to find partners in one or another of their areas, which will serve, in fact, to continue multilateral cooperation in the field of BRICS.”
Chairman, Indian Institute of Governance and Leadership (IIGL), President, Confederation of Young Leaders (CYL), Vice Chairman, BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI) and President, BRICS CCI Young Leaders, Sameep Shastri stressed,
“Inclusive leadership is when young people of all abilities are given the opportunity to become leaders in their schools, communities and their families. These leadership activities help young people gain a voice and train them to become agents of change in their communities, promoting equality and acceptance. As we look to the future, BRICS youth will be responsible for all aspects of civil society and adolescents to develop leadership skills. The society guarantees a bright future, effective initiatives, and well-implemented ideas. There are many dreams and aspirations that, with the right upbringing and support, will turn into something that can be seen all over the world.”
The first plenary session on “Review on achievements, conflicts, goals, and priorities of the BRICS grouping for the future” was moderated by Raymond Matlala, Founder and Chairman, South African BRICS Youth Association. The session was focused on discussing the important results of cooperation BRICS has achieved in last 15 years and future development priorities of the group based on the results previously achieved goals promoting new ideas and attracting new partners.
Speakers of the session were leading experts in the international relations having a vast experience in BRICS cooperation format. Speakers of the session included:
Sydney Muenda, Assistant Director, Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Republic of South Africa
Valeriia Gorbacheva, GR-Director, National Committee on BRICS Research
Henrique Domingues, Special Representative of International Municipal BRICS Forum
Tatiana Seliverstova, Expert on International cooperation
Diana Kovela, Representative of the Project Office of International Youth Cooperation “Russia – BRICS”, Deputy Director – Head of the International Relations Department, “Ulyanovsk – Capital of Culture” Foundation
Devadathan Nair, Expert on Public relations and media communications, Representative of The Times of India Group, in Russia
Alexander Sokolov, Deputy Director, Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge, Higher School of Economics
Elza Shirgazina, Junior Fellow, National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations named after E.M. Primakov of the Russian Academy of Sciences "(IMEMO RAS)
"If we can get our youth to meaningfully participate in critical issues that affect the youth globally, then we can create a network of young diplomats to tackle challenges in making the world a better place." BRICS provide us with the platform to do so meaningfully. BRICS plus saw several youth projects presented to the international community for advice and possible funding opportunity to key role players from across the BRICS countries and beyond. We need to fast track the establishment of the BRICS youth secretariat which will ensure the implementation and monitoring of the BRICS youth policy and pragmatic recommendations. Lastly, I would like to call on all BRICS countries to implement a free visa regime for all member states.”
said Raymond Matlala.
Second Plenary session on “Project development basics, available support, and realization process” was moderated by Kira Ivanova, Coordinator of the Russia – BRICS Project Office of International Youth Cooperation, International Affairs department of the Foundation “Ulyanovsk – Capital of Culture”.
The session was focused on providing case studies on practical implementation of projects. The knowledge, skills, resources, tools, and techniques required to achieve project objectives and develop international cooperation. Apart from this session also focused to providing information on grants and funding opportunities to realize youth projects and various educational opportunities under the BRICS Network University.
Speakers of the session included:
Lyubov Savelyeva, Founder and Head of International Friendship Club
“International youth projects development (on intercultural dialogue and public diplomacy)”
Sandra Stoilkovich, Specialist and Project Manager of the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund
“Presentation of the Gorchakov Fund, and she will talk about the possibilities of obtaining a grant to foreign NGOs and individuals from the Fund, as well as the possibilities of cooperation with Russian organizations and operation on the territory of Russia”
Angelina Osipova, Head of the Organizational and Financial support of International Projects and cooperation with Network Universities of RUDN University
“BRICS Network University: Main Results of 2020-2021 and Development Prospects”
Phetole Seodi, Manager: Public & International Relations, Corporate Investments, Office of the CEO, National Youth Development Agency South Africa
“Funding opportunities of National Youth Development Agency for South African Youth Projects”
Ekaterina Tyatyushkina, European Youth Association, Program coordinator
“From the presentation of the project to its financing”
Saad Uakkas, Moroccan global youth engagement and health activist, international trainer, TEDx speaker and Diana award holder, the JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons Morocco 2021
“The power of partnership to enhance project development and implementation”
Parv Aggarwal, Business Development Director, XinFin Network, Director of US-Russia Relations, Russian-American Youth Alliance and Founder, Blockchain for Palestine
“Pitching startup projects within Eurasian context (with Blockchain examples)”
“The forum was held in one breath. It is very important that representatives of the BRICS countries are in regular interaction and learn from each other's experience, for the sake of a better and stable future. Therefore, such platforms for communication are extremely helpful for the active youth. It is gratifying to note that new significant projects are born out of each such event, which are then implemented. It was a very good initiative of Akil Mohammad, which showed the importance of holding such events in the context of deepening the relationship of young experts in the BRICS space and strengthening cooperation between the BRICS member states”,
said Kira Ivanova.