🎞New video: exclusive interview from the 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 International School

We're thrilled to share our brand-new video which has been uploaded to the YouTube channel❕

Nishu Verma from India shared her experience of participating in the BRICS International School held in Moscow. In her interview, she noted that public diplomacy is of great interest to her, and the BRICS School serves as an excellent platform for networking and exchange of experience. Nishu also expressed her admiration for the atmosphere and weather conditions in Moscow.

She also mentioned her professional experience in the field of artificial intelligence and expressed her hope that this knowledge could be useful for the #BRICS countries and future BRICSologists

Watch the video 🎞

On 🕊➖🕊 October, the BRICS International School opened its doors to young leaders and researchers. The School is a unique event that aims to strengthen cooperation, and it became an influential platform for young BRICSologists to exchange bright & innovative ideas and their experiences.

#BRICSExpertCouncil #BRICSExpertCouncilVIDEO #BRICSschool #InterSchool

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The global influence of BRICS: A growing power bloc

The nine countries formally part of BRICS, along with Saudi Arabia, account for over 40% of the global population, with a growth trajectory exceeding the global average over the next decade. Additionally, these countries represent 37% of the global economy, according to GDP by purchasing power parity, as reported by the World Economic Forum.

BRICS was established in 2009, initially comprising Brazil, China, India, and Russia. South Africa joined in 2011, and last year, Iran, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia were added. Saudi Arabia is still in the confirmation process but has been actively participating in the group's meetings, based on information from the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

These nations are responsible for 26% of global trade, according to the WTO. Brazil's Ministry of Mines and Energy notes that the group controls 44% of the world's oil reserves and 53% of its natural gas reserves. They currently produce 43% of global oil and 35% of its gas. A striking 72% of the world's rare earth reserves are located within these ten countries, along with 70% of global coal production. Russia and Brazil possess the most extensive freshwater reserves.

In military terms, the group includes three nuclear powers: Russia, China, and India.

"BRICS indeed has significant economic and military weight, which increasingly demands a political influence that matches the resources they hold," asserts Marta Fernández, director of the BRICS Policy Center and professor at PUC-Rio's Institute of International Relations.

Against the backdrop of a crisis spurred by an economic and political model dominated by Western countries, #BRICS began seeking greater influence over the global future.

In response to the criticisms levelled at the management of major international banks, BRICS established its own financial institution in 2014—the New Development Bank (NDB), intended to support infrastructure and sustainable development projects in developing nations.

Aside from the global governance reform discussions, there is little convergence among the group members, given their diverse commercial interests and ideological values.

"BRICS has become almost like a spokesperson or the largest voice for the Global South, within this role of reorganising the global order," explains Professor Evandro Carvalho from the BRICS Studies Center at the Fluminense Federal University (UFF).

#OPINION #economics

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Brazil takes over BRICS chairship

In 2025, Brazil took over the rotating chairship of the BRICS on Wednesday and will hold the post until the end of this year. The country is now preparing to host the bloc’s summit, scheduled for July in Rio de Janeiro.

Originally made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the group is expanding and has been welcoming new members and partners since last year. In 2025, at least nine countries, including Cuba, Bolivia, Indonesia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Thailand, are to join the BRICS.

The inclusion of new members was defined in October 2024, at the 16th BRICS summit i? n Kazan, Russia, when the bloc's new category of partners was created. With the motto “Strengthening cooperation in the Global South for more inclusive and sustainable governance,” the Brazilian government's challenges for the next summit include articulating the participation of the new members and continuing to build the payment system with local currencies in trade between countries, replacing the US dollar.

In addition, Brazil also hopes to raise awareness of the environmental agenda and the fight against climate change at COP30 (United Nations Climate Change Conference), which will also take place in the country, in the capital of Pará state, in the Amazon, in November.

BRICS is starting the year dealing with threats from US President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised to sanction countries that stop using the US dollar in trade transactions. Replacing the US currency in bilateral negotiations is one of the main issues being discussed by the #BRICS countries. Some of them – such as Russia, China, Iran, and Brazil – have already experimented with trade models using their own currencies.

The debate is now about building international mechanisms to make these negotiations easier, which, according to analysts, would assure more autonomy and freedom to countries that don't issue the dollar to negotiate with each other.

Indian historian and Marxist intellectual Vijay Prashad commented on Trump's threats in case de-dollarization advances and said that “the world should take the billionaire's statements less seriously.”

“By now, 70% of developing countries around the world have US sanctions. What are they going to do? Sanction 100% of them? That would isolate the United States. I think we have to take some of Trump's threats with a little less seriousness,” said Prashad.

#OPINION #politics #finance

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BRICS expansion: Nine new partners join the bloc

On the first day of 2025, nine countries—Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Cuba, Uganda, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan—officially became BRICS partners. This marks another milestone in the development of BRICS, following the historic expansion of the bloc.

With the growing influence, the bloc not only gains a stronger presence in economics but also plays an increasingly pivotal role in advancing the creation of a multipolar world. Wang Youming, director of the Institute of Developing Countries at the China Institute of International Studies in Beijing, said that the inclusion of these nine countries as BRICS partners highlights the growing momentum of the global movement to reshape an unjust and inequitable international order, particularly in the wake of the collective rise of the Global South.

In response to the expanding BRICS family, some Western media outlets have grown increasingly anxious, particularly after the BRICS Summit in Kazan. For instance, Voice of America claimed that "The BRICS meeting highlights geopolitical aspirations and rivalries with the West." For some time, certain Western media and politicians have assumed that the BRICS mechanism is aimed at confronting the West. In reality, this is not the case.

BRICS is a non-Western bloc, but it is not an anti-Western one. From its inception, BRICS has clearly articulated its role and mission: not starting anew, not engaging in camp confrontation, and not seeking to replace anyone. Its model of multilateral cooperation avoids zero-sum games between major powers and offers a more inclusive paradigm for international relations. It is this inclusivity that has prompted many countries from the Global South to rush to apply for membership in the BRICS family.

The driving force behind BRICS' development is the escalating demand from developing countries for a fairer, more just international order. In recent decades, the world has increasingly borne the weight of the hegemonic actions of Western powers. In sharp contrast, BRICS nations have not only achieved remarkable progress in their own development but also thrived through collaboration, all while championing the shift toward a multipolar global system. Currently, with geopolitical risks continuing to rise, BRICS partners provide Global South countries with a more inclusive, flexible, and resilient alternative.

#BRICS not only offers economic cooperation opportunities but also creates a platform for developing countries to have a voice and engage in global governance reform. Through the BRICS platform, the Global South can free itself from the traditional geopolitical pressure of "taking sides" and pursue greater autonomy in a multipolar world.

Some Western media outlets blame the risk of global division on the expansion of BRICS, suggesting that countries have to choose between joining BRICS and cooperating with the West. They attempt to stigmatise BRICS as an anti-Western weapon. However, an increasing number of countries are recognising that the BRICS mechanism isn't what Western media have portrayed it to be.
BRICS has not followed the Western path of forming exclusive blocs; instead, it has carved out a new path of dialogue, not confrontation; partnership, not alignment. Amid challenges within the current international system, the BRICS mechanism provides a promising platform for cooperation. By promoting inclusive development, advocating multilateralism, and reforming the global governance system, BRICS countries and their partners have made significant contributions to shaping a fairer international order.

While this process faces numerous complex constraints, its prospects undoubtedly bring hope for the creation of a multipolar world.

#OPINION #NEWS

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How the US dollar could be dethroned by BRICS national currencies

Critics of de-dollarization argue that no viable alternative to the greenback has emerged as a major reserve currency. They insist that the dominance of the US dollar will persist for the foreseeable future. But are they right?

Former Ronald Reagan official and renowned US economist Dr Paul Craig Roberts believes that ending dollar hegemony does not require a single competing currency but rather several national ones.

"The dollar as a reserve currency is the main basis of US power," Roberts wrote. "It means the US can always finance its debt."

Other countries strive to export goods to the US to obtain dollars for their central bank reserves, he noted. The foreign exchange earned from exports is then invested into US treasury bonds, which pay interest while also serving as reserves for central banks.

"Today, there is no need for a reserve currency," argues Roberts. "Countries should trade in their own currencies. This gives every country an incentive to maintain a strong currency."

The economist explained that the US dollar became the global reserve currency after the Second World War not because it was inherently indispensable, but because all other industrialized nations had been devastated by the war.

Roberts suggests it is time to move on and explore new alternatives, especially given that the dollar has been weaponized by the US.
The BRICS+ bloc is increasingly using national currencies for trade and investments within its framework.

The group "should develop trade relations among BRICS members, which have the potential to expand into Asia, Africa and South America. The world is ready for a non-weaponized system," Roberts advised.

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📖 Word of the week: Motto

Each year, moving from one country to another, the mottos of the BRICS chairship reflect the changing priorities and challenges facing the global community. These mottos serve not only as a guideline for working together but also express the aspiration for a just, multipolar and sustainable world through the collective efforts of the BRICS member countries.

➖ Origin of the word

The word motto comes from Latin: it is derived from the word divisa, which can be translated as "divided" or "defined". In Medieval Europe, mottos were used as part of coats of arms: they were short and succinct phrases reflecting the outlook or ideals of the knights. Later the word entered the French language in the form devise, where it came to mean an utterance conveying the essence of the aspirations or philosophy of a person, organisation or community.

➖ Russia's motto in BRICS

Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined the priorities of Russia's BRICS chairship in early 2024. He stated that the chairship will act under the motto: "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security".

This motto epitomises the BRICS objectives: to protect the interests of developing countries and to offer the world alternative approaches to global challenges.

➖ Brazil's chairship

From 2025, the chairship of #BRICS has passed to Brazil, which opens up new perspectives. As a representative of Latin America, Brazil can be expected to emphasise strengthening regional influence. Moreover, Brazil may propose its own unique motto that will complement the already existing multilateral agenda: there will probably be emphases on sustainability, environmental security and regional integration.

Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council—Russia, in a BRICS Talk interview also noted:

"I assume it will be important for Brazil to reaffirm and deepen the initiatives that have been prioritised for the country during this year. These include the fight against hunger and climate change issues. I hope that #Brazil and the government of Lula da Silva, who attaches great importance to engagement with civil society, will support the BRICS Civil Council created this year. And the initiatives and activities that we will carry out under the auspices of the Civil Council will be supported by the chairship, not only in the BRICS countries, but also in the partner countries".

➖ Conclusion

The word motto is not just a set of words, but a quintessence of ideas and goals. In 2024, it has become a symbol of the spirit of unification, outlining the main priorities: co-operation, justice and security.

#BRICSExpertCouncil #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #wordoftheweek

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🔍De-dollarization: over half of countries worldwide embark on boycott of greenback

More than half of the countries across the world have declared a boycott of the US dollar, an analysis conducted by Sputnik showed. In 2024, 14 more nations embarked on de-dollarization, according to the analysis.

💬 Who are supporters and opponents of the dollar?

There are 94 states that did not introduce any restrictive measures against the use of the greenback, 46 countries that switched to making transactions in national currencies, and 53 countries that openly opposed the US currency, the research shows.

As for the countries opposing the dollar, these mainly include former members of the socialist bloc, BRICS members, and their allies, plus the Italian-Russian Chamber of Commerce, which launched its own system of settlements in rubles.

💸 Why will US add to end of the greenback’s era?

This year may see further developments related to de-dollarization, independent industry expert Leonid Khazanov told Sputnik.

"The US itself will contribute to promoting the rejection of the dollar due to the peculiarities of its policy. While declaring support for democracy wherever possible, Washington is in reality trying to impose its will on the world, trying to make all countries dependent on itself. This, as history shows, cannot continue forever," the expert pointed out.

🌏 BRICS on path to de-dollarization

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said late last year that the de-dollarization of the country’s foreign trade is underway, with about 90% of all mutual payments with China and about 50% with India being made in national currencies.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, for his part, praised BRICS members’ efforts to fulfill de-dollarization “through the use of mutual clearing schemes, a long-tested method that needs to be further developed and given a multilateral nature."

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China and Cuba join forces for renewable energy

Authorities in China and Cuba have entered into an agreement to implement a renewable energy project. This initiative includes the installation of seven photovoltaic parks with a capacity of 5 megawatts each, strategically located across six Cuban provinces.

The official document was signed by Chinese Ambassador in Havana, Hua Xin, and First Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment of Cuba, Carlos Luis Jorge. The Cuban deputy minister expressed appreciation for China’s continuous support in strengthening the country’s social and economic development.

"I hope this project using Chinese technology will help Cuba ensure energy security and switch to renewable energy," Hua Xin said.

Key components for the construction of these solar plants are expected to be delivered to the island via sea routes within the next seven months.

Cuban energy sector representatives forecast that these photovoltaic parks will yield significant benefits, saving up to 18,000 tonnes of fuel annually. This translates into financial savings of approximately US$7 million, further bolstering energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives in Cuba.

This initiative is made possible partly due to Cuba's new partnership status with BRICS, which officially began on 1 January. As a partner country, Cuba began to implement new projects within the bloc.

#NEWS #Cuba #China #BRICS

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Indonesia joins BRICS

Brazil's government announced that Indonesia is now a full member of BRICS. The move marks a significant step in strengthening cooperation among emerging countries and advancing the interests of the Global South.

Indonesia, the world's fourth-most populous nation, had previously expressed interest in joining the bloc to amplify its voice on global platforms and foster stronger ties among developing nations.

Brazil, set to assume the bloc's chairship in 2025, confirmed that all existing member states approved Indonesia's entry by consensus.

#NEWS #Indonesia #BRICS

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The BRICS Expert Council—Russia sincerely congratulates you on one of the brightest and most joyful holiday — Christmas! 🤍

This holiday reminds us of the values of love, kindness, mutual support and spiritual unity. May the light of the Star of Bethlehem illuminate your life path, bringing inspiration, harmony and new opportunities both in your professional and personal life.

May peace, prosperity and warmth come to every home, and there will always be room in your heart for hope and faith for the best.

Merry Christmas (if you celebrate it according to the Orthodox calendar)!

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What will change with Indonesia entering BRICS?

Indonesia officially joined BRICS on Monday, bringing Southeast Asia's largest economy and its most populous nation into the bloc. BRICS, originally founded in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, now boasts an expanded membership, having included South Africa, and more recently, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates in 2024.

BRICS’ growing membership reflects its push to position itself as an alternative to the G7—an alliance led by the United States.

"We have reiterated several times that BRICS is an important platform for Indonesia to strengthen South-South cooperation and ensure that the voices and aspirations of Global South countries are well-represented in global decision-making processes," Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Rolliansyah Soemirat stated.

He further emphasised Jakarta's commitment to contributing to BRICS agendas concerning economic resilience, technological collaboration, and public health.

Subianto’s decisive move

Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo refrained from joining BRICS in 2023, citing the need to carefully weigh the pros and cons without rushing the decision. However, new President Prabowo Subianto, elected in 2024, has taken a more definitive stance, steering the country into the bloc.

Jakarta's move reflects deeper global trends rather than just a government shift. Amid Western-led global order challenges many Global South nations are aligning more closely with Beijing and Moscow despite potential tensions with Washington. Over 30 countries, including nations such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, have reportedly shown interest or applied for #BRICS membership.

Driven by China’s global rise

The expansion of BRICS is largely tied to China's emergence as a dominant economic and political power. Advocating for a "multipolar" global order, Beijing pushes for an international landscape free from exclusive U.S. dominance. This vision also encompasses reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar, with BRICS nations actively discussing creating alternative financial mechanisms.

For China and Russia, BRICS symbolises a shift toward this multipolar world—something reflected in Russia hosting the 2024 BRICS summit under President Vladimir Putin. For Moscow, this demonstrated its sustained global alliances despite enduring Western sanctions.

Indonesia as a balancing force

"Indonesia does not intend to break away from the West either slowly or immediately," said M. Habib Abiyan Dzakwan, a researcher at the department of international relations at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Indonesia.

Dzakwan believes that if Indonesia can maintain its non-aligned stance while influencing BRICS' agenda with an inclusive approach that doesn’t exclude the West, its membership may not significantly impact its relations with Western nations.

Teuku Rezasyah, an international relations expert and lecturer at Padjadjaran University in West Java, echoed similar thoughts, suggesting that Indonesia could serve as a "balancer" within BRICS while preserving its relationships with the US and the European Union.

"As a middle power, being a member of BRICS gives Indonesia leverage in the global order," he said.

This is DW opinion piece, and these are the personal opinions of the writer. They do not reflect the views of the BRICS Expert Council–Russia

#OPINION #Indonesia #China #Russia

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Russia's 2025 BRICS Educational Expedition

In 2025, Russia will launch an educational expedition to several BRICS countries, including Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, as shared by Diana Kovela, a BRICS Youth Council member.

"The idea to organise an educational expedition came in 2024, when Russia held chairship of BRICS. We have already visited India on this mission <…>. In 2025, we plan to visit several more countries, namely Iran, the UAE, and Egypt," shared Kovela, who leads the initiative.

Kovela noted that the need for such educational missions to #BRICS nations was outlined in the Kazan Declaration, approved during the bloc’s latest summit.

"The main goal of the mission is to raise the youth’s awareness of BRICS values and principles," she explained.

#NEWS #Russia #Iran #UAE #Egypt

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Ambassador: Ethiopia’s economic programme holds potential

Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Anil Kumar Rai, stated that Ethiopia's comprehensive economic programme has the potential to position the country as one of Africa's leading players.

"We feel that the way the reforms are going, Ethiopia can establish itself as a strong player in Africa because it has a large population, large landmass and has a very robust basic infrastructure," the ambassador stated.

Rai highlighted the historically friendly relations between India and Ethiopia, which continue to grow stronger, particularly within the #BRICS framework. This platform, he noted, offers abundant opportunities for cooperation across multiple sectors.

According to Rai, BRICS is driving economic transformation in areas such as industry, mining, agriculture, textiles, and services by incorporating modern digital technologies.

He stressed that the BRICS platform provides immense opportunities for collaboration, including in essential economic areas like agriculture and food security, while also offering innovative financial instruments beneficial for developing nations.

The ambassador also pointed out that India and Ethiopia recently signed a memorandum of understanding focused on digital public infrastructure.

Rai underscored the importance of human capital development, particularly the role of education in equipping Ethiopia with skilled manpower for its growing economy.

#NEWS #Ethiopia

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Ethiopia and South Africa strengthen bilateral ties through BRICS framework

Ethiopia and South Africa are actively working to enhance their bilateral relations within the BRICS framework. Today, the Ethiopia-South Africa Business Council held an online meeting to share insights and best practices.

The meeting emphasised Ethiopia's focus on fostering cooperation with other BRICS nations since its membership, particularly through engagements with peer institutions. Key discussions centred on the collaboration between private enterprises and social development organisations within BRICS.

To leverage the BRICS platform's benefits, Ethiopia has set up its own BRICS Business Council and is exchanging experiences with similar bodies in other member countries. This initiative supports the broader goal of strengthening trade and economic ties between Ethiopia and South Africa.

According to the Ethiopian Embassy in Pretoria, today’s meeting marks a significant step in enhancing economic cooperation, with plans for future sessions at the management board level.

#NEWS #Ethiopia #SouthAfrica

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🎞New video: exclusive interview from the 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 International School

We're thrilled to share our brand-new video which has been uploaded to the YouTube channel❕

Meet Thanh Mai Nguyen from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, a student at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam majoring in International Law and Communication. In her first-ever trip abroad to Moscow, Thanh Mai shares her impressions of the city and the deep historical connection between Vietnam and Russia. She talks about how she discovered the BRICS International School programme, her interest in global peace promotion, and Vietnam’s growing enthusiasm for joining BRICS.

Thanh Mai dreams of one day working at the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia to strengthen international cooperation. Watch how young leaders like Thanh Mai are shaping the future of BRICS!

Watch the video 🎞

On 🕊➖🕊 October, the BRICS International School opened its doors to young leaders and researchers. The School is a unique event that aims to strengthen cooperation, and it became an influential platform for young BRICSologists to exchange bright & innovative ideas and their experiences.

#BRICSExpertCouncil #BRICSExpertCouncilVIDEO #BRICSschool #InterSchool

🕊🕊🕊