🎞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 Hossam Shazly from Egypt, a robotics engineer and graduate of Bauman Moscow State Technical University, where he completed his master’s degree. Currently living in Moscow, Hossam shares his experiences attending global youth events like the BRICS Youth Summit and how the BRICS International School is helping him gain knowledge and connections to build his next project.

Passionate about robotics and AI, Hossam explains how these technologies can revolutionise business processes and solve real-world challenges. Discover how young innovators like Hossam are shaping the future of #BRICS and driving technological progress!

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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🎉 Navigation for convenience and easier information retrieval

We strive to provide you with the most up-to-date information in the BRICS Expert Council—Russia channel.

For your convenience, we have organised all the hashtags that will allow you to find what you are searching for faster ✔

News, announcements and events, as well as analyses and articles from experts on BRICS topics:
#NEWS #EVENTS #EXPERT #OPINION #ANALYTICS #Survey #essay #contest #announcement

International organisations:
#SCO #UN #APEC #G20 #G7 #BTTC #NDB #WTO #IMF

Russia's BRICS Chairship in 2024:
#Summit #KazanDeclaration

Use hashtags to search by country, such as #Brazil and region #Africa and #MiddleEast

If you are interested in Russia's relationship with any other country, the hashtags would look something like this: #RussiaBrazil

By areas and sectors:
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Columns and projects: #Spacenews #SpaceProject #wordoftheweek #BRICSTalk

🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 Expert Council team events or our videos: #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #BRICSExpertCouncil
#BRICSExpertCouncilDIGEST
#BRICSExpertCouncilVIDEO #BRICSTalk

Important events: #Forum #Summit #CivilBRICS #AcademicForum #Summit #VictoryDay #SPIEF24 #BRICSschool #InterSchool #EEF #BRICSsherpasmeeting #Sherpasmeeting #blindfootball

Hashtags related to HSE University, on the basis of which the BRICS Expert Council—Russia was established following an order by the Russian Government at the initiative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance in order to provide information, analytical and expert support for Russia's participation in BRICS:
#HSEUniversity #HSE

And, of course, the hashtag #BRICS, which is in each of our posts.

We hope that you will use not only our stickerpack, but now also our hashtags and share the channel's posts with your colleagues and friends ☺

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Igor Makarov, Head of the Working Group "Sustainable Development, Human Wellbeing, Food and Environmental Security" of the BRICS Expert Council—Russia, Head of the HSE Laboratory for Economics of Climate Change at HSE University, participated in a discussion on climate change.

The transition to renewables brings significant shifts, especially in #BRICS countries, impacting economies, environmental policies, and energy security. Challenges and opportunities arise in climate action and economic transformation, with a need for fair support of affected communities.

In an interview the experts discussed following questions:
⚪How can governments and industries ensure an equitable energy transition, supporting workers and communities impacted by the move away from fossil fuels?
⚪What socio-economic challenges do countries face in transitioning to renewables, and which policies can help ensure a smooth transition?
⚪How can international collaboration advance renewable energy technology development and accessibility worldwide?

🎞 Watch the interview

#EXPERT #climate #energysector #technology

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Nine key facts about the new strategic partnership between Russia and Iran

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian will meet today in Moscow to sign a new comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. Here’s what’s known about it:

▪️The deal will replace the 2001 agreement, which was in effect for 20 years and was repeatedly renewed automatically.

▪️Discussions on the new document began in July 2020, when Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and then-Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif agreed on the need to reflect significant global shifts.

▪️In November 2021, then-Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi expressed Iran’s willingness to sign a comprehensive long-term cooperation agreement with Russia during a phone call with Putin.

▪️According to Iran’s ambassador to Moscow, Kassem Jalali, the agreement will consist of an introduction and 47 articles.

▪️After signing, the agreement must be ratified by Iran’s parliament and will remain in force for 20 years.

▪️Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi highlighted the key areas of the partnership: economics, technology, and humanitarian ties.

▪️The agreement emphasizes strengthening collaboration in security and defense sectors.

▪️One of the priorities of the agreement is completing the North-South Transport Corridor.

▪️Russia and Iran, both opposing a unipolar world order, aim to deepen cooperation within frameworks like the SCO, BRICS, and the EAEU.

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BRICS and the dollar challenge: Trump's economic focus

According to a Bloomberg article, maintaining the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency remains a cornerstone of economic strategy for the US, particularly as BRICS mounts a challenge to the dollar-dominated global financial system. Scott Bessent, Donald Trump’s nominee for Treasury Secretary, is set to emphasise this issue during his Senate confirmation hearing.

"We must secure supply chains that are vulnerable to strategic competitors, and we must carefully deploy sanctions as part of a whole-of-government approach to address our national security requirements,” Bessent plans to tell senators on the Finance Committee Thursday, according to a spokesman, who shared his prepared testimony. “And critically, we must ensure that the US dollar remains the world’s reserve currency."

Economic vision and tax policy

While the dollar’s entrenched dominance in global finance has been reinforced by decades of leadership, #BRICS countries have been pushing for alternatives to the dollar-centric system.

"If Congress fails to act, Americans will face the largest tax increase in history, a crushing $4 trillion tax hike,” he plans to tell lawmakers. “We must make permanent the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and implement new pro-growth policies to reduce the tax burden on American manufacturers service workers and seniors."

#NEWS #USA #finance

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Russia and Iran forge a strategic alliance in the face of Western sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, signed a comprehensive cooperation pact on Friday, strengthening their partnership to counter the impact of Western sanctions.

The "comprehensive strategic partnership treaty," as described by Russian and Iranian officials, spans various sectors, including trade, military collaboration, science, education, and culture.

Putin hailed the agreement as a "real breakthrough," emphasising that it creates conditions for the stable and sustainable development of both nations and the broader region. While acknowledging the current levels of trade and economic cooperation as insufficient, he expressed hope that the treaty would cut through bureaucratic barriers and expand bilateral ties. He further noted progress in resolving technical issues for joint projects, such as shipping Russian natural gas to Iran and building transport corridors to Iranian ports in the Gulf.

Iranian President Pezeshkian remained optimistic about the feasibility of these initiatives, stating that experts were actively working to overcome the remaining challenges.

"We witness a new chapter of strategic relations," Pezeshkian said, highlighting plans to enhance trade and deepen security cooperation.

Iran became a #BRICS member last year, with Pezeshkian attending the bloc’s summit in Kazan, hosted by Russia.

#NEWS #Russia #Iran #RussiaIran

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Nigeria becomes a partner state

Brazil, which currently holds the rotating Chairship of BRICS, has announced that Nigeria has acquired the status of a partner country.

"The Brazilian government announces today, January 17, 2025, the official accession of Nigeria as a partner country of the group," the Brazilian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

According to Brazil, #BRICS and Nigeria share common interests. The African nation aligns with the group in actively working to strengthen cooperation among countries of the Global Majority and advocating for the reform of international organisations.

Brazil took over the BRICS Chairship from Russia on January 1. During the BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, the group decided to create the category of BRICS partner countries. The initial partners included Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. Although Indonesia was initially named a BRICS partner, Brazil announced on January 6 that the country had been granted the status of a full member.

#NEWS #Nigeria

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Kazan ready to host BRICS Winter Games

Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, Russia, is fully prepared to host the BRICS Winter Games, should the opportunity arise, announced Mayor Ilsur Metshin. The city, known for its modern sports infrastructure, is confident it can meet the international standards required for such a prestigious event.

Earlier, Tatarstan's Minister of Sports, Vladimir Leonov, revealed that the republic is considering submitting a bid to host the #BRICS Winter Games in Kazan. The ministry is expected to discuss the proposal with federal authorities later this year.

"We are ready [to host the BRICS Winter Games] and will be very happy to do it," Metshin stated. "Our sports infrastructure facilities fully comply with international standards."

The mayor emphasised that Kazan's extensive experience in hosting international events, such as the 2024 BRICS Summit, shows the city's capability to welcome participants from around the globe.

Last summer, Kazan successfully hosted the 2024 BRICS Games, a multi-sport event featuring 27 sports, held from June 12 to 23. The BRICS Games are an annual competition organised by the country holding the BRICS rotating chair.

#NEWS #sport

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ASEAN countries establish strong ties within BRICS

As CGTN reported, earlier this month, Brazil, which holds the BRICS chairship, announced Indonesia's entry as a full member, making it the first Southeast Asian country in the bloc. Other ASEAN members like Malaysia and Thailand also hold partner status. Vietnam remains undecided on its BRICS partner invitation.

As the largest #ASEAN economy and a critical global trade hub with strategic maritime routes, Indonesia’s role in #BRICS emphasises the bloc's expanding impact in the Global South. Known for its historic leadership in initiatives like the Bandung Conference and Non-Aligned Movement, Indonesia's rising global importance is bolstered by its BRICS membership and its ambitious "Golden Indonesia 2045" economic vision.

Membership provides new trade and finance opportunities, including through institutions like the New Development Bank. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia noted Indonesia's openness to importing Russian oil despite Western sanctions, stating BRICS membership has created new avenues for economic cooperation.

#Indonesia, #Malaysia, and #Thailand have maintained longstanding relations with BRICS nations. Notably, they have closely collaborated with China on various Belt and Road Initiative projects. With ASEAN's youthful and burgeoning population and its economic ascendance, combined with BRICS' efforts to strengthen ties within the Global South, increased Southeast Asian representation in BRICS is poised to enhance the significance of both frameworks in this era of growing multilateralism.

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

#OPINION #economics #sanctions

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BRICS strengthens with strategic partnership between Russia and Iran

Russia and Iran, two key members of the BRICS+ initiative, have elevated their cooperation to a strategic partnership level with a 20-year comprehensive pact. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in Moscow, marking a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape.

The agreement, described as "truly epochal" by Farhad Ibrahimov, a Middle East expert from the Valdai Discussion Club, underscores increased collaboration between the two nations in security, naval, economic, and humanitarian spheres.

"Russia and Iran have reached a new level of cooperation," Ibrahimov stated, emphasising their shared global vision and alignment in international affairs.

As members of #BRICS, both countries see their partnership as integral to shaping a new multipolar world order. Iran, in particular, views Russia as a key ally capable of challenging U.S. dominance, which Tehran considers "the greatest threat to global and Middle Eastern security."

Economic cooperation holds a vital place in the agreement, especially for Iran, heavily sanctioned by Western nations. Despite this, the treaty’s security provisions are not targeted at any specific state, according to the agreement text published by the Kremlin. The document also clarifies that neither country will offer military or other forms of support to an aggressor.

The deepening ties between Russia and Iran reinforce BRICS as a growing geopolitical platform, with shared goals of fostering sovereignty and reshaping global power structures.

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

#OPINION #Russia #Iran #RussiaIran #politics #security

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New Development Bank issues five-year bonds in China

The New Development Bank (NDB), established by BRICS member states, has announced the issuance of five-year bonds worth RMB 6 billion (approximately $845 million) on the Chinese interbank bond market, according to a statement released by the bank’s press service.

"This transaction, the first NDB issuance in 2025, reinforces NDB’s commitment to the Panda Bond market and maintains the bank’s position as the largest issuer in this market," the press service said.

The bond issuance attracted interest from over 20 investors, including central banks, official institutions, bank treasuries, and insurance companies, with a diverse geographic distribution.

"The net proceeds from the bond sale will be used as general corporate resources of the New Development Bank and will finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects that benefit its member countries and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals," the statement reads.

With the successful issuance of the RMB 6 bln five-year Panda bond, the total amount of Panda bonds issued by NDB has reached RMB 61.5 bln ($8.6 bln).

"This milestone reaffirms NDB’s commitment to mobilising resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging market economies and developing countries," Vice-President, Chief Financial Officer of the NDB Monale Ratsoma was quoted as saying.

The New Development Bank was established by #BRICS nations based on the intergovernmental agreement signed at the sixth BRICS Summit in Fortaleza in July 2014. The bank aims to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects within BRICS member states and developing countries.

#NEWS #NDB #finance #China

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📖 Word of the Week: BRICS partner country

The world's attention is once again focused on BRICS this week, especially after Nigeria officially became a partner country on Friday, 17 January.

🌍 Accession of new members

One of the important outcomes of the 16th summit in Kazan 2024 was the establishment of the BRICS partner country category and the agreement of a list of 13 states to which invitations were extended. At the moment the partner countries include #Belarus, #Bolivia, #Kazakhstan, #Cuba, #Malaysia, #Thailand, #Uganda and #Uzbekistan. Now #Nigeria has joined the list.

⭐ The meaning of partner country status

A #BRICS Partner Country is a status that provides nations with access to shared economic opportunities and a platform to engage with the world's largest emerging markets. This cooperation allows partner countries to strengthen economic ties, receive investment and develop strategic projects, including trade projects.

❕ BRICS today: new horizons

Interest in the bloc is explained by its economic potential: BRICS accounts for more than 30% of the total land area, more than 40% of the world's population, more than 30% of the world's GDP, and 17% of the world's gold reserves.

BRICS is emerging as a significant alternative to Western economic-political alliances as a result of the growth of its core members and the participation of new partner nations. This is a shift from the unipolar world dominated by the West. BRICS is based on common interests, including one of the main ones: national development of each member state.

Partner country status, such as in the case of Nigeria, opens up new horizons for states: an opportunity to diversify trade, increase exports and strengthen national economies. The bloc continues to grow strongly and attract the attention of those seeking a path to multilateral cooperation in the face of global challenges.

#BRICSExpertCouncil #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #wordoftheweek

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BRICS to pose threat to dollar in oil trade

According to Bloomberg, Nigeria has officially become a BRICS partner state. The expanded bloc is seen as a potential challenger to the US dollar's dominance in oil and gas trading and could serve as a stronger counterbalance to G7 nations.

The announcement of Nigeria’s inclusion came via a statement issued Saturday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has accepted the invitation to join BRICS as a partner country. The formal acceptance to participate as a partner country underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international collaboration, leveraging economic opportunities, and advancing strategic partnerships that align with Nigeria’s development objectives,” it said.

It further highlighted that #BRICS provides a "unique platform for Nigeria to enhance trade, investment, and socio-economic cooperation with member countries.”

As Africa's most populous country, Nigeria has been grappling with high inflation and is working to simplify its tax system. According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s tax collection rate is among the lowest in the world, limiting public finances and the nation’s capacity to invest in critical infrastructure and essential services.

Meanwhile, last month, China and Nigeria renewed a 15 billion yuan ($2 billion) currency-swap agreement, which aims to boost trade and investment ties between the two nations.

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

#OPINION #G7 #Nigeria #trade

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🌍🌍🌍 New membership & partners: How BRICS expanded in 2025

BRICS now boasts 10 full members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia.

New membership:

🇮🇩Indonesia officially joined BRICS on January 6, 2025. What does it bring to the table?

📍fourth-most populous nation (281,562,465)

📍world's 16th-largest economy by nominal GDP and the 8th-largest by PPP

📍major exporter of crude petroleum and natural gas, supplier of rubber, coffee, cocoa, palm oil, sugar, tea, tobacco, copra, and spices

📍average GDP projected to grow 5.1% per year from 2024 to 2026, according to the World Bank.

🔍Who are the most recent BRICS partner states as of January 1, 2025?

🇧🇾Belarus: Russia’s closest security ally, positioned in the heart of Europe
🇧🇴Bolivia: Boasts the world's largest lithium reserves at around 23 mln tons
🇰🇿Kazakhstan: 9th-largest country in the world, with Caspian Sea ports of Aktau and Kuryk; mutual trade turnover with Russia already at $30 bln
🇨🇺Cuba: Rich in minerals like nickel and cobalt; strategic Caribbean location
🇲🇾Malaysia: Offers a “neutral and non-aligned” venue for strategic semiconductor hub via its National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS)
🇹🇭Thailand: Offers the role of “bridge builder” with regional groupings, such as ASEAN, APEC, ACD, and Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)
🇺🇬Uganda: Strategic location for regional trade and investment in East Africa
🇺🇿Uzbekistan: Active in projects such as the North-South Transport Corridor, connecting Russian ports with Iran
🇳🇬Nigeria: Africa's largest economy, with GDP growth projected to reach 3.6% per year in 2025-2026

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