Comment by Alexander Sokolov, Deputy Director at the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge, Director at the International Research and Educational Foresight Centre, and Head of the UNESCO Chair on Future Studies:

"The Rio de Janeiro Declaration outlines several pivotal agreements that pave the way for enhanced collaboration between HSE University and the BRICS nations in the realm of science and technology, particularly in foresight studies. The document commends the efforts of the BRICS working groups focused on science, technology, and innovation, including the Science and Technology Foresight Group, coordinated by the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge," the expert noted.

Alexander Sokolov also pinpointed the need to develop AI:

"Another key focus highlighted in the Declaration is artificial intelligence that "represents a milestone opportunity to boost development towards a more prosperous future." Our institute initiated a foresight study, involving partners from various member states, to examine the future of artificial intelligence and identify related research priorities across #BRICS. This project already encompasses interviews with leading scientists from the BRICS nations, with plans underway to conduct a comprehensive expert survey. The findings will be presented at an international seminar on foresight in Brazil's capital at the end of October this year, as well as at our Annual Conference on Foresight and Science, Technology and Innovation Policy in November," he concluded.

#EXPERT #OPINION #summit

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In touch with BRICS: news digest

Your quick rundown of the most important BRICS updates

➖Russia ready to expand ties with Global South

➖Malaysia secured nearly $22.45 billion in investments from #BRICS countries

➖Russia and Malaysia considered BRICS a platform for aligning mutual interest interests

➖Victoria Panova took part in Jakarta Futures forum

➖BRICS Expert Council-Russia held a seminar for think tanks and civil society organisations in Indonesia

➖Lula da Silva to discuss BRICS' joint response to US tariffs with Xi Jinping, Modi

➖Putin talks to president of Brazil over telephone

#BRICSExpertCouncilDIGEST

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🔍Who did Putin brief on his meeting with Witkoff and upcoming summit with Trump?

His counterparts from the CIS and BRICS:

🇨🇳 President of China Xi Jinping
🇮🇳 Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi
🇿🇦 President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa
🇧🇷 President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
🇧🇾 President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko
🇺🇿 President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev
🇰🇿 President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
🇹🇯 President of Tajikistan Emomali Rakhmon
🇰🇬 President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov

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Victor Jeifets, Professor at the Russian Academy of Sciences and Saint Petersburg State University, and Chief Researcher at the Institute of Latin America of the Russian Academy of Sciences, shared his insights on the repercussions of the tariffs imposed by the United States on Brazil.

"Trump's final decision on tariffs turned out to be more severe than Lula da Silva and the Brazilian government anticipated, yet milder than what Trump initially suggested. Notably, some sensitive goods for the United States, like orange juice and Embraer products, were excluded from the list. Moreover, the implementation of the final tariff list has been delayed by a week, allowing the preliminary list to remain in effect. This clearly indicates that Trump is open to negotiations but is reluctant to make significant concessions.

The Brazilian authorities continue to show determination and resolve, yet I believe their position is not robust enough. Trump’s tariff increases will strike a heavy blow to Brazilian exporters, and American consumers will feel the pinch through rising prices. For Brazil, the impact will be more acute; shifting to alternative markets cannot happen overnight. While Brazilians claim to have found new buyers among Indian and Chinese companies, as well as in South Africa and neighbouring countries, this assertion currently seems more like bravado," Victor Jeifets explained.

The expert also pointed out a growing rift within Brazil's ruling coalition, which undermines Lula's administration and could alter the political dynamics both domestically and internationally, even though it does not directly affect Brazil's participation in BRICS.

"The ruling coalition in Brazil is beginning to fracture: one of the parties with the third-largest faction in parliament has exited. While this development does not immediately impact Brazil's involvement in BRICS—many Brazilians still back the government's nationalist and sovereign rhetoric—it does weaken Lula da Silva's administration and is likely to shift the balance of political power in both domestic and foreign policy in the coming years.

Indirectly, this could diminish Brazil's role within #BRICS. I don’t foresee Brazil exiting the group or formally aligning with sanctions against Russia, nor do I expect a significant reduction in its purchases of Russian diesel. However, the current situation is likely to compel Brazil to adopt a less active stance within BRICS," he concluded.

#EXPERT #OPINION #BRICSExpertCouncil #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #Brazil

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Russia and Brazil forge financial cooperation amid US pressure

Brazil officially signed a memorandum with Russia aimed at bolstering financial and economic ties in response to US threats of imposing secondary sanctions or duties should Brazil continue its trade relations with Russia.

"The memorandum of understanding seeks to coordinate various aspects of financial and economic cooperation between our two nations by establishing a regular bilateral economic and financial dialogue," the document outlines.

Previously, the US administration had hinted at potential secondary sanctions and increased customs duties targeting countries that are key trading partners of Russia.

The document further details that both parties will set up expert commissions and councils to explore additional avenues for strengthening their partnership. Additionally, they have agreed to facilitate the work of the bilateral high-level commission on cooperation and interact within the #BRICS and G20 formats.

#NEWS #RussiaBrazil #diplomacy

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BRICS New Development Bank Appoints New Vice President

🌎 Roman Serov, the former head of the asset management subsidiary of the Russian Agricultural Bank (RSHB), will take on the role of NDB vice president on September 7, according to an RSHB statement.

👉 In his new role, Serov will focus on sustainable development projects within BRICS nations, the bank said.

🔸During his tenure at RSHB Asset Management, Serov is credited with strengthening the bank's operations, expanding investment products, and improving its market standing.

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🔸 Sputnik Africa | X 🔸

Bolivian presidential candidate pledges to continue working with BRICS

Bolivian presidential candidate Samuel Doria Medina, representing the right-wing alliance National Unity, has emerged as a frontrunner in the election race, according to recent polls. He has also pledged to maintain strong ties with BRICS if he secures victory.

"We will continue our participation in Mercosur and collaborate with #BRICS and other international blocs. Bolivia, being a nation with limited resources and opportunities, will not turn away from any door that opens for us," Doria Medina stated.

A seasoned politician and entrepreneur, Doria Medina is making his fourth bid for the presidency. He, along with former President Jorge Quiroga, is expected to be the primary contender for the nation’s highest office, as indicated by opinion polls.

#NEWS #Bolivia #politics

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US tariff wars may unite BRICS

Russian Senator Alexey Pushkov, reflecting on Brazilian President Lula da Silva's plans to collaborate with fellow BRICS leaders in crafting a response to US tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, suggested that trade wars might serve as a catalyst for uniting the BRICS nations.

"If a coordinated response is reached, this will mark a new turn in the hidden confrontation between BRICS and the US, one that Trump’s policies sought to prevent. The confrontation could escalate into an open conflict. In this scenario, Trump's tariff wars will not sow discord but rather foster solidarity among the #BRICS countries," Pushkov remarked.

On July 30, President Trump signed an executive order imposing a 50% increase in duties on Brazilian goods but unveiling a list of 700 exemptions for strategic sectors such as aircraft manufacturing, energy, and certain agricultural products.

#NEWS #USA #sanctions

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BRICS and international development assistance: potential and limitations

"The OECD can't, the BRICS nations don't want to": this question is explored by Alexandra Morozkina, Deputy Dean for Research at the Faculty of World Economy and International Relations of HSE University, in her analytical article.

The role of "new donors," particularly BRICS, in the international development assistance landscape remains contentious. The aid contributions from the BRICS nations are still modest when compared to those of traditional major donors, making it premature to assert that any substantial shifts in the overall architecture of development assistance are imminent.

The OECD continues to hold a dominant position in this arena: in 2023, the aid disbursed by members of the OECD Development Assistance Committee came to nearly $🕊🕊🕊 billion, while BRICS countries collectively contributed $🕊🕊 billion. At this stage, this disparity does not alter the fundamental structure of international development assistance. However, the rising influence of BRICS and growing discontent with the established system open the door for potential transformation over the next 10 to 15 years. The leading BRICS donors are championing the idea of “South-South” aid partnerships; Russia, despite its geographical divergence, aligns its development policies with similar principles.

The BRICS nations have three key areas for cooperation: 🕊 establishing a unified methodology for aid accounting; 🕊 launching joint humanitarian projects that include standardised formats and potential IDA initiatives; 🕊 sharing strategies for development assistance. In light of the shortcomings exhibited by traditional donors, the timing is good for developing alternative approaches. The pressing question remains whether #BRICS possesses the determination and ambition necessary to reform the system and enhance its soft power.

📎 Read full-text article in Russian

#OPINION #EXPERT

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BRICS bioeconomy 2025: New cross-border projects and biomedicine

Roscongress shares key highlights on initiatives in bioeconomy and biomedicine across the BRICS nations:

✔Hainan has launched a large-scale strategy aimed at developing its bioindustry, targeting an ambitious production volume exceeding 10 billion yuan by 2027.

✔On July 15, the Optics Valley of China based in Wuhan unveiled a new package of measures to accelerate the development of biopharmaceuticals, including substantial subsidies (up to 5 billion yuan) for individual projects.

✔Chinese biotech company Shandong BellaGen and Indian seed company Nuziveedu Seeds Limited (NSL) signed an agreement to utilise patented Chinese enzymes for gene editing.

✔Egypt has completed the construction of its first modular biopharmaceutical plant, EIPICO3, which will produce monoclonal antibodies and protein drugs. This project is crucial for reducing Egypt's reliance on imported biopharmaceuticals.

✔On July 18, Healthgen Biotech received approval from the NMPA to market the world’s first plant-based recombinant human serum albumin. This innovation aims to address China's dependence on imported plasma-derived products, providing a safe and scalable alternative.

✔South African scientists are conducting studies on an RNA biomarker-based blood test to improve the detection of extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

✔On July 25, the world's largest mosquito factory opened in Curitiba, Brazil, aiming to combat dengue fever and other viruses through environmentally friendly technologies.

✔On July 15, the first international vessel in northern China was refuelled with certified green methanol at the port of Dalian, marking a step towards sustainable shipping practices.

📎 For more details in Russian, please visit the Roscongress website.

@roscongress

#NEWS #science #technology

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BRICS Motor Rally fosters trust among nations

The inaugural BRICS motor rally, stretching from Yekaterinburg to Moscow, will foster friendship and trust among the participating BRICS+ countries. This sentiment was voiced by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin in his welcoming video address during the opening ceremony of the business track of the event.

"I warmly welcome you to the BRICS Motor Rally along the high-speed route from Yekaterinburg to Moscow. I am confident that this event will further solidify the bonds of friendship and trust among the #BRICS nations. I wish all participants a safe journey and a successful finish. I hope this motor rally will be both enjoyable and unforgettable," he shared.

The rally's overall route unfolds in two stages: the youth track, which ran from Yekaterinburg to Kazan from August 9 to 12, included a stop in the city of Dyurtyuli in the Republic of Bashkortostan. The second stage, known as the business track, features representatives from BRICS+ countries traveling from Kazan to Moscow, with planned stops in Nizhny Novgorod and Suzdal. The rally will conclude in Moscow on August 14.

#NEWS

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The New Development Bank: membership expansion and results of its operations since inception

The New Development Bank is commemorating its tenth anniversary since it began operations in July 2015 as a multipolar multilateral development bank established by the BRICS countries to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable projects in BRICS countries and other developing economies.

The Bank offers a wide range of financing instruments, including debt financing, equity investments, guarantees, credit enhancement instruments and technical assistance programmes. Its priority areas are infrastructure, energy, agriculture, water and sanitation, and social development.

Since its inception, the Board of Directors has approved 112 projects worth approximately $37 billion, and the circle of shareholders has gradually expanded — Bangladesh and the UAE joined in 2021, Egypt in 2023, Algeria in 2025, and Uruguay is in the process of process of depositing its instruments of accession.

The experience gained in the first decade of productive work should provide the New Development Bank with effective tools to ensure the steady expansion of its operations and dynamic development in the interests of the Bank's shareholders and BRICS as a whole.

Information on the specifics of the NDB activities is presented in the article "The New Development Bank: Membership Expansion and Results of Its Operations Since Inception" by Igor Pilipenko.

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

#NEWS #BRICSExpertCouncil #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia

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Coordinated response to US tariffs may benefit BRICS, but achieving it will be a challenge

A joint BRICS response to US tariffs could prove beneficial for the member nations, yet the task of coordination poses significant hurdles, according to Alessandro Nicita, an Economist at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

"Coordinated action by the BRICS countries could strengthen their negotiating position, but coordination may prove difficult," the expert noted. #BRICS economies are highly diverse and have different vulnerabilities and priorities. "A negotiating point of high significance to Russia may not carry the same weight for India", Nicita added.

US tariffs represent just one aspect of the broader challenges these nations face, the economist pointed out. A major concern is that these tariffs "frequently differ between trading partners, resulting in an uneven playing field," he noted.

"A collective reaffirmation of the fundamental principles of the multilateral trading system—especially the principle of non-discrimination—would be most constructive in the current situation," Nicita concluded.

#NEWS #UN #politics #sanctions

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UAE Ambassador to Russia discusses development of bilateral relations

The visit of the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Russia marked an important stage in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. This event reflects the UAE's aspiration to develop international cooperation and support global stability. This vision was outlined in an article by Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaber, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Russian Federation.

He recalled that diplomatic relations between the UAE and Russia were established in 1971. Official visits by leaders played a significant role in the development of cooperation.

"In 2018, a declaration of strategic partnership was signed between the two countries, defining the framework for cooperation in various fields. In 2024, His Highness’s visit to Russia to participate in the BRICS Summit in Kazan confirmed the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its role in international forums," the Ambassador noted.

He also highlighted cooperation in various fields between the two nations, including economy, culture, space exploration, and tourism, as well as their active participation in international platforms such as the #UN, #BRICS, and #EAEU.

#NEWS #RussiaUAE #science #tourism #economics

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Brazil announces BRICS talks in response to Trump's tariffs

Brazil is preparing an online meeting of BRICS leaders to discuss measures to strengthen economic ties amid US trade tariffs against a number of bloc countries, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said. The Brazilian leader made the announcement during a speech broadcast on the Brazilian government's YouTube channel.

"We must discuss within #BRICS what we can do to improve the economic situation in all countries affected by the US tariffs," Lula said.

He specified that he had already discussed the situation with the leaders of Russia, India and China, and would soon hold telephone talks with the president of South Africa.

According to the Brazilian leader, the goal of the talks will be to find alternative paths for economic development and demonstrate the need for "democracy, mutual respect and a multilateral approach" in international trade.

#NEWS #sanctions #diplomacy

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Young leaders from BRICS and SCO to gather in Kazan

From 17th to 19th August 2025, the capital of Tatarstan will, for the third time, host the BRICS and SCO Young Leaders Award—an international competition aimed at identifying talented young people and recognising the contribution of young leaders to the development of socially significant spheres.

This year, representatives from nine countries—India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Russia—will participate in the final.

In 2025, approximately 45 people competed for each competitive place, with over 450 applications submitted in total. Interest in the award was shown not only by BRICS and SCO countries but also by other nations.

The finalists are the authors of large-scale projects: media initiatives promoting national culture, tourism and science; educational platforms based on artificial intelligence; developments in the field of high technology, including systems for early diagnosis of oncological diseases and solutions for human-drone interaction; social innovations; public diplomacy programmes; and environmental projects.

#NEWS #youth

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BRICS Dialogues: Policy Insights in Brazil's Leadership Year

Amid the fragmentation of the global order, Brazil’s chairship of the BRICS presents a strategic opportunity to advance an agenda focused on inclusive development, institutional reform, and enhanced strategic autonomy.

In this context, CEBRI supported the development of three policy papers aimed at informing debate and influencing decision-making within key BRICS mechanisms, including the New Development Bank (NDB), the BRICS Business Council, and sector-specific ministerial forums. The following sections summarise the main policy recommendations of each document:
⚪Energy Transition and Climate Cooperation
⚪Food Security and Agriculture
⚪Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Given the interdependence of challenges in the domains of energy, food security, and digital transformation, the initiative proposes integrated, innovative, and scalable solutions. These papers offer Brazil and its #BRICS partners a coherent and pragmatic roadmap to translate political ambition into measurable outcomes.

By investing in practical mechanisms—underpinned by financial, technological, and governance reforms—BRICS can enhance its collective voice, bridge key development gaps, and offer the Global South new models of inclusive, resilient, and sovereign development.

📎 Link to the full-text article

#ANALYTICS #politics

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2nd BRICS Traditional Values Forum

From September 15 to 17, 2025, the Nereu Ramos Auditorium at the Brazilian National Congress will host the 2nd BRICS Traditional Values Forum—a gathering that will bring together lawmakers, experts, and leaders from all BRICS countries to discuss strategic themes such as culture, health, education, ethics, and artificial intelligence, all centered around shared traditional values.

Organised by the BRICS Parliamentary Front at the National Congress and the Women BRICS Alliance, with support from the World Association on Traditional Values (WATV), the forum aims to strengthen multilateral cooperation and cultural ties among member countries, fostering dialogue on key topics including:

➖The preservation of cultural identity and national sovereignty;
➖Global challenges such as dedollarisation, sustainable tourism, preventive health care, and technological innovation;
⚪Concrete proposals for COP30, culminating in a final document highlighting BRICS’s role in the climate agenda and sustainable development.

The program includes roundtables on topics such as the use of blockchain in financial transactions, visa-free tourism among #BRICS countries, and preventive health care.

#EVENT #Brazil #culture

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India to discuss trade in rupees with Russia

An Indian delegation will discuss trade in rupees during its planned visit to Russia, Bloomberg reports, citing an Indian official.

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold talks on 21 August with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who will arrive in Russia on a visit. The foreign ministers are expected to discuss the bilateral agenda and cooperation in international formats.

"Trade in rupees will be one of the topics discussed during the visit of a high-level delegation to Russia next week," the agency writes.

Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov, speaking on 24 October 2024 at a press conference dedicated to the #BRICS Summit held in Kazan, said that India and Russia are working to make bilateral payments more feasible despite financial obstacles.

#NEWS #RussiaIndia #finance

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Alaska talks may have a positive impact on strengthening Russia's position in BRICS

The talks with US President Donald Trump in Alaska are a symbolic victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bakrie Rahakundini Connie, an analyst in the field of political, military and intelligence activities in Indonesia and professor at the Faculty of International Relations of St. Petersburg State University, shared her opinion.

"Trump invited Putin to America despite sanctions and an international arrest warrant. John Bolton called it Trump's 'gift' that freed Putin from Western isolation. This symbolic victory for Putin could strengthen Russia's position in #BRICS as a platform to fight Western dominance, as well as expand Russian influence in Africa and Asia," the expert said.

She added that for ASEAN, it would strengthen great power competition, encouraging defence modernisation and closer security cooperation.

#NEWS #RussiaUSA #politics

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BRICS enhances cooperation on energy training

Work has begun on the second part of the study on the development of human resources potential in the BRICS countries. This was announced by the REA of the Russian Ministry of Energy during an online seminar on Human Resources Development in the Energy Transition within the framework of the BRICS Energy Research Platform.

The event, attended by more than 30 representatives of BRICS member countries and partners, discussed trends in the development of the labour market in the fuel and energy sector, key challenges, best practices, and prospects for cooperation within the BRICS framework.

The main event of the online seminar was the launch of work on the second part of the study on the development of human resources potential. The aim is to expand the study to the countries joining #BRICS in 2024-2025, as well as to update the main trends and recommendations based on the realities of the current year.

The results of the study are planned to be presented by the end of 2025.

#NEWS #energy

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