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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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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The BRICS Expert Council-Russia congratulates the Republic of Indonesia on its Independence Day, which was proclaimed on 17 August 1945. We express our deep respect for the courage and aspirations of the Indonesian people for freedom and sovereignty.

We also note that 17 August is Flag Day in Indonesia, when the national symbol, the red and white flag, is honoured with respect and a sense of unity and patriotism is strengthened.

As a respected member of BRICS, Indonesia makes a significant contribution to strengthening multilateral cooperation, sustainable economic development and international stability. We highly value our partnership with Indonesia and look forward to further developing constructive dialogue and joint initiatives in the interests of the well-being of our countries and the entire international community.

We wish Indonesia peace, prosperity and the successful implementation of its national priorities. We look forward to further strengthening our friendship and expanding cooperation within BRICS and beyond.

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The BRICS Expert Council-Russia warmly congratulates the people and government of Bolivia on National Flag Day! This symbol of national unity and dignity inspires further strengthening of patriotism and respect for shared historical and cultural values.

We particularly note the importance of Bolivia as a BRICS partner country, making an important contribution to the development of multilateral cooperation, sustainable development and mutually beneficial partnership.

We wish Bolivia peace, prosperity, social harmony and steady progress towards positive change. May your flag always serve as a symbol of unity and shared aspirations for a better future.

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Develop or Else: BRICS Cooperation in International Finance

BRICS cooperation in finance is concentrated on 🕊 pivotal areas: reforming international financial institutions, boosting mutual investments—including sustainable ones—and establishing a framework for international settlements.

Read a brief overview of BRICS cooperation in the field of international finance in a new article from our experts Alexandra Morozkina, Anastasia Podrugina and Alexey Ponomarenko.

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

#NEWS #BRICSExpertCouncil #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia

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CERE Observatory

HSE University announced the launch of the CERE Observatory (Community of Experts and Researchers in Education) — a platform designed to unite education experts from developing economies and promote the development of analytics based on national data within the global education agenda.

In 2025, the observatory will focus on exploring Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems across the 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 nations. The project will host expert seminars every two months, present analytical materials and infographics, and unveil a comprehensive comparative report by year’s end.

The inaugural CERE expert seminar, which will delve into the vocational education system in Russia, is slated for this August!

🗣️ Date: August 28
⏰ Time: 3 pm (Moscow time)
📍 Location: Online

This session will focus on an analysis of vocational education system in Russia. Drawing on national statistics, participants will engage in discussions about:

➖The structure and developmental pathways of TVET
➖Early profiling and the delegation of management responsibilities
➖The effects of federal reforms alongside regional initiatives
➖The role of employers and their connection to the labour market

Speaker: Vera Maltseva, Professor and Director of the Centre for Vocational Education and Skills Development at HSE University

📎 To register, please follow this link

#NEWS #HSEUniversity #science

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🗣️ Sergey Kosaretsky, Vice Rector of the Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, Associate Professor at the Institute of Education, HSE University and Co-Chair of the BRICS Civil Forum Working Group on Education offers his comments on a new BRICS study:

The study titled "The Landscape of Cultural-Historical Psychology in BRICS+ Countries: A Bibliometric Analysis," unveiled during the IX International ISCAR Summer University, offers a comprehensive overview of the evolution of cultural-historical psychology both globally and within the BRICS+ nations from 2005 to 2024.

An analysis of over 4,300 publications revealed that BRICS+ countries are leading the way in growth: in Russia, the number of publications has surged more than sevenfold; in China, it has increased almost fivefold; and in Brazil, it has risen by 3.7 times. Remarkably, the average annual increase in publications is twice that of the global trend.

During this period, the thematic focus of research has evolved. Alongside theoretical and methodological inquiries, there is now a heightened emphasis on applied issues related to education, developmental stages, and social inclusion. In 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇷🇺 Russia, and 🇿🇦 South Africa, more than 42% of publications fall under the Education category, underscoring a strong connection between scientific research and educational practices.

Notably, the countries within the group find themselves at varying stages of research system maturity: 🇷🇺 Russia exhibits stable long-term growth, 🇨🇳 China showcases a rapid surge in a relatively short span, while 🇧🇷 Brazil demonstrates a steady increase in its scholarly presence. However, international collaboration within BRICS+ remains limited, with most partnerships being transregional.

Particularly noteworthy is the contribution of the Cultural-Historical Psychology journal, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025. This publication unites authors from 49 countries and is cited across 61 nations, with over a third of its cited publications appearing in high-ranking journals. Its role as an international platform positions it as a crucial connector for integrating BRICS+ research into the global research arena.

These findings not only document the remarkable advancement of cultural-historical psychology but also illuminate strategic pathways for future development—expanding research networks, deepening collaboration within the group, and strengthening the ties between research and social and educational challenges.

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

#ANALYTICS #report #education

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