Geopolitical Turbulence and Global South Leadership: BRICS Academic Forum Took Place in Brazil
On June 25–26, 2025, the capital of Brazil played host to the BRICS Academic Forum, which brought together representatives from the academic and expert communities of the BRICS nations and their partners.
This event served as a platform for openly exchanging ideas and forging collaborative initiatives aimed at bolstering the BRICS influence on the global stage. This year's forum centred on enhancing cooperation among the Global South nations amid geopolitical turbulence and rapid technological advancements. Participants engaged in discussions covering a wide range of critical topics, including global health, management of artificial intelligence, trade, investment and finance, climate change, the reform of multilateral peace and security frameworks, and institutional development.
Victoria Panova, Vice Rector at HSE University, Head of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia, and Russia's Sherpa in the Women's Twenty, delivered a welcome address during the opening session. She emphasised that over the past 17 years, the Academic Forum has evolved into a vital arena for uncovering breakthrough solutions and engaging in collaborative intellectual endeavours.
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We live in an era when peace and sustainability are becoming decisive factors. The BRICS nations have already demonstrated their ability to coordinate actions, including in the context of recent international crises. As an academic community, we must not only analyse what is happening but also formulate principles on which new global cooperation can be based
Victoria Panova
Vice Rector at HSE University, Head of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia, and Russia's Sherpa in the Women's Twenty
The expert underscored the growing significance of the Global South, noting projections that by 2030, its share in the world economy will surpass 57%, with trade among these nations potentially reaching $14 trillion. Additionally, Dr Panova presented the findings of the first comprehensive review of BRICS members' compliance with their commitments, prepared in 2024 in collaboration with the BRICS Think Tanks Council. Announcing plans to conduct this assessment annually, she also introduced an electronic repository of BRICS documents—a unique resource for researchers and practitioners that contains all key BRICS materials since the group's inception.
Konstantin Vishnevskiy, Director of the Centre for Strategic Analysis and Big Data under the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge at HSE University, delivered an address at the session dedicated to managing artificial intelligence. He emphasised that AI is becoming the "lifeblood" of the global economy, with its market value already reaching $638 billion and poised to rapidly grow.
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Nearly half of all AI innovations today originate from the BRICS nations or target their markets—a testament to our group's formidable technological potential. However, it is crucial not just to join the race but to establish the principles that will guide global AI governance. We must champion ethical, fair, and inclusive technology development. Rather than exacerbating the digital divide, AI can and must become the great equalizer—particularly for the Global South nations
Konstantin Vishnevskiy
Director of the Centre for Strategic Analysis and Big Data under the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge at HSE University
The expert also discussed the recent launch of the International AI Foresight initiative, commissioned by the President of Russia. In this project, HSE University will act as a methodological leader, coordinating collaborative efforts among researchers, government agencies, and businesses to outline priorities in both basic and applied research.
Igor Makarov, Head of the School of World Economy and Head of the Laboratory for Economics of Climate Change under the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs at HSE University, delivered an address during the climate change session of the BRICS Academic Forum. He emphasised the need for the BRICS nations to formulate their own climate agenda ahead of the 30th UN Climate Change Conference in Belém. The expert underscored how current green transition frameworks mostly serve the interests of developed nations while failing to accommodate the realities of developing economies.
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The rhetoric of a 'just transition' rings hollow when it comes packaged with one-size-fits-all solutions that ignore the Global South's actual conditions. BRICS can pioneer an alternative path—one rooted in technological neutrality, balanced mitigation-adaptation approaches, and respect for national circumstances. We need to move beyond reiterating long-term goals and reach a new consensus that genuinely reflects the interests of the majority of countries worldwide
Igor Makarov
Head of the School of World Economy and Head of the Laboratory for Economics of Climate Change under the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs at HSE University
He advocated for initiating a multi-level dialogue on a new sustainable agenda involving the BRICS expert community, which could lay the groundwork for the group's unified stance on global platforms, including the UN.
As has become a good tradition, the BRICS Think Tanks Council convened its annual meeting on the sidelines of the Forum. Representing Russia was Ksenia Shevtsova, Deputy Head of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia and Head of the International Partnerships Office at HSE University.
After two days of intensive discussions, expert recommendations were endorsed and will be relayed through Sherpas to the BRICS leaders ahead of the BRICS Summit. These recommendations encompass key areas of the agenda—from establishing an equitable global governance framework to enhancing coordination on climate initiatives, digital transformation, and strengthening BRICS institutions.