BRICS International School: New Generation Held in Rio de Janeiro
On December 3–4, the BRICS International School: New Generation was held in Rio de Janeiro, bringing together 85 young leaders from around the world. The School was included in the official calendar of Brazil's BRICS Chairship and became a vital platform for professional exchange and discussion of ongoing international processes. The event was organised by the BRICS Expert Council-Russia, HSE University, and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ).
Previously, from October 29 to November 1, the BRICS International School: New Generation had taken place in Moscow, attracting over 100 participants from 38 BRICS and Global South countries. Young researchers, diplomats, entrepreneurs, journalists, and civil society representatives discussed global politics, economy, communications, and sustainable development, engaging with leading Russian and international experts. The School in Rio de Janeiro extended this dialogue to the international stage, broadening the project's reach and deepening the involvement of young leaders across the BRICS community.
The opening ceremony featured Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia, Vice Rector at HSE University, and Sherpa of Russia in W20; Roberto de Andrade Medronho, Rector of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro; and Andrei Petrov, Russian Consul General in Rio de Janeiro. The First Lady of Brazil, Janja Lula da Silva addressed the participants in a video message.
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The BRICS International School: New Generation has turned into a platform where young professionals learn to understand global processes through the lens of multilateral dialogue. We can witness how the project is growing, bringing together people ready to seek common solutions. It is especially meaningful that this School is being held abroad, in Brazil for the first time this year, demonstrating the BRICS nations' shared commitment to developing youth initiatives.
Victoria Panova
Head of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia, Vice Rector at HSE University, and Sherpa of Russia in W20
The School's programme included lectures, presentations, and discussions focused on key areas of BRICS development. On Day 1, participants explored BRICS history, prospects for its institutional evolution, the group's role amid global transformation, and the growing influence of the BRICS nations on the world economy. Presentations by experts from research centres and universities in Brazil, Russia, India, Indonesia, and South Africa drew particular interest, offering diverse perspectives on advancing multilateral cooperation.
On Day 2, the focus shifted to the outcomes of Brazil's Chairship, prospects for youth initiatives, the climate agenda ahead of COP30, as well as the future priorities for BRICS. Young leaders also took part in a hands-on workshop, which enabled them to deepen their understanding of contemporary processes and broaden their professional contacts.
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The BRICS International School illustrates the importance of involving the younger generation in international processes. Initiatives like this help us cultivate new approaches to cooperation, strengthen professional bonds, and create a space for ideas that can shape the future development of BRICS. It's here that an environment takes root where young leaders begin to recognise shared goals and opportunities for joint work down the line.
Valeriia Gorbacheva
Deputy Head of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia and Head of the Multilateral Strategic Projects Office at HSE University
The School in Rio de Janeiro confirmed the rising interest among young people in the group's work and new formats for international cooperation. This effort will continue in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia with a new session of the BRICS International School: New Generation, scheduled for December 19, as part of an ongoing series aimed at broadening international expert and humanitarian dialogue among young leaders from the BRICS nations.