Priorities for BRICS Humanitarian Cooperation Formulated at SPIEF
On June 19, a discussion titled "BRICS Charity and Humanitarian Cooperation: Creating a Favourable Environment for People’s Lives" unfolded during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The session brought together government officials, experts, civil society leaders, and business representatives to explore how civil initiatives can enhance social stability and quality of life across the BRICS nations. Dmitry Polikanov, Deputy Head of Rossotrudnichestvo, moderated the event.
Central to the discussion was the issue of empowering civil society to more actively contribute to addressing humanitarian challenges. Participants highlighted how charitable and volunteer efforts have evolved into powerful instruments—not just for delivering targeted aid, but for forging stronger societal bonds, fostering international trust, and establishing enduring cross-border partnerships.
Significant emphasis was placed on digital tools that can boost the effectiveness of humanitarian projects, alongside discussions on the depoliticisation of aid—an important factor amid global instability. The conversation also delved into mechanisms for supporting and invigorating the non-profit sector, as well as sharing best practices.
One of the speakers was Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia, Russia's Sherpa in the Women's Twenty, and Vice Rector at HSE University. She highlighted that in the midst of shifting geopolitical landscapes, the role of civil society is gaining prominence, with charity emerging as a crucial element of international dialogue. Some forecasts suggest that the annual activities of non-profit organisations and charitable entities globally could soar to $859 billion, a figure comparable to the GDP of an entire nation. However, Dr Panova cautioned that it is vital to ensure these funds are directed toward their intended purposes, rather than used in the interests of individual countries.
The discussion also placed a strong emphasis on fostering civil dialogue within BRICS. Victoria Panova reminded attendees that it was through Russia's initiative that BRICS Civil Forums have been convened since 2015, culminating in the Kazan Declaration of 2024, which established the BRICS Civil Council—a framework designed to facilitate sustainable interaction among the civil societies of member nations. A notable example of successful humanitarian initiatives within this Civil Track was the International Blind Football Tournament held in Moscow in December 2024. This event showcased how charity can serve as a powerful tool for inclusive development and for strengthening ties between nations.
Summing up the insights from the discussion, participants underscored the necessity of uniting the efforts of all stakeholders—from government agencies to local communities—in advancing the humanitarian agenda. They identified support for charity, expansion of civil interaction channels, and the development of joint projects as pivotal areas for future cooperation among the BRICS nations.