Strategic Session of Civil BRICS Council took place in Moscow

On November 17–18, 2025, the Strategic Session of the Civil BRICS Council took place in Moscow. The event was organised by the BRICS Expert Council-Russia together with the Russian Chapter of the Civil BRICS Council. The session brought together representatives of civil society, research institutions, and think tanks from the BRICS nations, marking a significant step in preparing for the handover of the Civil BRICS Track Chairship to India and coordinating joint work plans for 2026. 

The opening ceremony featured Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia, Vice Rector at HSE University, and Co-Chair of the Russian Chapter of the Civil BRICS Council. She emphasised that as BRICS expands, the role of its Civil Track continues to grow, with sustainable horizontal ties becoming a key factor for strengthening humanitarian cooperation. During Day 1 of the Strategic Session, participants reviewed the Civil Council’s activities in 2024–2025, discussed the preparations for and outcomes of the BRICS Civil Summit in Brazil, and explored proposals for enhancing the Council's information strategy. Special attention was given to strengthening public relations efforts aimed at increasing the visibility and engagement of civil societies across the BRICS nations. 

A key event of the program was a meeting between BRICS civil society representatives and Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and Russia’s BRICS Sherpa, along with representatives of BRICS embassies. During his address, the Deputy Minister emphasized that the BRICS cooperation model is distinguished by a unique blend of political flexibility, economic potential, and a value-based foundation built over years of interaction. According to Sergey Ryabkov, BRICS is a territory of trust and mutual respect, where states can interact as equal partners. The Deputy Minister underscored the importance of the Civil Track, noting that initiatives emerging from civil society and professional communities play a vital role in strengthening the humanitarian dimension of BRICS cooperation.

Day 1 concluded with a discussion of NGO research projects and initiatives planned for implementation within the Civil Track in the upcoming year. 

Day 2 focused on preparations for the BRICS Civil Summit, scheduled to take place in December in Rio de Janeiro under Brazil's leadership. Representatives of the Brazilian delegation outlined the program of the upcoming event, expected outcomes, and draft documents. Participants aligned on key elements of the Civil Track’s position, including proposals to support NGOs, advance youth initiatives, promote sustainable development and digital connectivity, and foster the integration of new members. 

At the end of the meeting, the delegations summarized the outcomes of the two-day session, identified priority cooperation areas for 2026, and reached agreement on future collaboration formats for India's upcoming Chairship.