BRICS Summer School 2024: A Journey of Learning, Diplomacy, and Collaboration

I had the incredible opportunity to attend the BRICS Summer School 2024, hosted by SABYA in Johannesburg. This prestigious event brings together young professionals, researchers, and students from across BRICS and BRICS+ nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, UAE, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Over the course of three days, we engaged in in-depth discussions on global issues, networked with peers, and participated in the groundbreaking Model BRICS initiative.

The theme of this year’s summer school was “Education for Sustainable Development,” but I was also actively involved in the Model BRICS initiative, focusing on “Payment Systems and Financial Cooperation: The Use of Local Currencies Among BRICS Member States.”

This initiative provided a platform to explore innovative ways to enhance financial cooperation among member states, and I was privileged to represent the UAE delegation as a BRICS Sherpa. As BRICS Sherpa, I took on key responsibilities, such as acting as the liaison between our delegation and BRICS technical groups, preparing reports for our national leadership, and shaping our country’s strategy during the discussions. Initially, I thought drafting a document on the use of local currencies among BRICS+ members would be a quick task. However, the process involved hours of intense debate, as we carefully considered the nuances of every word to ensure both clarity and diplomacy. In the end, our group reached a consensus, producing a “Draft Zero” that will be reviewed by BRICS delegates at the upcoming meeting in Russia.

My Favorite Modules:

1. The Reform of Multilateral Institutions
   Led by Prof. Fulufhelo Netswera from South Africa (who I hope to invite on my podcast soon), this module triggered insightful debates on the role of multilateral institutions in the global political and economic order. The discussion delved into the origins and evolution of these institutions, including the League of Nations, the United Nations, and the Bretton Woods system, and examined their impact on the post-World War II global order. We explored both the achievements and shortcomings of these institutions, particularly in areas such as human rights, coups, and the gold standard. The module also looked at the rise of alternative organizations like BRICS and the Non-Aligned Movement, leaving us to ponder future scenarios for multilateralism.
2. BRICS Education and Technology Cooperation
   Prof. Anastasia Kapuza from Russia led this thought-provoking module, which compared education systems across BRICS countries, highlighting both similarities and differences. The lecture also focused on the role of technology in education and the use of large-scale assessments, such as PISA and TIMSS, to provide evidence-based insights. We engaged in a practical workshop on working with PISA data, which revealed crucial insights into the strengths and weaknesses of BRICS education systems, helping us identify areas for improvement.

Conference Highlights:

• Engaging lectures from world-renowned professors, including Prof. Siphamandla Zondi from the University of Johannesburg.
• Fulfilling the critical role of BRICS Sherpa and navigating the complexities of multilateral diplomacy.
• Networking with scholars, researchers, and young professionals from BRICS+ nations, building strong relationships for future collaboration.
• Inspirational keynote addresses by Hon. Dr. Mimmy Gondwe, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, and Hon. Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities.
• Meeting Raymond Matlala, the Executive Chairman of SABYA.

Overall, I am proud of the contributions made by the entire delegation and deeply grateful to SABYA for organizing this impactful event. I look forward to participating in similar initiatives and continuing to shape the policies that will drive the future of our respective nations. As young leaders, it is essential that we remain engaged in these processes, ensuring that the voices of the youth are heard and valued in shaping the global agenda.