On May 27, 2014 the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (PFUR) hosted the 5th International Conference "BRICS: Cooperation for Development" with the focus on future participation of BRICS countries in global governance, fostering economic and trade relations between member-states, and networking of BRICS universities to train personnel for innovative economy. The event was attended by Vladimir Morozov, RIAC Program Coordinator, and Ilya Ivanov, RIAC Program Assistant. The Russian Council was the official partner of the Conference.
On May 27, 2014 the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (PFUR) hosted the 5th International Conference "BRICS: Cooperation for Development" with the focus on future participation of BRICS countries in global governance, fostering economic and trade relations between member-states, and networking of BRICS universities to train personnel for innovative economy. The event was attended by Vladimir Morozov, RIAC Program Coordinator, and Ilya Ivanov, RIAC Program Assistant. The Russian Council was the official partner of the Conference.
In his opening speech, PFUR Rector Vladimir Filippov stressed the significance of developing ties between the BRICS universities that should finally launch a BRICS universities' consortium or a network university. On the one hand, it would alleviate the double degree problem, and on the other, strengthen the links on the expert, research and civil society levels.
Ambassador Vadim Lukov, Foreign Ministry Coordinator for G20 and BRICS Affairs, said that the BRICS values and principles have become intrinsic to the public opinion in many states despite skepticism about its results in some parts of the expert community of the developed countries. Hence, of great importance seems to be bolstering the BRICS soft power potential and the multilateral investment cooperation to give impetus to the organization's institutionalization and prove its viability.
RIAC Program Assistant Ilya Ivanov delivered the report "Cooperation of BRICS Countries in Humanitarian Aid: New Donors and Old Rules" devoted to the current role of nontraditional donors, among them BRICS countries, in international development assistance and humanitarian aid. He also mentioned the need to step up BRICS activities in these areas, as well as the existence of a possibility to become the key organization for the new donors along with the OECD’s role for the traditional benefactors.
Many speakers agreed that the BRICS has not only managed to preserve its practicability as a club but is advancing to reflect the dynamics of the fast changing world. According to Georgy Toloraya, Executive Director of National Committee on BRICS Studies, the association may transform into a leading tool for stabilization of the polycentric global community, gaining clout for the world order maintenance.
The Conference has only proved the need to advance expertise covering the BRICS processes, as well as the effectiveness of interaction between the PFUR and the RIAC that intends to deepen the BRICS studies at its website.
