Nizhny Novgorod: the gathering place for young BRICS leaders
The BRICS International School: New Generation has officially launched in Nizhny Novgorod. The central focus is on energy cooperation and sustainable development among the member countries—a key priority for Russia within the BRICS agenda.
The event is organized by the BRICS Expert Council–Russia, in partnership with the Energy Corporation Rosatom and Rosatom Corporate Academy, and with the support of the Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University and HSE University–Nizhny Novgorod at the Information Center for Nuclear Energy.
Yury Shalabaev, Head of Nizhny Novgorod, participated in the official opening ceremony. He emphasized that cooperation with BRICS countries is of particular importance to the city’s residents.
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Our city is a major industrial, scientific, educational, and innovation hub in Russia, and these areas form a vital foundation for expanding international ties. Our collaboration with representatives from BRICS nations covers a broad range of sectors — from industry, science, and education to culture, sports, tourism, and youth exchanges. I am confident that today’s BRICS event will provide a fresh perspective on international cooperation. The International School serves as a platform where new professional connections are made, joint ideas emerge, and the groundwork for future collaboration among BRICS countries is established.
Yury Shalabaev
Head of Nizhny Novgorod
Welcoming remarks were also delivered by Dmitry Starostin, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region; Alexey Ivanov, Deputy Branch Director - Technical Director of the Nizhny Novgorod branch of JSC Atomenergoproject (Nizhny Novgorod Design Institute); Anna Blyakhman, Director of HSE University – Nizhny Novgorod; and Anastasia Gorlova, of the Information Center for Nuclear Energy.
Following tradition, the program kicked off with an introductory lecture by Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council–Russia and Russia’s Sherpa in the Women 20 (W20), on the origins of BRICS and the alliance’s role on today’s political map.
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This year, the BRICS International School celebrates its anniversary. For a decade now, Russia has been training the next generation of BRICS experts who share the values of building a fair and sustainable world.
Victoria Panova
Head of the BRICS Expert Council–Russia
Anastasia Shirokograd, Advisor at the Russian Energy Agency of the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation, unveiled one of Russia’s most significant initiatives: the BRICS Energy Research Platform. The platform aims to strengthen energy cooperation among BRICS member countries.
Alexey Ivanov (JSC Atomenergoproekt—Nizhny Novgorod Design Institute), shared Russia’s experience and technologies in nuclear power plant construction, both domestically and internationally. He emphasized these capabilities as a key driver of international cooperation.
The lineup wrapped up with a session featuring Fabiano Mielniczuk, Professor of Political Science at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil). Participants gained valuable perspectives on how BRICS nations are teaming up through science and tech collaboration.
The regional program in Nizhny Novgorod is part of the BRICS International School: New Generation ecosystem—Russia’s leading educational initiative focused on studying the BRICS bloc and its role on the global stage. Over two days, participants will discuss key areas of energy cooperation among the member countries, the role of innovative technologies in driving sustainable development, and the prospects for international collaboration in the energy sector. The agenda includes talks by top experts, quizzes, and masterclasses hosted by the Rosatom student community and ambassadors of Russian nuclear education.