Russian Experts Discuss Brazil's Initiatives during Meetings of BRICS Civil Council Working Groups
Throughout May 2025, five working groups convened under the BRICS Civil Council umbrella: Health, Culture, Economy and Finance, Ecology and Adaptation to Climate Change, and Education. These sessions, held both in person and online, focused on reviewing draft recommendations prepared by Brazil's civil society for the leaders of the BRICS nations. Experts representing Russia analysed their Brazilian counterparts' proposals, crafting their own adjustments and additions to be submitted for further approval.
These working groups serve as platforms for expert and public dialogue on key areas of cooperation among the BRICS nations. In 2025, Russia is participating in seven such groups, with representatives from specialised organisations, civil activists, and experts contributing to all discussions.
In the healthcare sector, participants concentrated on health promotion and disease prevention, as well as tackling systemic issues that contribute to illness and mortality. Topics included ensuring universal access to healthcare services, advocating for healthy and balanced nutrition, preventing alcohol, drug, and tobacco addiction, alleviating the global disease burden, enhancing occupational safety and health standards, maintaining mental well-being, and improving support systems for vulnerable populations. The discussions also delved into enhancing the quality of medical care and optimising healthcare management systems. The potential of artificial intelligence and telemedicine was explored, with a particular emphasis on establishing an international repository of anonymised health data to facilitate more effective machine learning, alongside the exchange of best practices and outreach campaigns.
In the realm of culture, experts supported initiatives aimed at fostering cultural exchange, promoting adaptive sports, and preserving historical heritage. Key discussions revolved around combating historical distortion—a topic especially poignant in the year marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and World War II. Additionally, participants addressed the protection of linguistic rights and the importance of preserving citizens' ability to use their native languages. Experts highlighted that the concept of language suppression, previously framed within the theory of linguistic colonialism, remains highly relevant for analysing contemporary restrictions on the Russian language in post-Soviet states. This concept effectively captures the mechanisms of linguistic pressure and discrimination observed in several countries. Additional topics included visa liberalisation for tourism and the repatriation of artistic treasures.
The economy and finance track featured an in-depth discussion on establishing a new BRICS financial and monetary architecture. Experts focused on comprehensive strategies to combat illegal sanctions, which included developing robust legal mechanisms to safeguard national interests, enhancing international cooperation on economic security, and creating alternative financial instruments for interaction among the BRICS member states. They underscored the necessity of establishing a system for mutual settlements in national currencies and launching the BRICS Clear platform. Significant emphasis was placed on refining international legislation aimed at combating tax violations and ensuring transparency in financial transactions. Participants emphasised the need for a solid legal framework to protect the economic interests of member countries. They also stressed the importance of avoiding politically sensitive language in final documents to maintain intra-BRICS cohesion.
During the meeting focused on the environmental agenda, participants voiced an urgent call for a more holistic and balanced approach to addressing environmental challenges. While climate issues remain paramount, experts argued for a broader focus encompassing vital areas such as waste management and recycling, tackling various forms of pollution, preserving and restoring biodiversity, and combating desertification and land degradation. Experts asserted that only a comprehensive strategy, considering all facets of the planet's ecological health, could ensure sustainable development and protect natural resources for future generations. Special attention was directed toward strengthening international collaboration in these fields and developing new mechanisms for coordinating global environmental initiatives.
Discussions in the education sector centred on balancing Global South values with Western academic achievements. The necessity of establishing an education system independent of Western influence—rooted in principles of accessibility and equality—was emphasised. Key areas for international cooperation highlighted by the experts included advancing multilingual education and cultural exchange, creating alternative quality assessment systems, promoting academic mobility among the BRICS nations, offering support to teachers and improving their working conditions, promoting inclusive education, and resisting the commercialisation of education. Special focus was placed on safeguarding the right to tuition-free education across BRICS, fostering environmental education, supporting STEM training for women, preserving and developing native languages, combating disinformation, and cultivating critical thinking skills. The experts also endorsed the initiative to petition UNESCO, proposing that teacher-student relationship be recognised as an intangible heritage of humanity.
All proposals articulated during the meetings will be consolidated and forwarded to Brazil for integration into the BRICS Civil Forum’s final recommendations.