Participants in TRENDS’ first BRICS Think Tank Summit, held by TRENDS Research and Advisory in Russia on the sidelines of the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan, emphasised the need to expand the roles of think tanks and media to play a vital role in supporting public policies and crafting innovative strategies for sustainable development and enhancing international cooperation among BRICS nations.
They stressed that the role of think tanks and media institutions in BRICS nations is now more important than ever. These institutions are tasked with generating the knowledge that drives innovation, progress, and prosperity. With the capabilities to analyse challenges and turn them into promising opportunities, these institutions play a crucial role in developing economic and social policies that enhance cooperation between BRICS nations and enhance their collective global influence.
The participants also highlighted that think tanks play a vital role in charting development paths for BRICS nations. They noted that t
he bloc needs to activate media diplomacy and train young researchers to advance the collective knowledge of BRICS nations. Additionally, integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles is essential for promoting green innovation and sustainable development.
TREND’s first BRICS Think Tank Summit was held in Russia in partnership with the Russian News Agency TASS and Russia Today, as media partners for the summit. Fourteen think tanks from 10 BRICS member countries participated in the event, which featured two main sessions: the first focused on “The Role of Think Tanks and Media in Developing Economic, Cultural, and Geopolitical Policies for BRICS Nations,” while the second addressed “The Role of Think Tanks in Strengthening the Soft Power of BRICS Nations.”
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, noted that while official discussions were ongoing between BRICS leaders at the Kazan Summit, TRENDS was committed to holding a purposeful
intellectual summit. This gathering aimed to present constructive ideas and perspectives to support official efforts to enhance cooperation among BRICS nations and promote prosperity, peace, and collaboration between the bloc’s countries and peoples.
Al-Ali emphasised that TRENDS seeks, through organising this high-level summit, to foster deep intellectual discussions on the best ways for BRICS think tanks to achieve their ambitious goals, with a focus on foreseeing future developments and developing policies that will increase future opportunities and minimise challenges that could hinder the development trajectory of BRICS nations and their collaborative relationships.
Al-Ali pointed out that the BRICS has immense demographic and economic capabilities. The ten current member countries represent 45 percent of the world’s population and 25 percent of the Earth’s land area. Their economies have a combined value of US$28.3 trillion, representing 28.8 percent of the global economy, and they control 20 percent
of global trade, according to WTO data.
He added that these substantial capabilities signal a promising future for the bloc, positioning it as a significant economic and political force on the global stage. However, this requires a comprehensive scientific vision and a clear roadmap to achieve this future. He continued, “I firmly believe that this is the role of think tanks, which should collaborate to provide this integrated vision by developing innovative strategies and actionable plans.”
Source: Emirates News Agency