The International BRICS mid-term academic conference commenced at Doon University in Dehradun on Friday, bringing together academic and diplomatic delegates from 11 nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Iran, and Ethiopia. The theme of the conference is "Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainable Development," which aligns with the core vision of India's 2026 BRICS presidency. Given Uttarakhand's position as a Himalayan state, discussions heavily focused on climate resilience, sustainability, and ecological solutions.
Opening Address and Keynote
In her welcome address, Doon University Vice-Chancellor Surekha Dangwal emphasized that BRICS is far more than a diplomatic forum. "It is a platform for rethinking development from the perspective of countries still building, still transforming, and still balancing growth with justice," Dangwal said. "India's BRICS presidency comes at a pivotal moment, as countries work towards resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability."
Shambhu L Hakki, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs and India's BRICS Sous Sherpa, delivered the keynote address. He interacted with students and highlighted how global cooperation drives collective economic growth.
International Participation
The high-level academic summit saw robust international participation across member nations. Brazil was represented by Walter Antonio Desidera Neto, coordinator for BTTC and researcher, and Alexandre dos Santos Cunha, director of Regional, Urban and Environmental Studies. China was represented by Xie Xinfeng from Jimei University and Yukang Huang from the University of International Business and Economics. Russia was represented by Victoria Panova, head of the BRICS Expert Council, alongside experts Egor Muravev and Elena Peryshkina.
The largest delegation was from South Africa, including Mogomme Alpheus Masoga, chairperson of the South African BRICS think tank; Allucia Lulu Shokane, dean at the University of Zululand; Thandiwe Sechele; and Senkhu Donatianus Maimane. Iran was represented by Omid Babelian, diplomat and research fellow at IPIS. The Egyptian delegation included Fatma Hamdon, economic expert, and Mahmoud Mohsen Ahmed Ali.
