The BRICS-Civil 2024 conference, scheduled to take place in Moscow from July 3-4, will spotlight nationally focused non-governmental organizations (NGOs), according to Dr. Victoria Panova, head of the BRICS Expert Council of Russia.
In a recent media statement, Panova emphasized that BRICS is not intended to counter any specific nation but rather aims to establish a digital payment system to facilitate trade among BRICS member states while mitigating the impact of unilateral sanctions. The conference will address a range of issues, including equitable development, sovereignty in economic and financial sectors, information security, digital advancement, public health, heritage conservation, ecology, and energy transition.
The BRICS-Civil meeting will feature nine primary working groups, prioritizing nationally oriented NGOs over transnational ones. Panova noted that despite facing challenges due to sanctions, Russia has emerged more resilient following the restrictions imposed after the onset of the Ukraine conflict.
She highlighted the successful expansion of BRICS with the addition of Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Argentina, countering previous criticisms of the group. The upcoming Moscow summit will present two key documents: one outlining recommendations for leaders and another addressing the future aspirations of BRICS citizens. Panova expressed opposition to monopolistic and hegemonic practices and stressed that technology and energy should not be weaponized, advocating for initiatives that prioritize the well-being of all societal segments.
