
The 18th BRICS Academic Forum concluded at Lucknow University on Tuesday, with the BRICS Think Tanks Council presenting recommendations to build economic and climate resilience, deepen innovation and technology cooperation, advance sustainable…
The 18th BRICS Academic Forum concluded at Lucknow University on Tuesday, with the BRICS Think Tanks Council presenting recommendations to build economic and climate resilience, deepen innovation and technology cooperation, advance sustainable development, and support a more inclusive multilateral system. The recommendations were handed over to Shambhu L Hakki, joint secretary (MER) in the ministry of external affairs and BRICS Sous-Sherpa.

The forum, convened by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries and Lucknow University, brought together policymakers, academicians, and experts under the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'. Hakki said BRICS is not anti-something nor aimed at replacing existing global institutions, but a complementary institution filling gaps in development finance, citing the New Development Bank. He highlighted India's chairmanship achievements, including a proposed startup innovation fund, supply chain mechanism, BRICS Connect for skilling, and a science and research depository.
The recommendations come as India chairs BRICS in 2024, a grouping that represents over 40% of the world population and about 25% of global GDP. The New Development Bank, cited by Hakki, has approved over 100 projects worth about $35 billion since its launch in 2015, focusing on infrastructure and sustainable development. India's push to hold BRICS events in non-metro cities like Lucknow reflects a deliberate outreach to domestic audiences. The practical outcomes mentioned, such as the startup innovation fund, are yet to be operationalised, and their success will depend on member consensus on governance and funding. The next BRICS summit is scheduled for October 2024 in Kazan, Russia, where these proposals may see further progress.
Source: hindustantimes.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.