18:30 - 19:00 (IN)
19:00 - 19:15 (IN)
Samir Saran, President, Observer Research Foundation; Chair, BRICS Think Tanks Council, India
Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (ER), Ministry of External Affairs and BRICS Sherpa, India
19:15 - 20:00 (IN)
Amid intensifying geopolitical tensions, impasse in multilateral institutions, and increasing tendency of states to pursue multi–alignment, BRICS retains space for enhancing functional cooperation among emerging economies. From Rio to New Delhi, the BRICS agenda reflects a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration and advancing common priorities. With new members in the fold, BRICS needs to re-focus on building synergies and sustaining the momentum.
In what ways does a multi-aligned international order impact the existing plurilateral groupings such as BRICS?
How can BRICS serve as a constructive “bridge-builder” to ensure the grouping remains an inclusive platform focused on the needs of emerging economies?
In what ways can BRICS further strengthen cooperation on trade, development finance, and connectivity in the current geopolitical context?
Mogomme Alpheus Masoga, Chairperson, South African BRICS Think Tank (SABTT), South Africa
Tan Ya, Deputy Director, BRICS Research Center, University of International Business and Economics, China
Vladimir Zuev, Professor and Head of Department, Institute of Trade Policy HSE, Russia
Sachin Kumar Sharma, Director General, Research and Information System for Developing Countries, India
Harsh V Pant, Vice President, Observer Research Foundation; Executive Director, BRICS Think Tanks Council, India
20:00 - 22:00 (IN)
10:00 - 10:30 (IN)
10:30 - 11:15 (IN)
Global governance today faces intensifying pressure from geopolitical fragmentation, widening development finance gaps, and unequal access to technology. As BRICS marks two decades in 2026, India has a unique opportunity to steer the discussions towards pragmatic, development-focused outcomes that reflect the priorities of emerging and developing economies. While reform of the existing multilateral institutions is necessary, the bloc needs to focus on strengthening global governance through actionable cooperation—building robust networks for capabilities, technology partnerships, development finance, and people-centric collaboration among the BRICS members and partners.
How can BRICS complement existing multilateral institutions while advancing a more representative global order?
In what ways can the New Development Bank (NDB) expand its capabilities to supplement international financial institutions?
How can BRICS move from rhetoric to actionable, outcome-oriented partnerships under India’s leadership?
Nirmala Gopal, Head, Department of Criminology and Forensic Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Elfenesh Muleta Beyene, Multilateral Affairs Director General, Institute of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopia
Sanjay Bhattacharya, Professor of Diplomatic Practice, Director, Jindal Global Centre for G20 Studies, OP Jindal University, India
Walter Desidera, Researcher and Coordinator of Studies in Economic Relations, Institute for Applied Economic Research, Brazil (IPEA) (Virtual)
Nilanjan Ghosh, Vice President, Observer Research Foundation, India
11:15 - 11:30 (IN)
11:30 - 12:15 (IN)
Energy transition and the need for sustainable systems are a critical part of policy conversations in the developing world and emerging markets. Members face the dual challenge of accelerating economic growth while meeting climate commitments and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Spending on sustainable infrastructure and ensuring industrialisation occurs in climate—smart ways is essential to avoid repeating the existing patterns. Scaling sustainable infrastructure and energy systems will necessitate new approaches that minimise environmental impact while supporting connectivity and growth.
What can be done to mobilise finance in BRICS countries to promote adaptation and mitigation finance?
Where are the synergies in promoting new sources of clean energy?
Which are the infrastructure gaps in terms of connectivity, smart grids, and new energy fields that BRICS and the NDB can work together to fill?
Oksana Sinyavskaya, Head of Sustainable Development, BRICS Expert Council, Russia
Penghui Yang, Assistant Researcher, BRICS Research Center, University of International Business and Economics, China
Mai Mohsen, Head of Central Department of Chairman's Technical Affairs Office, Information & Decision Support Center (IDSC), Egypt
Mohamed AlZarouni, Lecturer, Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, United Arab Emirates
Gopalika Arora, Deputy Director, Observer Research Foundation, India
12:15 - 13:00 (IN)
As BRICS diversifies its economic and development agenda, there is a need to align innovation and enterprise with principles of equity and inclusion. Boasting a large youth population, dynamic start-up ecosystems, and diverse development experiences, BRICS members and partners are uniquely positioned to shape growth models that are both future-oriented and people-centric. This session will focus on discussing the ways in which member states could leverage innovation, particularly on digital public infrastructure, emerging technologies, and grassroots entrepreneurship, to consolidate an inclusive approach towards economic growth.
Can BRICS co-create sector-specific frameworks that encourage innovation?
How can members leverage emerging technologies to expand access to education, health, and public services?
In what ways can policies be designed to ensure innovation-led growth models remain equitable and people-centric?
Allucia Lulu Shokane, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zululand, South Africa
Beatriz Mattos, Research Coordinator and BRICS Specialist, Plataforma CIPÓ, Brazil
Amit Kumar, Assistant Professor, Research and Information System for Developing Countries, India
Ruchita Beri, Senior Fellow, Vivekananda International Foundation, India
Sunaina Kumar, Senior Fellow and Director, Observer Research Foundation, India
13:00 - 14:00 (IN)
14:00 - 15:00 (IN)
As global debt reaches critical levels and trade corridors undergo strain due to conflict and “security-first” policies, this session focuses on the three related issues: supply chain continuity, connectivity, and inclusive growth. The session will explore how member nations can collaborate to develop a resilient ecosystem in critical sectors, while enhancing connectivity through infrastructure and interoperable systems. It further explores how member nations could ensure that the incumbent policies are able to address exogenous shocks stemming from conflict, climate change, and other emergencies to ensure people-centric development.
What can BRICS do to reduce uncertainty in trade policies and address geoeconomic volatility?
Where do we locate the synergies to ensure supply chains for critical materials remain undisrupted across sectors? Can BRICS cooperate on resource corridors?
What are the ways in which measures of economic growth and trade cooperation can be more reflective of the realities of emerging economies?
Tan Ya, Deputy Director, BRICS Research Center, University of International Business and Economics, China
Vladimir Zuev, Head of Economics and Trade Sector, BRICS Expert Council, Russia
Riatu Mariatul Qibthiyyah, Director of the Institute for Economic and Social Research, University of Indonesia, Indonesia (Virtual)
Mai Mohsen, Head of Central Department of Chairman's Technical Affairs Office, Information & Decision Support Center, Egypt
Jhanvi Tripathi, Associate Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, India
15:00 - 15:15 (IN)
Shambhu L. Hakki, Joint Secretary (MER), Ministry of External Affairs; BRICS Sous Sherpa, Government of India
Harsh V Pant, Vice President, Observer Research Foundation; Executive Director, BRICS Think Tanks Council, India
