First BRICS and SCO youth forum takes place in Ufa

The first youth forum of the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) began yesterday in the southwestern Russian city of Ufa.

Youth leaders aged 20 to 35 from Russia, Brazil, India, China, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, as well as guests from South Korea, are discussing opportunities for cooperation between youth in their countries.

The principle focus of the forum has been the desire of young people to gain experience and knowledge from other member states through internships and student exchanges. The participants of the forum have proposed the creation of a shared centre for business, science and innovation, as well as a database of youth representatives to enable easier dialogue. In addition, the facilitation of internships for youth in organisations and businesses across BRICS and SCO countries will be a priority.

“The realities of the modern world compel the governments of BRICS and SCO countries towards a more effective exchange of views and experiences. […] In these circumstances, the broad participation of the youth is a key factor in the stable cooperation and development of BRICS and SCO countries,” reads an excerpt from the draft proposition.

The acronym BRICS represents an association of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, military and economic organisation, the members of which are China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The youth forum runs from 26-29 July.