BRICS Think Tank Summit Calls for Innovative Strategies and Enhanced Media Roles for Sustainable Development

Kazan: Participants at the first BRICS Think Tank Summit organized by TRENDS Research and Advisory emphasized the necessity of creating innovative, science-based strategies for sustainable development and enhancing the role of think tanks and media in supporting public policies. The summit, held in Russia alongside the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan, highlighted the crucial contributions these institutions can make in fostering international cooperation among BRICS nations. According to Emirates News Agency, the summit's attendees stressed that think tanks and media institutions are pivotal in generating knowledge that drives progress and prosperity. With their ability to analyze challenges and convert them into opportunities, these entities are key in crafting economic and social policies that not only enhance collaboration between BRICS nations but also elevate their global influence. The participants underscored the necessity of activating media diplomacy and training young researchers to further collective k nowledge, as well as integrating environmental, social, and governance principles to promote green innovation. The summit, held in collaboration with media partners Russian News Agency TASS and Russia Today, saw participation from 14 think tanks across 10 BRICS member countries. It featured two main sessions: one on the role of think tanks and media in developing economic, cultural, and geopolitical policies, and another on strengthening the soft power of BRICS nations. Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, highlighted the summit's purpose in his opening remarks. He stated that while official BRICS discussions were ongoing, TRENDS aimed to provide constructive ideas to support these efforts, fostering cooperation and promoting prosperity and peace among BRICS countries. Al-Ali emphasized the summit's role in facilitating deep intellectual discussions to foresee developments and craft policies enhancing future opportunities while mitigating challenges. Al-Ali noted the demograph ic and economic strengths of the BRICS bloc, which includes 45 percent of the global population and 25 percent of the Earth's land area, with economies valued at US$28.3 trillion, representing 28.8 percent of the global economy. He highlighted the potential for BRICS to become a significant global force, contingent upon a comprehensive scientific vision and clear roadmap. Think tanks, he argued, are crucial in devising this integrated vision through innovative strategies and actionable plans.