The BRICS Think Tank Council and Its Role in Advancing Expert Cooperation
The BRICS Think Tank Council was established in 2013 following the eThekwini Declaration, adopted at the Fifth BRICS Summit held in Durban, South Africa. The primary mission of the Council is to enhance cooperation among member countries by fostering interaction between expert communities and government institutions.
Responsibilities and Key Initiatives
The Council is responsible for formulating and processing all initiatives and policy proposals submitted to BRICS leaders for approval and implementation. Notable initiatives developed under the Council’s framework include the establishment of the BRICS University Network and the New Development Bank.
Annual Reports and National Representatives
Since 2020, the Council has monitored BRICS annual activities using a comprehensive set of indicators and has produced in-depth analytical reports outlining current trends and future prospects. Each member country appoints a national representative, designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or relevant national authorities. These representatives collaborate to review and analyze key issues related to BRICS cooperation.
The Russian Federation is represented by the BRICS–Russia Expert Council. Its representatives participated in the BRICS Orientation Workshop 2025 held in Tehran. This Council was established by directive of the Russian government, with the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance of Russia, and is headquartered at the Higher School of Economics (HSE).