The Role of the Center of Progress and Development in Promoting BRICS Cooperation
From February 24 to 26, 2025, a workshop entitled “Introduction to the Structure and Platforms for Cooperation with BRICS” was held at the Center of Progress and Development, with the participation of Pardis Technology Park, the Innovation and Prosperity Fund, and Shahid Beheshti University.
Remarks by the President of the Center on Expanding BRICS Engagement
On the first day of the workshop, Dr. Sajad Ahadzadeh, President of the Center of Progress and Development, outlined the Center’s role in promoting scientific and technological cooperation between Iranian stakeholders and their international counterparts within the BRICS framework. The main missions and responsibilities of the Center include:
1. Expert Analysis and Contribution to Cooperation Documents
The Center conducts expert analyses and actively contributes to the drafting of memoranda of understanding and cooperation documents in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
2. Managing Iran’s Representation at BRICS Scientific and Technological Events
The Center coordinates the active participation of Iranian representatives in BRICS-related events and oversees the presentation of initiatives and proposals at each meeting.
3. Engagement with National Science and Technology Institutions
The Center maintains effective cooperation with key domestic institutions, including the Vice Presidency for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy and the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology.
4. Utilizing the Technology and Innovation Counsellor Capacity in Moscow
By leveraging the Technology and Innovation Counsellor Office based in Moscow, the Center has facilitated the participation of more than 60 experts, organized into 20 delegations, in BRICS events during Russia’s presidency.
5. Hosting BRICS Meetings in Iran
In 2025, Iran will host three specialized meetings related to the BRICS Science Steering Committee:
- The 4th BRICS Working Group on Technology and Innovation
- The 4th BRICS Working Group on Geospatial Information Technologies and Applications
- The 7th BRICS Working Group on New and Renewable Infrastructure, Energy Efficiency, and Large-Scale Scientific Research Projects
6. Strengthening Bilateral and Multilateral BRICS Cooperation
With more than three decades of experience in international science and technology engagement, the Center is prepared to support the expansion of bilateral cooperation with Russia and multilateral collaboration within the BRICS framework.