Infosvyaz Foundation Experts Participate in the BRICS Civil Forum in Rio de Janeiro
Alena Pyoryshkina, Director of the Infosvyaz Foundation, and Irina Kostetskaya, Deputy Director, took part in the BRICS Civil Forum (People to People, P2P), held in Rio de Janeiro on July 4−5, 2025. More than 120 civil society organizations from BRICS member countries participated in the preparatory online consultations ahead of the Forum.
Following two days of discussions, a Compendium of Recommendations was adopted. The document reflects the outcomes of in-depth deliberations and consists of seven thematic sections, each aimed at strengthening multilateral cooperation and addressing key challenges facing the Global South. Below is an overview of the main provisions of the document.
1. Global Public Health Governance
This section outlines a comprehensive strategy to ensure equitable access to healthcare services and strengthen national health systems. A core principle is the recognition of health as a fundamental human right. The recommendations call for:
systemic measures to address the social determinants of health;
protection of vulnerable population groups;
prioritization of preventive healthcare;
respect for patient dignity in the provision of medical services.
2. Education: Non-Western Development Strategies
The document proposes inclusive, people-centered education models based on sovereignty, cultural diversity, and international cooperation. Key initiatives include:
countering the commercialization of education;
strengthening public education systems;
developing democratic governance mechanisms in education systems across the Global South.
Education is viewed as a universal right and a strategic area of international cooperation.
3. Environment and Climate Justice
Against the backdrop of growing environmental challenges and weakening international climate commitments, the document sets out recommendations to promote sustainable development based on three principles:
social justice;
environmental integrity;
intergovernmental cooperation within BRICS.
The goal is to advance climate justice while safeguarding the interests of the peoples of the Global South.
4. Culture and Arts as Tools for Integration
This section highlights the role of cultural cooperation in strengthening BRICS and fostering a multipolar world. Guided by principles of anti-colonialism and social justice, the recommendations focus on:
deepening cultural integration;
promoting artistic cooperation;
preserving cultural heritage;
ensuring inclusive cultural development.
5. Financial and Monetary Systems in a Multipolar World
This section presents a vision for reforming the global financial architecture from the perspective of the Global South. Proposals aim to support sovereign, inclusive, and sustainable development in BRICS countries and address:
international taxation;
trade policy;
monetary and credit regulation;
financial cooperation;
technological innovation;
institutional reform.
The initiatives go beyond traditional market-based approaches and seek to address complex humanitarian, social, and environmental challenges.
6. Digital Economy and Digital Sovereignty
The document outlines a strategic approach to:
digital sovereignty;
inclusive governance of artificial intelligence (AI);
a human-centered digital economy.
In response to growing digital inequality and the concentration of technological resources, the recommendations emphasize enhanced cooperation among BRICS countries, with priorities including:
fair digital transformation;
safe technological development;
autonomous digital growth;
protection of human rights and social justice principles.
7. BRICS Institutional Framework and Global Peace
This section focuses on strengthening peace, sovereignty, and BRICS institutional mechanisms. The document promotes a multipolar world order based on:
the right of peoples to self-determination;
democratic governance principles;
nclusive participation of all stakeholders.
In the context of BRICS expansion, the authors recommend:
improving institutional mechanisms;
ensuring transparency and policy coherence;
strengthening coordination among member states;
respecting cultural and social diversity;
resisting external pressure.
The Compendium of Recommendations will be submitted to the Heads of State and Government of BRICS countries at the upcoming BRICS Summit.