BRICS+ Shifts Focus from Declarations to Practical Collaboration in Science, Education, and Culture This Week

The focus is moving from declarations to applied formats and digital platforms. Moscow is hosting over 300 representatives from science and technology museums from BRICS+ countries at the Discover ATOM forum, where they are discussing the economy of science popularization tourism and instruments for government support and private investment, as reported by Rossiyskaya Gazeta. Concurrently, the Global Association of Zoological Institutions (GAZI) is being formed with a shared database of animals and AI tools for veterinarians. Organizations from 11 countries have already joined the initiative, according to TASS.

What is the main signal these events send about the trajectory of BRICS+ in humanitarian science and culture?

The main signal is the transition from scattered events to sustainable infrastructure solutions and cross-sector partnerships with measurable impact on education, science, and public institutions.

GAZI is building a digital ecosystem: a global database tracking genetic diversity in real-time, and an AI-powered veterinary chatbot for initial diagnoses of complex species. The project was presented to delegations from the capitals of BRICS countries at the municipal forum, as reported by TASS.

"Existing international structures are increasingly becoming hostages of political conjunctures, but animals have no nationality… This is not a political manifesto, but an open platform for real actions, based on the principles of science, humanism, and shared responsibility."

This is how the association was positioned by its initiator, Svetlana Akulova, Director General of the Moscow Zoo (quote from the TASS material).

At the "ATOM" museum platform, participants from Brazil, India, UAE, South Africa, and other countries are discussing instruments for government support and private investment in science popularization tourism, as well as formats for audience engagement – from the "experience economy" to regional case studies, as reported by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

The published architecture for the V Congress of Young Scientists includes an "international track" with a BRICS forum on social and humanitarian research and four content tracks – from nuclear energy and biotechnology to AI and the agricultural sector. The program has been expanded with open lectures and dialogues involving government and business, as indicated by a publication on Snob.ru.

What practical exchange formats are already in operation?

Formats are already being implemented "in the field": joint master classes, visits by scientists, open dialogues with authorities, and services for networking among young researchers.

The premiere of the "National Show of Russia" by the Russian National Ballet "Kostroma" took place in Beijing, accompanied by cross-master classes between Russian and Chinese dancers at the Beijing Dance Academy. In 2026, the project is planned to be presented in India, and then in Brazil, Ethiopia, and South Africa, as reported by RIA Novosti.

Indian scientists visited Mari State University, where lectures and a scientific seminar were held. Joint research was discussed regarding previously signed memorandums of understanding with Girijananda Chowdhury University in India and universities in Brazil, according to MK Mari El.

The program for the V Congress of Young Scientists introduces new formats – "Feedback" (questions from scientists to government and business representatives), a scientific networking service, and a children's science forum, as indicated by an announcement on Snob.ru.

What technological priorities and digital risks are highlighted?

Priorities include joint cybersecurity and human-centric digitalization, as well as the implementation of AI in applied ecosystems.

Sber proposed the creation of a BRICS Alliance for Cybersecurity and presenting a roadmap at the summit in India in 2026. The argumentation is based on the increase in global attack intensity to approximately 2,000 per week per organization and the complication of fraud with AI, as stated by Stanislav Kuznetsov, Deputy Chairman of Sber's Executive Board, at an MFA Russia roundtable discussion, according to smi44.ru.

At the BRICS Municipal Forum, Alexander Drozdenko, Governor of the Leningrad Region, emphasized "human-centric digitalization" – from the mass adoption of biometrics to "smart bus stops" and a regional map – with the principle that "technologies should help, not replace people," as he highlighted on z-truda.ru.

The risk landscape is complemented by operational AI solutions in biodiversity: GAZI already uses an AI chatbot for preliminary veterinary diagnostics and is expanding international partnerships – an example of how digital tools are immediately "grounding" humanitarian initiatives in practice.

What tactical opportunities are emerging right now for businesses and universities in BRICS+ countries?

In short: it is currently advantageous to join emerging platforms (science tourism, GAZI, the future cyber alliance), offer applied services and training/exchange formats, and test human-centric digital solutions at the municipal level.

Key reference points have already been identified: science popularization tourism consolidates state and private investments, as indicated by the Discover ATOM agenda. A BRICS coordination framework for cybersecurity, proposed by Sber, is being formed, as stated on smi44.ru.

• Museum ecosystems and tour operators: launching joint routes and exhibitions, sponsoring special projects, applying for government support programs for science tourism.
• Universities and NGOs: participating in "dialogues with authorities," preparing case studies for "feedback," expanding networks through the scientific networking service; prioritizing topics of AI, biotechnology, and energy.
• Zoos, veterinary services, pharmaceutical companies, and feed producers: joining GAZI, piloting AI diagnostics and rapid data exchange protocols, creating material reserves for crises.
• Cybersecurity companies, banks, critical information infrastructure operators: forming joint response centers/drills, exchanging indicators of compromise, preparing for standardization within the future Alliance.
• Cultural institutions and producers: co-productions, touring "packages," and educational master classes for audiences in China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and Ethiopia.
• Municipalities and integrators: piloting "smart" urban services with human-centric design (transport, biometrics, maps) and measurable social returns.

The common denominator is clear: BRICS+ is accelerating the creation of practical "bridges" between science, education, cultures, and cities – and those who join these ecosystems now will gain an advantage of scale and trust in the future architecture of cooperation.