BRICS has emerged as a noteworthy bloc in global geopolitics. This group of countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) has institutionalized some of its mechanisms and has attracted increased support from countries across the Global South. Ahead of the BRICS Head of State Summit this coming August, the focus of the BRICS Academic Forum is based on the five priority areas that underpin South Africa's presidency: (1) developing equitable partnerships for the Just Transition; (2) transforming Education and Skills Development; (3) unlocking economic opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Agreement; (4) the attainment of the 2030 Agenda on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and finally, (5) strengthening Multilateralism and Reform of Global Governance Institutions.

Currently underway, the theme for this edition of the forum is surrounding their ties with the African continent and building mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism. The session will also address women and youth participation in peace negotiations in conflict zones. To tell us more about this conference, we are joined by...

Guest: Prof Fulufhelo Netswera - Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences at the Durban University of Technology and a former director of the South African BRICS Think Tank