Recently, the partnership between Russia and African countries in the field of culture and art has reached a qualitatively new level. This is particularly facilitated by the BRICS platform. In 2017, a decision was made to establish the BRICS Alliance of Art Museums and Galleries to strengthen cultural exchange and cooperation. At the second Russia-Africa summit, the parties went even further and came up with the idea of creating the Museum of African Cultures in Moscow, the world's first museum outside Africa, dedicated exclusively to African themes.

We talked about this with Etta Ojang Ivan, Deputy Director of National Museum of Cameroon.

TV BRICS reporter: Leonid Samuna

In recent years, BRICS has entered a new phase of development, expanding both its membership and its strategic agenda. According to experts, this transformation reflects the growing appeal of the group as a platform for equitable global technical, scientific, and economic cooperation.

Infrastructure development, green economy initiatives, and academic collaboration are becoming key pillars of BRICS cooperation. Soft power tools remain equally important – cultural and educational exchanges, expert dialogues, and trust-building initiatives that can bring societies closer together in a multipolar world.

These and other topics were discussed with Professor Shen Yi, Director of the Center for BRICS Studies and Professor at the School of International Relations and Public Affairs at Fudan University.

TV BRICS reporter: Alisa Koroleva

In the 15 years of South Africa's membership in BRICS, the country has become one of the most important members of the grouping and contributes significantly to its work. In 2023, South Africa chaired BRICS, emphasising the importance of "partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism". To this day, South Africa continues to actively promote multipolarity and the interests of the African continent. South Africa is assisting its neighbours in infrastructure and technology development, smart cities, and green transition. This year the country is chairing the G20, which contributes to the establishment of a sustainable and equitable dialogue in the group.

We talked about this with Marius Fransman, businessman and politician from South Africa, founder of the People’s Movement for Change political party.

TV BRICS reporter: Leonid Samuna

Studying materials in extreme conditions is a promising area of research that helps to uncover previously unknown secrets about our planet. According to Chinese-American geophysicist Ho-Kwang Mao, the scale and importance of the high-pressure area correspond to a separate branch of physics. The complexity of these studies is quite high, so they require the exchange of international experience. The Centre, which is headed by Professor Mao, employs research teams from different countries, including BRICS. The scientist himself also works closely with colleagues from Russia.

Ho-Kwang Mao, director of the Shanghai Centre for Advanced Research in High-Pressure Science and Technology, answered these and other questions.

TV BRICS reporter: Yana Panferova

Malaysia is actively developing economic ties with ASEAN countries but is also interested in strengthening the Global South, seeing a significant role for BRICS. In 2025, Malaysia was granted the status of a partner country of the group.

Today, this Southeast Asian state implements digital technologies across different sectors of its economy, investing considerable financial resources into data centre markets and the evolution of artificial intelligence.

TV host, Director of TV BRICS International Cooperation Department: Darya Ivankova

During World War II, Brazil made a significant contribution to the struggle of its allies against the Nazi forces, which became its only direct participation in the global conflict. The country entered the war in 1942 and became the only Latin American state to send its troops to participate in the fighting in Europe. More than 25,000 Brazilian soldiers were sent to Italy in 1944-1945 as part of the Allied Mediterranean campaign. They participated in several key battles, such as the Battle of Monte Castello, the Battle of Collecchio, and the capture of Montez.

Attention to this topic in modern Brazilian society has been growing in recent years. The role of national troops in the fight against fascism is becoming the subject of research and historical discoveries, which form the basis of films and books about the participation of Brazilian soldiers in World War II.

TV BRICS reporter: Yana Panferova

The “Ramayana” and the “Mahabharata” are ancient Indian epic works written in Sanskrit. These texts contain myths about the life of the kings and raise philosophical questions about choice, loyalty, and duty. The books have been translated into many languages of the world. Separate works have been created based on the “Ramayana” and the “Mahabharata”, explaining the original poems.

TV BRICS reporter: Yana Panferova

2024 was a breakthrough year for relations between Russia and India. The leaders' meeting in Moscow, the BRICS summit in Kazan and a series of working meetings strengthened the partnership. The focus is on the economy.

TV BRICS reporter: Anna Gryzlova

India is actively building up its partnership both with the countries that are at the origins of the creation of the BRICS and with those who have recently joined the group. The country continues to actively develop joint projects with Russia in science, education, culture, and economy and exchange experience in the field of sustainable development. 

TV BRICS reporter: Yana Panferova

In 2024, Ethiopia became a member of the BRICS. Being one of the fastest growing economies in the global system, the Republic aims to enhance its trade volume and strengthen ties with members of the group. Environmental protection and reduction of desertification are key spheres to Ethiopia within the context of BRICS cooperation.

How Ethiopia can tackle climate challenges together with BRICS? What initiatives can Ethiopia offer to association? 

Genet Teshome Jirru, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Russian Federation answered these and other questions in the BRICSterview.

TV BRICS reporter: Yana Panferova