-Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali:

• The BRICS has become a key player in global transformations and a significant influence in the international system
• Education is a vital sector that can lay the foundation for a more integrated future among BRICS nations
• The BRICS nations need to enhance innovative education, support research capabilities, and develop digital learning platforms
• Building partnerships between universities and think tanks within BRICS strengthens the bloc’s position in the global academic landscape

TRENDS Research & Advisory participated as a strategic partner in the “BRICS Era… New Horizon for International Management” conference, recently organized by the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration at its headquarters in Moscow.

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, delivered a keynote speech at the opening session, titled “Empowering Global Education: BRICS Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Learning.” He stated that the world is experiencing profound transformations across various sectors, reshaping global power dynamics and international relations.

He noted that the BRICS bloc has become a pivotal force in these shifts, playing a significant role in the evolving global order by reinforcing multipolarity and fostering new models of institutional cooperation.

Developing joint curricula

Dr. Al-Ali emphasized that education is one of the key sectors that can lay the foundation for deeper integration among BRICS nations, not only through knowledge exchange but also by developing joint educational curricula, enhancing research collaboration, and facilitating student and researcher mobility between universities and research institutions. This, he noted, would help build a comprehensive scientific base that supports sustainable development and global competitiveness.

He pointed out that moving towards an integrated educational market within the BRICS bloc would boost investment opportunities in the knowledge sector and create new avenues for young people in these countries to benefit from diverse, high-quality education systems.

With BRICS now accounting for 37.3% of global GDP, Al-Ali stressed the need for comprehensive educational strategies that can develop a highly skilled workforce, capable of seizing economic and technological opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world.

Specialized research centers

Dr. Al-Ali emphasized that coordination in education and scientific research is a key pillar for strengthening partnerships among BRICS nations. He highlighted the potential for developing joint academic exchange programs and establishing specialized research centers to address the challenges faced by member states. Additionally, he underscored the importance of prioritizing science, technology, and innovation as drivers of growth and progress.

He pointed out that the artificial intelligence revolution has profoundly transformed the digital governance systems globally. However, these technological advancements have also underscored the need for a comprehensive international business ecosystem—one built on the reliability of national digital platforms and the availability of highly skilled human capital capable of effectively navigating these developments and leveraging them for sustainable development.

Dr. Al-Ali further stressed the necessity for BRICS education systems to adapt to these changes by fostering innovative learning methods, strengthening research capabilities, and developing advanced digital education platforms. These efforts, he noted, will be essential in preparing a generation equipped to thrive in the digital future.

Promoting educational integration

Dr. Al-Ali highlighted that fostering collaboration among higher education institutions within BRICS, unifying certain academic standards, and developing interdisciplinary programs aligned with global labor market demands are crucial steps toward achieving greater educational integration.

He emphasized that establishing strategic partnerships between universities and think tanks across BRICS nations would bolster the bloc’s standing in the global academic landscape. Such initiatives would position BRICS as a leader in advanced scientific fields while also narrowing the knowledge and technology gap between the Global North and South.

Strengthening competitive capabilities

Dr. Al-Ali reaffirmed that the center strongly believes educational integration among BRICS nations is a key driver of development and prosperity. Such integration can enhance administrative efficiency, foster an environment conducive to innovation and technological advancement, and equip nations to navigate the major transformations shaping the world today. Given these global shifts, he stressed the necessity for BRICS countries to develop educational policies that strengthen their competitive capabilities and enable them to achieve greater independence in knowledge and technology.