By News On Air Aug 24, 2026
BRICS Sherpa and Secretary, Economic Relations, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Sudhakar Dalela, said that India’s BRICS Chairship is guided by a people-centric approach based on the principle of “Humanity First”.
Addressing the inaugural session of the 18th BRICS Academic Forum in Lucknow, Shri Dalela said that India has focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability during its BRICS Chairship. He said, more than 400 meetings have been organised across nearly 30 cities in the country. He described it as a collective, whole-of-nation effort to take forward the BRICS agenda.
Shri Dalela said that BRICS has grown from an idea into one of the major platforms for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries. He said that the grouping continues to turn dialogue into practical solutions and ideas into outcomes. Speaking about climate change, he stressed that sustainability must remain connected to the needs of people and communities. He said that traditional and community knowledge can play an important role in strengthening climate resilience and promoting sustainable development.
Lucknow University Vice Chancellor Jai Prakash Saini said the BRICS Academic Forum has an important role in connecting knowledge with public policy. He said universities provide a platform to examine ideas, assess evidence and explore new possibilities. Shri Saini said that cooperation is at the heart of the BRICS partnership and provides opportunities for member countries to learn from each other, share experiences and work towards a more resilient and sustainable future.
President of the Observer Research Foundation, Samir Saran, said the future agenda of BRICS includes technology, artificial intelligence governance, green transitions, renewable energy and sustainable coexistence with ecosystems. He said that resilience, cooperation, inclusion and sustainable development will shape the future of BRICS and the world.
The 18th BRICS Academic Forum is being organised in Lucknow from August 23 to 25 by the Observer Research Foundation, in partnership with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries and the University of Lucknow. The forum is being held as part of India’s BRICS Presidency.