At the extraordindary session of the International Municipal BRICS Forum 2025 (IMBRICS Forum) in Rio de Janeiro, representatives from Brazil, China, Uganda, Chile, and Argentina convened.
Key participants included:
María Belén Abdala, Mayor of Ingeniero-Forres Municipality (Argentina)
Joel Olmos, Mayor of La Cisterna Municipality (Chile)
Germán Briard Poccard, Deputy of Corrientes Province (Argentina)
Patricia Kishmeire, IMBRICS Forum Ambassador for the Republic of Uganda.
During the panel session "BRICS Municipalities: Perspectives and Opportunities for Sustainable Development", Dr Mónica Bustamante, Mayor of Villa Ojo de Agua (Argentina), presented her region’s economic and cultural initiatives.
Alexander Lin, CEO of the Chinese tech firm INGOO, delivered a presentation on innovative solutions for "smart city" development in Brazil and Latin America.
The session was moderated by Henrique Domingues, Deputy Head of the IMBRICS Forum Directorate, who announced the rescheduling of the Forum’s Brazilian event to late June.
Upcoming conference in Rio
In late June, Rio de Janeiro will host the large-scale conference "BRICS and the Global South: Partnership for a Shared Future".
Key focus areas:
Advancing urban cooperation in education, ecology, and healthcare
Implementing ESG standards and health-preserving technologies
Developing eco-friendly urban spaces
Strengthening regional integration
The event will bring together representatives from municipalities, businesses, academia, investment funds, and international organisations. The conference will serve as a crucial platform for shaping sustainable development strategies and reinforcing multipolar cooperation.