SAINT PETERSBURG, OCTOBER 30: The second day of the International Municipal BRICS Forum was dedicated to discussions on key aspects of cooperation between municipalities from different countries. Financial and economic collaboration, digital technology development, education, healthcare, youth policy, migration, culture, and sport — the Forum addressed all major themes of sustainable development.
Municipal cooperation – a unique tool for exchanging experience and best practices
The discussion session “Municipal Cooperation as a Driver of Regional Integration and International Economic Relations” was opened by Sergey Cheremin, Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee of the IMBRICS Forum 2025, Minister of the Government of Moscow and Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow: “Municipal cooperation between us is a unique tool for sharing experience and best practices in managing municipalities and megacities.”
The head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations highlighted the development of ties between Moscow and Havana. Mr Cheremin announced that a new cooperation programme between the capitals of Russia and Cuba had been signed at the Forum.
Yanet Hernández Pérez, Governor of Havana, confirmed: “It is very important that Moscow can take part in the week dedicated to relations with Russia in May. We will prepare this event with all our warmth. We are a partner country, and with your support, we strive to become a full member of BRICS. Please, count on Cuba. Cuba will support you.”
Although municipalities have different capacities, they often face similar challenges. Through cooperation, they can share infrastructure opportunities, knowledge, and experience, the session participants agreed.
Evgenia Lodvigova, Deputy Head of the Kazan Municipal Administration, spoke about the city’s cooperation with international partners: “We have made a major leap in improving the urban environment. We created the project ‘Shared City’, which brings together best practices from around the world… Back in 2020, when we hosted the traditional BRICS Summit, we realised that our cities had many common points. We are more than confident that the expansion of BRICS contributes to multipolarity.”
Iran is an active BRICS participant. Recently, there has been positive growth in cooperation between Russia and Iran. Trade turnover with Moscow alone reached 1.6 billion US dollars this year.
Mehdi Chamran, Chairman of the Islamic City Council of Tehran, noted: “Today, the world is increasingly facing certain challenges. Unfortunately, economic instability, coupled with crises, creates difficulties for cities. Due to the lack of focus on the individual as a citizen, the world continues to face issues, particularly in the humanitarian and social spheres... City councils and municipalities can act as the voice of the people, creating safe spaces for citizens’ lives. Yet the main goal should be broader – these councils can become bridges not only at the regional level but also internationally.”
The Iranian representative expressed confidence that cities can use people’s diplomacy by launching joint projects that leave a meaningful mark on the overall development of nations. He also stressed that cooperation between city councils can help attract investment resources.
Sheikh Dawood Al Shezawi, President of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM Congress) from the United Arab Emirates, revealed the secret to productive cooperation between countries – personal relationships and love for one’s homeland: “We need to look at how to make this platform more friendly and productive. An ecosystem is about relationships across the whole team; it’s about personal connections. If you love your country and your people, you will create a successful project… It’s not just about cooperation between cities — it’s about meaningful cooperation between people. Everyone should be part of this ecosystem.”
From control to meaning – the transformation of change leaders
The human being and their creative activity as the driving force of the creative economy were at the heart of several sessions and round tables on the second day of the IMBRICS Forum. One such event was the thematic session “Transformation of Creative Leaders’ Competences for the Development of Creative Industries.”
Today, creative industries account for more than 3% of global GDP and up to 12.5% of jobs worldwide, according to figures shared at the Forum by Inna Svyatenko, Deputy Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.
“The creative economy has great potential. I would note that it already holds a significant position globally. For us, the export of creative industries abroad — animation, fashion, crafts, digital services — is particularly important,” said the Senator.
According to Inna Svyatenko, creative industries open new opportunities for the Russian economy: they contribute to the development of tourism clusters, the creation of new jobs, and the replenishment of regional budgets. Moreover, the development of this particular sector is important because it builds sustainable relationships between countries. It is equally essential that a new generation of managerial leaders grows within this field.
“People are the key. In the past, we understood that to preserve our traditional crafts, it was enough to train someone well in a specific skill. Today, however, we realise the importance of having qualified professionals who take an interdisciplinary approach. Beyond creating a product, it is also vital to sell it, to promote and distribute it — this involves marketing, PR support, and continuous engagement with the product,” noted Ms Svyatenko. She added that exchanging experience in this sphere among BRICS countries could play a significant role.
Human capital – the foundation for national development
The human personality, its development, and interaction with others were at the heart of the discussion session “Municipal Cooperation as a Driver of Regional Integration and International Economic Relations.”
Ramazan Kabasakal, Head of the Department for International Relations of the Ankara Municipality (Türkiye), emphasised that personal connections are the driving force of development: “We decided to organise a business forum, invited representatives of our twin cities, and held it in Ankara. Before coming here, I said that everyone here already knows each other. I told Mr Cheremin, ‘I remember you from the business forum.’”
Aaron Mokgale Maluleka, Member of the Executive Committee of the Mayor of Tshwane (South Africa), stressed that BRICS offers broad opportunities for cooperation: “We are establishing trade ties with Tanzania, Uganda, and others. BRICS creates a network of opportunities — a springboard for upward movement. We are developing cultural exchange, focusing on digitalisation and environmental issues.”
A number of concrete proposals for expanding and deepening cooperation between countries were voiced at the session. Participants emphasised the need to ensure transparency in municipal cooperation by publishing detailed information about joint projects in all capitals.
The participants of the IMBRICS Forum agreed that economic cooperation must have a solid foundation — not in abstract terms, but through real collaboration between people. “Cities must invest in the development of human capital,” declared the BRICS delegates.
Business looks to the future of civilisation
At nearly every session of the Forum, regardless of the topic, the issues of digital evolution and artificial intelligence were raised — from healthcare to the development of smart cities.
One of the sessions, held as a business breakfast under the title “Digital Development. Investment. The Future with Artificial Intelligence”, brought together leading developers, digital transformation leaders, investors, and government representatives from BRICS countries.
The organisers presented the mega-project “Olympia: The Health of the Future”, designed to set a new vector for the development of urban environments and society as a whole. This ambitious initiative aims to create next-generation cities that combine digital technologies, comfortable infrastructure, and sustainable development.
Aleksei Mostovshchikov, President of the International Association of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs “MOST”, highlighted the project’s special role in shaping the image of the future: “The project covers not only technical aspects but also forms new social models of labour, expands digital and cultural opportunities, and increases the accessibility of medical services for the population. This mega-project is not just a business initiative — it is a key step in civilisational development. It can enhance the investment attractiveness of Russian regions, strengthen the country’s position on the international stage, and set benchmarks for future generations in sustainable and technological urban development.”
Artificial intelligence in medicine – breakthrough or ethical dilemma?
Participants of a dedicated thematic session discussed one of the most vital aspects of modern life — the use of artificial intelligence in medical practice. Despite the obvious advantages of technological innovation, it raises profound ethical questions for humanity.
Elena Zinovieva, Doctor of Political Science, Professor of the Department of Global Political Processes at the Faculty of Management and Politics, MGIMO University, and Chief Researcher at the MGIMO Neuromarketing Laboratory of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that today urban healthcare offers unique conditions for the implementation of artificial intelligence, but also involves certain risks. For instance, the question of shifting responsibility arises.
“Although AI often demonstrates higher accuracy and speed in analysis, people still prefer to interact with humans… The more significant the medical issue, the more important it is for us that the final decision is made by a person,” emphasized the Professor.
Igor Akulin, Head of the Department of Healthcare Organisation and Medical Law at Saint Petersburg State University, drew attention to several issues when using AI in urban healthcare: the lack of contact between doctor and patient, reduced accountability of physicians for medical errors, and the potential loss of specialised professional skills by doctors. “When making a decision, a doctor must calculate all the risks!” he stressed.
City diplomacy as a common platform for BRICS countries
USD 104 billion — the volume of economic interaction between Russia and China, according to figures presented at the IMBRICS Forum panel session “Russia – China: Urban Diplomacy in an Era of Change.”
Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Moscow Government and Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow, highlighted that Moscow and Beijing maintain successful cooperation. The potential for collaboration is enormous. This year alone, both sides have adopted several joint programmes, and an agreement on municipal governance cooperation is planned in the near future.
Currently, more than 300 Chinese companies operate in Moscow across various sectors, and cooperation is expected to continue, the Minister affirmed. He noted Moscow’s interest in collaboration in digitalisation, where Chinese partners demonstrate significant achievements, and confirmed that joint work in transport development will also continue.
“The Chinese company China Railways is involved in creating a large metro ring line. Michurinsky Avenue and Vernadsky Avenue were built with the support of our Chinese partners,” Cheremin added.
Chinese partners also expressed their intention to deepen cooperation and, in response to the challenges of globalisation, to “move towards city diplomacy.”
“Within the framework of BRICS, we plan to build strong relationships that will bear fruit in the future, especially in the fields of innovation, the economy, and high technology. We already see positive dynamics in science, education, and the economy. We aim to create a similarly robust platform for developing our relations,” said Du Jianqiang, Secretary of the Party Group and Head of the Zhengzhou City Administration (PRC).
Global benchmark – investment security
The largest investment platform in the United Arab Emirates is the annual AIM Congress. Its President, Sheikh Dawood Al Shezawi, a member of the Organising Committee of the International Municipal BRICS Forum, shared his vision for the prospects of international cooperation with leading experts in real estate and finance, participating in multiple sessions of the Forum in Saint Petersburg, including the Economy. Innovative Development track.
A key message from the Forum was the need to create cities that combine technological modernity with environmental sustainability and attention to residents’ health. To attract investment, emphasis must be placed on financial and legal transparency, safety, and the development of trust between people.
Youth Agenda – The Future is Built in the Present
One of the highlights of the 2025 International Municipal BRICS Forum was a comprehensive track dedicated to youth policy. For those for whom the future will soon become the present, it is essential to understand today the key guidelines that lead towards sustainable development.
The major Youth Hub was organised in partnership with the Chamber of Young Parliamentarians of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, the state corporation Rosatom, DOBRO.RF, and the IMBRICS Forum Directorate. Participants discussed international humanitarian cooperation and the development of global volunteering, as well as presenting new tools for volunteer engagement and global experience in socially responsible business practices.
Irina Yefremova-Hart, representing Rosatom, spoke about the company’s pro bono corporate volunteering programme, in which employees support non-profit organisations not with money, but with their professional skills.
A key focus was on the IT sector. As a technological leader, the company sees its mission in sharing expertise. A vivid example is its partnership with the Nekrasov Library and the popular science magazine “Science and Life”.
The challenge was significant: to help the humanitarian library attract a new audience from the exact sciences, while also raising the profile and recognition of the magazine. The solution was to leverage digital content rather than one-off events.
The Rosatom volunteer team created and produced the first season of a seven-episode podcast. This format not only translated complex topics into engaging dialogue but also provided employees with unique experience working with prominent speakers and filming for a wide audience, serving as a strong internal motivator. The project proved successful not only for the library but also sparked a chain of positive changes within the company itself: it enhanced employee authority, increased client trust, and formed a community of IT volunteers who continue supporting cultural institutions. The success of the collaboration attracted attention from other organisations and donors willing to support similar initiatives.
“People didn’t all rush to become engineers, but the project had a clear impact on the audience and culture. Volunteering is not a one-off action; it is a continuous, cyclical activity that requires a strategic approach,” said the Rosatom representative.
David Okpatuma, co-founder of the Development and Cooperation for Africa Initiative (DevCAInitiative), shared his volunteering experience in Nigeria and his work as an independent observer with the World Health Organization:
“In Rwanda, for example, a programme of volunteers in public health works effectively. Volunteers are not just temporary assistants but part of the national healthcare system. This creates a strong and sustainable link between citizens and public services because volunteering is the cornerstone of humanitarian organisations. The power of volunteering is not in how much we give, but in how deeply we are connected. Local volunteers are the heart of humanitarian organisations, a reminder that helping others is not just charity. It is an act of humanity,” the Nigerian speaker emphasised.
Actions, Not Words: new projects emerge at the IMBRICS Forum
The second day of the International Municipal BRICS Forum concluded with a summary of the platform’s work and an exchange of impressions. Participants from 75 countries shared the results of their activities, and the main sentiment expressed by nearly all was that the outcomes exceeded expectations.
Elena Belyakova, Head of the IMBRICS Forum Directorate, announced that over 70 cooperation agreements were signed on the sidelines of the Forum.
Municipal cooperation – a unique tool for exchanging experience and best practices
The discussion session “Municipal Cooperation as a Driver of Regional Integration and International Economic Relations” was opened by Sergey Cheremin, Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee of the IMBRICS Forum 2025, Minister of the Government of Moscow and Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow: “Municipal cooperation between us is a unique tool for sharing experience and best practices in managing municipalities and megacities.”
The head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations highlighted the development of ties between Moscow and Havana. Mr Cheremin announced that a new cooperation programme between the capitals of Russia and Cuba had been signed at the Forum.
Yanet Hernández Pérez, Governor of Havana, confirmed: “It is very important that Moscow can take part in the week dedicated to relations with Russia in May. We will prepare this event with all our warmth. We are a partner country, and with your support, we strive to become a full member of BRICS. Please, count on Cuba. Cuba will support you.”
Although municipalities have different capacities, they often face similar challenges. Through cooperation, they can share infrastructure opportunities, knowledge, and experience, the session participants agreed.
Evgenia Lodvigova, Deputy Head of the Kazan Municipal Administration, spoke about the city’s cooperation with international partners: “We have made a major leap in improving the urban environment. We created the project ‘Shared City’, which brings together best practices from around the world… Back in 2020, when we hosted the traditional BRICS Summit, we realised that our cities had many common points. We are more than confident that the expansion of BRICS contributes to multipolarity.”
Iran is an active BRICS participant. Recently, there has been positive growth in cooperation between Russia and Iran. Trade turnover with Moscow alone reached 1.6 billion US dollars this year.
Mehdi Chamran, Chairman of the Islamic City Council of Tehran, noted: “Today, the world is increasingly facing certain challenges. Unfortunately, economic instability, coupled with crises, creates difficulties for cities. Due to the lack of focus on the individual as a citizen, the world continues to face issues, particularly in the humanitarian and social spheres... City councils and municipalities can act as the voice of the people, creating safe spaces for citizens’ lives. Yet the main goal should be broader – these councils can become bridges not only at the regional level but also internationally.”
The Iranian representative expressed confidence that cities can use people’s diplomacy by launching joint projects that leave a meaningful mark on the overall development of nations. He also stressed that cooperation between city councils can help attract investment resources.
Sheikh Dawood Al Shezawi, President of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM Congress) from the United Arab Emirates, revealed the secret to productive cooperation between countries – personal relationships and love for one’s homeland: “We need to look at how to make this platform more friendly and productive. An ecosystem is about relationships across the whole team; it’s about personal connections. If you love your country and your people, you will create a successful project… It’s not just about cooperation between cities — it’s about meaningful cooperation between people. Everyone should be part of this ecosystem.”
From control to meaning – the transformation of change leaders
The human being and their creative activity as the driving force of the creative economy were at the heart of several sessions and round tables on the second day of the IMBRICS Forum. One such event was the thematic session “Transformation of Creative Leaders’ Competences for the Development of Creative Industries.”
Today, creative industries account for more than 3% of global GDP and up to 12.5% of jobs worldwide, according to figures shared at the Forum by Inna Svyatenko, Deputy Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.
“The creative economy has great potential. I would note that it already holds a significant position globally. For us, the export of creative industries abroad — animation, fashion, crafts, digital services — is particularly important,” said the Senator.
According to Inna Svyatenko, creative industries open new opportunities for the Russian economy: they contribute to the development of tourism clusters, the creation of new jobs, and the replenishment of regional budgets. Moreover, the development of this particular sector is important because it builds sustainable relationships between countries. It is equally essential that a new generation of managerial leaders grows within this field.
“People are the key. In the past, we understood that to preserve our traditional crafts, it was enough to train someone well in a specific skill. Today, however, we realise the importance of having qualified professionals who take an interdisciplinary approach. Beyond creating a product, it is also vital to sell it, to promote and distribute it — this involves marketing, PR support, and continuous engagement with the product,” noted Ms Svyatenko. She added that exchanging experience in this sphere among BRICS countries could play a significant role.
Human capital – the foundation for national development
The human personality, its development, and interaction with others were at the heart of the discussion session “Municipal Cooperation as a Driver of Regional Integration and International Economic Relations.”
Ramazan Kabasakal, Head of the Department for International Relations of the Ankara Municipality (Türkiye), emphasised that personal connections are the driving force of development: “We decided to organise a business forum, invited representatives of our twin cities, and held it in Ankara. Before coming here, I said that everyone here already knows each other. I told Mr Cheremin, ‘I remember you from the business forum.’”
Aaron Mokgale Maluleka, Member of the Executive Committee of the Mayor of Tshwane (South Africa), stressed that BRICS offers broad opportunities for cooperation: “We are establishing trade ties with Tanzania, Uganda, and others. BRICS creates a network of opportunities — a springboard for upward movement. We are developing cultural exchange, focusing on digitalisation and environmental issues.”
A number of concrete proposals for expanding and deepening cooperation between countries were voiced at the session. Participants emphasised the need to ensure transparency in municipal cooperation by publishing detailed information about joint projects in all capitals.
The participants of the IMBRICS Forum agreed that economic cooperation must have a solid foundation — not in abstract terms, but through real collaboration between people. “Cities must invest in the development of human capital,” declared the BRICS delegates.
Business looks to the future of civilisation
At nearly every session of the Forum, regardless of the topic, the issues of digital evolution and artificial intelligence were raised — from healthcare to the development of smart cities.
One of the sessions, held as a business breakfast under the title “Digital Development. Investment. The Future with Artificial Intelligence”, brought together leading developers, digital transformation leaders, investors, and government representatives from BRICS countries.
The organisers presented the mega-project “Olympia: The Health of the Future”, designed to set a new vector for the development of urban environments and society as a whole. This ambitious initiative aims to create next-generation cities that combine digital technologies, comfortable infrastructure, and sustainable development.
Aleksei Mostovshchikov, President of the International Association of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs “MOST”, highlighted the project’s special role in shaping the image of the future: “The project covers not only technical aspects but also forms new social models of labour, expands digital and cultural opportunities, and increases the accessibility of medical services for the population. This mega-project is not just a business initiative — it is a key step in civilisational development. It can enhance the investment attractiveness of Russian regions, strengthen the country’s position on the international stage, and set benchmarks for future generations in sustainable and technological urban development.”
Artificial intelligence in medicine – breakthrough or ethical dilemma?
Participants of a dedicated thematic session discussed one of the most vital aspects of modern life — the use of artificial intelligence in medical practice. Despite the obvious advantages of technological innovation, it raises profound ethical questions for humanity.
Elena Zinovieva, Doctor of Political Science, Professor of the Department of Global Political Processes at the Faculty of Management and Politics, MGIMO University, and Chief Researcher at the MGIMO Neuromarketing Laboratory of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that today urban healthcare offers unique conditions for the implementation of artificial intelligence, but also involves certain risks. For instance, the question of shifting responsibility arises.
“Although AI often demonstrates higher accuracy and speed in analysis, people still prefer to interact with humans… The more significant the medical issue, the more important it is for us that the final decision is made by a person,” emphasized the Professor.
Igor Akulin, Head of the Department of Healthcare Organisation and Medical Law at Saint Petersburg State University, drew attention to several issues when using AI in urban healthcare: the lack of contact between doctor and patient, reduced accountability of physicians for medical errors, and the potential loss of specialised professional skills by doctors. “When making a decision, a doctor must calculate all the risks!” he stressed.
City diplomacy as a common platform for BRICS countries
USD 104 billion — the volume of economic interaction between Russia and China, according to figures presented at the IMBRICS Forum panel session “Russia – China: Urban Diplomacy in an Era of Change.”
Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Moscow Government and Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow, highlighted that Moscow and Beijing maintain successful cooperation. The potential for collaboration is enormous. This year alone, both sides have adopted several joint programmes, and an agreement on municipal governance cooperation is planned in the near future.
Currently, more than 300 Chinese companies operate in Moscow across various sectors, and cooperation is expected to continue, the Minister affirmed. He noted Moscow’s interest in collaboration in digitalisation, where Chinese partners demonstrate significant achievements, and confirmed that joint work in transport development will also continue.
“The Chinese company China Railways is involved in creating a large metro ring line. Michurinsky Avenue and Vernadsky Avenue were built with the support of our Chinese partners,” Cheremin added.
Chinese partners also expressed their intention to deepen cooperation and, in response to the challenges of globalisation, to “move towards city diplomacy.”
“Within the framework of BRICS, we plan to build strong relationships that will bear fruit in the future, especially in the fields of innovation, the economy, and high technology. We already see positive dynamics in science, education, and the economy. We aim to create a similarly robust platform for developing our relations,” said Du Jianqiang, Secretary of the Party Group and Head of the Zhengzhou City Administration (PRC).
Global benchmark – investment security
The largest investment platform in the United Arab Emirates is the annual AIM Congress. Its President, Sheikh Dawood Al Shezawi, a member of the Organising Committee of the International Municipal BRICS Forum, shared his vision for the prospects of international cooperation with leading experts in real estate and finance, participating in multiple sessions of the Forum in Saint Petersburg, including the Economy. Innovative Development track.
A key message from the Forum was the need to create cities that combine technological modernity with environmental sustainability and attention to residents’ health. To attract investment, emphasis must be placed on financial and legal transparency, safety, and the development of trust between people.
Youth Agenda – The Future is Built in the Present
One of the highlights of the 2025 International Municipal BRICS Forum was a comprehensive track dedicated to youth policy. For those for whom the future will soon become the present, it is essential to understand today the key guidelines that lead towards sustainable development.
The major Youth Hub was organised in partnership with the Chamber of Young Parliamentarians of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, the state corporation Rosatom, DOBRO.RF, and the IMBRICS Forum Directorate. Participants discussed international humanitarian cooperation and the development of global volunteering, as well as presenting new tools for volunteer engagement and global experience in socially responsible business practices.
Irina Yefremova-Hart, representing Rosatom, spoke about the company’s pro bono corporate volunteering programme, in which employees support non-profit organisations not with money, but with their professional skills.
A key focus was on the IT sector. As a technological leader, the company sees its mission in sharing expertise. A vivid example is its partnership with the Nekrasov Library and the popular science magazine “Science and Life”.
The challenge was significant: to help the humanitarian library attract a new audience from the exact sciences, while also raising the profile and recognition of the magazine. The solution was to leverage digital content rather than one-off events.
The Rosatom volunteer team created and produced the first season of a seven-episode podcast. This format not only translated complex topics into engaging dialogue but also provided employees with unique experience working with prominent speakers and filming for a wide audience, serving as a strong internal motivator. The project proved successful not only for the library but also sparked a chain of positive changes within the company itself: it enhanced employee authority, increased client trust, and formed a community of IT volunteers who continue supporting cultural institutions. The success of the collaboration attracted attention from other organisations and donors willing to support similar initiatives.
“People didn’t all rush to become engineers, but the project had a clear impact on the audience and culture. Volunteering is not a one-off action; it is a continuous, cyclical activity that requires a strategic approach,” said the Rosatom representative.
David Okpatuma, co-founder of the Development and Cooperation for Africa Initiative (DevCAInitiative), shared his volunteering experience in Nigeria and his work as an independent observer with the World Health Organization:
“In Rwanda, for example, a programme of volunteers in public health works effectively. Volunteers are not just temporary assistants but part of the national healthcare system. This creates a strong and sustainable link between citizens and public services because volunteering is the cornerstone of humanitarian organisations. The power of volunteering is not in how much we give, but in how deeply we are connected. Local volunteers are the heart of humanitarian organisations, a reminder that helping others is not just charity. It is an act of humanity,” the Nigerian speaker emphasised.
Actions, Not Words: new projects emerge at the IMBRICS Forum
The second day of the International Municipal BRICS Forum concluded with a summary of the platform’s work and an exchange of impressions. Participants from 75 countries shared the results of their activities, and the main sentiment expressed by nearly all was that the outcomes exceeded expectations.
Elena Belyakova, Head of the IMBRICS Forum Directorate, announced that over 70 cooperation agreements were signed on the sidelines of the Forum.