The VI International Municipal Forum of the BRICS countries (IMBRICS), held in Moscow on August 27-28, 2024, has attracted representatives from over 80 Russian regions and 120 foreign countries. With around 5,000 participants expected, including 700 specialists scheduled to speak, the forum is a key event in Russia’s BRICS presidency for 2024.
This forum will address 13 critical areas, including international municipal cooperation, economy, digital technologies, industry, energy, urban infrastructure, transport, ecology, healthcare, education, science, culture, sports, and tourism. Over 70 business events will take place, alongside a large-scale exhibition featuring the annual international exhibitions DIGITECH+ and Mechanical Engineering: Strategies and Technologies.
Vyacheslav Manuilov, Deputy Head of Moscow’s Department for External Economic and International Relations, expressed confidence that the diverse participation will lead to fruitful outcomes for all nations involved. Sverdlov emphasized the forum’s role in connecting state and municipal officials, as well as small and medium-sized businesses, fostering new business relationships and projects focused on urban development. There will be a particular emphasis on expanding Russian ventures into markets like China, India, and the Gulf countries.
Vladimir Platonov, President of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the forum’s value in facilitating the exchange of experiences and insights among international colleagues, crucial for innovation and improving municipal governance.
Hosted at the Expocentre exhibition venue in Moscow, the forum receives support from key Russian institutions including the Presidential Administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federation Council, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Roscongress Foundation. The Moscow City Government is the General Partner for the event.
The IMF BRICS forum aims to advance international municipal cooperation within BRICS by bringing together politicians, business leaders, scientists, and public experts to achieve common strategic goals across various sectors. These include economic development, scientific and technological progress, municipal digitalization, smart city initiatives, innovative construction technologies, education, healthcare, sports, ecological sustainability, cultural exchange, and tradition preservation.
Additionally, the forum serves as a platform for the territorial development of BRICS municipalities by merging business contacts, attracting investment, and promoting interaction among participants. This approach shapes a constructive agenda for a broad multidisciplinary partnership aimed at sustainable development.
Historically, the IMF BRICS forum has organized significant international events aligned with BRICS municipalities’ interests and goals. The inaugural IMBRICS Forum in 2019 saw participation from about 700 delegates and covered key issues such as economic development, urban infrastructure modernization, digitalization, and more. The forum also emphasized sports and leisure programs, exemplified by the 2019 International Rugby-7 Tournament for youth municipal teams.
The IMF BRICS forum continues to build on this foundation, with the 2024 edition set to deepen BRICS integration, promote regional best practices, and create opportunities for business development. Its focus on investment and mutually beneficial cooperation is crucial for advancing strategic and socially significant goals within the BRICS framework.
The VI International Municipal Forum of BRICS countries remains a dynamic platform for shaping the future of urban development and international cooperation among emerging economies.
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