The Russian Federation will take over the BRICS bloc chairmanship in 2024. Apart from the federation’s mission to accelerate de-dollarisation, another theme for 2024 is the execution of the “BRICS People Choosing Life” program.
TV BRICS says the initiative encompasses 12 projects across humanitarian and business domains.
The People’s Friendship University of Russia, named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN), has already initiated efforts for the Russian phase of the program.
Overseen by the Regional NGO “BRICS. World of Traditions,” the international socio-cultural initiative “BRICS People Choosing Life” is set to unfold in the association’s member countries from 2022 to 2028 under the banner “from the ecology of mind and body to the ecology of the world.”
A primary objective of the program is to champion multilateral projects fostering unity among the peoples of BRICS nations.
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It also aims to educate children and youth about the moral legacy of notable figures from BRICS member states and preserve and promote cultural and historical heritage while advancing trade and economic relations within the bloc.
RUDN played host to the presentation of projects, showcasing the cultural and educational exhibition titled “Leo Tolstoy and Mahatma Gandhi: a unique legacy.” The exhibit illuminated the renowned correspondence between the two great thinkers regarding the concept of non-resistance to evil by evil.
BRICS 2024: Second Phase
The program’s second phase is slated for the year of Russia’s BRICS Chairmanship in 2024.
This phase will commemorate the 195th anniversary of Leo Tolstoy’s birth, the 75th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s memory, the 150th anniversary of Nicholas Roerich’s birth, the centenary of the Central Asian Expedition of Nicholas, Yuri, and Elena Roerich, the 550th anniversary of Afanasy Nikitin’s memory, and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of trade and economic relations between Russia and India.
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Throughout the Russian leg of the program, 12 humanitarian and business projects will come to fruition.
The inaugural phase of the program unfolded in the Republic of India in December 2022. Cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune hosted 12 cultural, educational, and business events, engaging over two thousand students and representatives from the business sector.
Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and Russia’s Sherpa in BRICS, reportedly emphasised the contemporary relevance of the ideologies propagated by Mahatma Gandhi and Leo Tolstoy, along with initiatives like “BRICS People Choosing Life.”
He underscored its dynamic scope, encompassing diverse areas of collaboration, ranging from trade and economy to science, education, and shared values.
