18th BRICS Academic Forum

From youth opportunity and technological transformation to innovation, connectivity and policy: South Africa’s contribution to the BRICS Academic Forum unfolded across three days of
dialogue in Lucknow, India.

The 18th BRICS Academic Forum, held in Lucknow, India, from 23 to 25 August 2026, brought together academics, researchers, policymakers and think-tank representatives under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

A key highlight of the 18th BRICS Academic Forum was the launch of the BRICS: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability Compendium, featuring collaborative contributions from experts across BRICS countries. Among the South African contributors were Prof Mogomme A. Masoga, who contributed to the broader reflection on BRICS@20: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability; Dr Xolani Khohliso, who co-authored a chapter on resilient higher education and student success; Prof Nirmala Gopal, who examined the Global South labour underpinning the modern AI economy; Prof Siphamandla Zondi, who explored BRICS cooperation in advancing just and sustainable energy transitions; and Samuel Koma, who contributed on the role of BRICS in fostering SMEs.

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