UJ Alumni Impumelelo Magazine Edition 11

UJ hosts the BRICS Summer School

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) hosted the BRICS Summer School from 4-6 September 2023. The event was organised by the Institute of Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) in collaboration with the South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA). The BRICS Summer School seeks to develop a cohort of young BRICS policymakers and influencers whose role is to actively contribute to shaping the development agenda of BRICS countries in the new era. This forum offers the youth an opportunity to gain a deeper

as strengthening youth cooperation on various issues affecting youth and identify common interests between BRICS Youth. In his opening speech, Professor Siphamandla Zondi, Director of the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) and co-director of the Institute for Global African Affairs, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. He characterised it as a programme designed to enable the youth in all BRICS countries to co-imagine the trajectory of BRICS, understand the present circumstances within BRICS, and identify pertinent issues, questions, and topics that the youth believe should be prioritised on the BRICS agenda. Prof Zondi stated that the BRICS grouping is actively advocating for inclusivity in all areas. He also emphasised the significance of the BRICS Youth Summit as a forum for young people to discuss and exchange ideas on various topics including entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainable development, and culture. Mr Raymond Matlala, the chairperson of the South Africa BRICS Youth Association, provided some background on how the BRICS Summer School was established. He stated that the genesis of the concept was prompted by the limited understanding and awareness of BRICS among young people. Mr Matlala highlighted the various initiatives that his organisation was planning to implement in order

understanding of the BRICS grouping and its impact on the global economy. The key objectives of the BRICS Summer School are to foster collaboration between participants from different countries and backgrounds, promote knowledge sharing and exchanging ideas on a range of topics related to the BRICS countries, including economics, politics, culture, and society. Other objectives are to promote cultural exchange, fostering mutual respect and common understanding as well

Ms Mpho Mookapele – CEO of Energy and Water SETA

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