BRICS countries to establish cooperation between universities to develop megacities.
Author: Talib Aliyev, analyst, especially for “Sangar”
- The benefits of sister-cities' were discussed at the IMBRICS Forum;
- Cooperation between universities and the development of megacities: what Russia, Iran and Ghana discussed at the IMBRICS Forum;
- The BRICS countries will establish cooperation between universities to develop megacities;
- Cooperation between cultural capitals will be established within the framework of BRICS.
The round table "International Academic Cooperation — Driver for the Development of Modern Cities" was held at the 6th BRICS International Municipal Forum (IMBRICS Forum). The event brought together prominent representatives of Russia, Iran and Ghana. Scientists and officials discussed key issues related to the influence of large educational centers on the development of megacities.
One of the central issues was the cooperation of university professors from different countries. Academic ties contribute not only to the exchange of knowledge and experience, but also to the strengthening of international contacts between cities, the participants of the round table emphasized. This allows megacities to develop as cultural and scientific centers, which, in turn, attracts investments and talents from all over the world.
Dr. Ardalan Nosrati, Advisor to the President of the University of Isfahan, PhD in Philology, spoke about urban diplomacy between cultural capitals. The practice of cooperation between sister-cities is a valuable resource that can be used to develop relations within the framework of BRICS, the scientist noted.
The delegate from Iran paid special attention to the importance of organizing joint research projects between the universities of Tehran and St. Petersburg. In the face of global challenges, Ardalan Nosrati called for the establishment and development of research institutes based on cooperation within the framework of BRICS.
Opinions on the development of megacities and cooperation between universities were also voiced by:
- Aleksander Gorbatov, Director of the Center for International Academic Cooperation of the League Higher School Teachers;
- Samuel James Nii Adjei Tawiah, Mayor of Accra;
- Ambartsum Galustov, Head of the Russian State University of Tourism and Service; and
- Dr. Pavel Maryandyshev, Head of the Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov.
The 6th BRICS International Municipal Forum was held on August 27-28 in Moscow at the Expo centre Fairgrounds. The significant event was attended by more than 6000 people, including over 1100 official representatives of foreign countries. The Forum has become an important platform for the exchange of experience, ideas and best practices among representatives of regional and municipal governments, the scientific community and entrepreneurs from the BRICS countries.
The delegations actively discussed and designed new strategies for the development of cities and municipalities. The participants of the IMBRICS Forum focused on strengthening international cooperation, strengthening economic ties and implementing projects aimed at improving urban infrastructure and the social sphere. Special emphasis was placed on parliamentary diplomacy.
The forum schedule included more than 70 events: panel discussions, round tables and specialized sessions. The participants discussed a wide range of issues related to municipal governance, including integrated territorial development, social aspects, sustainable development, digitalization, healthcare, improvement of urban infrastructure, transport, education, science, culture and tourism.
One of the key results of the forum was the signing of more than 300 agreements. The agreements are aimed at developing municipal cooperation and expanding economic ties between the countries of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.
