BRICS Youth Summit to Convene in Pretoria

The 5th BRICS Summer School South Africa 2026 is scheduled to convene from 2–3 September 2026 at the University of South Africa in Pretoria. This significant two-day event, titled the 5th BRICS Summer School South Africa 2026, will serve as a key platform for young leaders and scholars. The event will focus on the theme “Innovatively Inclusive Futures for BRICS and the Global South,” a forward-looking theme designed to inspire discussions on the bloc's role in shaping a more equitable global landscape. This summer school is a key gathering for youth within the BRICS framework, emphasizing their critical role in future international cooperation and development.

Keynote Speakers and Program

Keynote addresses at the summit will be delivered by Sindisiwe Chikunga, the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, and Thandi Moraka, the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. Their participation shows the high-level government support for youth engagement in BRICS affairs and the importance of the discussions that will unfold. The program is meticulously designed to cover a broad range of subjects pertinent to the BRICS bloc and its global impact, ensuring a full and insightful experience for all attendees.

Discussions will encompass the historical trajectory and evolution of BRICS, providing participants with a deep understanding of how the alliance has grown and adapted since its inception. The program will explore avenues for enhanced financial and economic cooperation among member states, seeking innovative solutions to foster greater economic integration and mutual prosperity. This includes exploring mechanisms to strengthen trade, investment, and financial linkages within the bloc.

Opportunities emerging within the BRICS framework will also be a key focus, alongside deliberations on the reform of global governance structures. Participants will examine how BRICS can contribute to a more representative and effective international system. Specific sessions are slated to address the role and operations of the New Development Bank, noting its significance as a financial institution supporting infrastructure and sustainable development projects within BRICS and other developing countries. Additionally, the program will delve into diplomatic engagements within the bloc, analyzing strategies for effective multilateral cooperation and conflict resolution. The evolving influence of the Global South in international affairs will also be a central topic, recognizing its growing voice and agency on the world stage. These topics aim to provide a full overview of BRICS' past, present, and future trajectory, equipping young leaders with the knowledge and tools to contribute meaningfully to these discussions.

Event Hosts and Partners

The South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA) is hosting the upcoming event in partnership with the University of South Africa (UNISA). This collaboration brings together a youth-focused organization and a prominent academic institution to facilitate the summit, ensuring both practical organization and academic rigor. The choice of the University of South Africa in Pretoria as the venue provides an ideal academic setting for in-depth discussions and networking. TV BRICS has also joined as an international media partner for the event. The media outlet will provide extensive coverage and disseminate vital information regarding the proceedings and outcomes of the youth summit to a global audience, ensuring broad awareness of the discussions and their implications.

Youth Engagement in BRICS

Approximately 150 participants from 12 countries are expected to attend the summit. This diverse representation aims to foster broad engagement and exchange among young leaders and scholars, bringing together a multitude of perspectives and experiences. The gathering provides a platform for youth from member and non-member states to contribute to discussions on the future trajectory of the BRICS bloc and its role in global affairs. Delegates will have the opportunity to engage with key themes, including economic cooperation, governance reform, and the evolving influence of the Global South. The participation from multiple nations shows the international interest in the BRICS initiative and its potential impact on a global scale, noting the growing recognition of youth as vital stakeholders in shaping international relations.