Youths from BRICS countries urged to exchange best practices

The youths from BRICS countries are expected to intensify exchanges of best practices and critical skills to help contribute to the sustainable development of their countries, said a South African government official.

Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities made the remarks in a recent interview with China Daily on the sidelines of the BRICS Summer School South Africa 2024, organized by the South African BRICS Youth Association, in Johannesburg.

"We encourage the youths to pay particular attention to skills, knowledge, and cultural exchanges among BRICS youths to deepen and future-proof this alliance. Urgent attention should be directed to joint skills development initiatives, with a specific focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics," said Chikunga.

She explained that BRICS youths and those in the global south should work together in digital transformation. BRICS youth have to develop business and market intelligence capabilities to leverage the opportunities presented by the expanded membership of BRICS, said Chikunga. Since the BRICS summit last year in South Africa, more countries such as Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates have joined BRICS.

Chikunga said: "I expect to see BRICS youths' plans to learn each other's languages as a fundamental tool for further integration and strengthening ties within BRICS. Understanding the history of BRICS civilization is crucial to preparing the youths to be responsible and effective handlers of power."

Early this year 22 female engineering students in South Africa were sent to India to learn about solar panel manufacturing which the South African government said is one of the resolutions of the 2023 BRICS Women in Business meeting. One of those summit resolutions was for women to take the lead in addressing the energy crisis.

Charli Zhang, a student at South Africa's University of Cape Town said the youths should inform the communities about the positive contribution from BRICS. She said many people do not know the positive contribution of BRICS in South Africa, particularly the New Development Bank.

She said: "BRICS should focus on the youths and give them scholarships and help them improve their skills. The youths should meet to discuss energy, innovations and creativity to facilitate south-south cooperation."

There should be more interactions at different levels like university and high school learners from the countries of the south to discuss issues facing their countries and find solutions.

Candice Moodley, corporate services executive at the Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority in South Africa, said this year they sent 54 students and six lecturers to China to get workplace experiential training in renewable energy and PV solar manufacturing. Moodley said when the students and lecturers return to South Africa after 12 months, they are expected to help the country address energy challenges.

She said: "We have to leverage on the strengths of each BRICS partner and also assist our youths with skills development. The youths can influence the policy decisions with a youth perspective."