The 9th Meeting of BRICS Education Ministers brought together representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to discuss collaborative efforts in the field of education. The meeting was held virtually due to the ongoing global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary focus was on enhancing the quality of education through digital transformation, fostering sustainable development in education, and strengthening vocational education cooperation among the BRICS nations.

Key Themes and Discussions

Digital Transformation and Education

– Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has significantly accelerated the adoption of digital technologies in education. The ministers discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by this rapid digital transformation.
– Online Education Platforms: There was an exchange of views on the effectiveness of existing online education platforms. The ministers considered the potential for hosting online courses on national platforms to ensure continuity and quality of education.
– Future Initiatives: China extended an invitation to its BRICS partners to participate in an international forum on the digitalization of education and a world conference on online courses and learning, both scheduled for the latter half of 2022.

International Cooperation

– Collaborative Efforts: The meeting emphasized the importance of international cooperation in education among BRICS countries. This includes sharing best practices, resources, and technological advancements to improve educational outcomes.
– BRICS Network University: The BRICS Network University was highlighted as a key initiative for fostering collaboration in higher education. The network aims to develop priority areas and equip students with the necessary skills to adapt to changes in the global economy and labor market. The Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia was appointed as the coordinating university for this initiative.

Vocational Education and Training

– Skills Development: The ministers discussed the need for enhancing vocational education and training to meet the demands of the evolving job market. This includes developing new competencies and skills that are relevant to the current economic landscape.
– Sustainable Development: The meeting underscored the importance of sustainable development in education, ensuring that educational initiatives contribute to long-term economic and social growth.

Outcomes and Future Plans

Declaration

– Adoption of Declaration: The meeting concluded with the adoption of a declaration that outlines the development vectors for the next year. This declaration serves as a roadmap for future collaborative efforts in education among BRICS countries.

Future Meetings

– 10th Meeting of BRICS Education Ministers: It was announced that the 10th Meeting of BRICS Education Ministers will be chaired by South Africa. This future meeting will continue to build on the discussions and initiatives from the 9th meeting, further strengthening educational cooperation among the BRICS nations.

The 9th Meeting of BRICS Education Ministers was a significant step towards enhancing educational collaboration among Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The focus on digital transformation, international cooperation, and vocational education highlights the commitment of these nations to provide high-quality education and prepare their citizens for the future. The adoption of the declaration and the plans for future meetings underscore the ongoing efforts to achieve these goals.