Adhering to People-centered for Philosophy of Development: Way to Promote People’s Well-being in BRICS Countries

On April 6, the seminar «Adhering to People-centered for Philosophy of Development: Way to Promote People’s Well-being in BRICS Countries» was held within the frameworks of 2022 BRICS Civil Forum.

BRICS Civil Forum is a platform that brings together a cross-section of CSO members from BRICS member states for a meaningful exchange on various important themes. The seminar was attended by specialists and representatives of organizations with various experience of working at the grassroots level with communities, as well as with think-tanks, academic circles, who made presentations on the challenges and opportunities faced by the BRICS countries in the fight against poverty and improving living standards.

Mr. Peng Wu, the Director of the Department of International Development of the China Foundation of Poverty Alleviation (CFPA) addressed to the participants and experts of the event with a welcoming speech. Thanking for the honor of being the moderator of the event, he stressed the importance of the role of the NGOs and its representatives in solving global problems: “Today’s world full of challenges…There is an urgent aid to safeguard people. NGOs know best the difficulties of people and their desire to escape poverty. NGOs have a natural advantage and rich experience in communicating with people and know how to help them enhance their well-being”.

At the beginning of the seminar, participants and speakers listened to a speech by Mr. Wenkui Luan, the Executive Vice President of China Foundation of Poverty Exemption. The Vice President expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak and share experiences and ideas on improving the standard of living among the population of the BRICS countries. He identified four main dimensions in the fight against poverty in the PRC's policy: economic reforms and the policy of openness, the development of institutional mechanisms to combat poverty, problem-oriented paths and clear objectives, adherence of the whole society.

Mr. Sergio Veloso, researcher of BRICS Policy Center, Brazil, stressed the importance of jointly solving modern challenges that the whole world expects in 2022. "BRICS was born out of crisis and fast became a metaphor for the hope for more prosperous and developed world…Development, prosperity, inclusive growth – any pants in the well-being for all, not only for us. Over the last decade the BRICS have become a knowledge-sharing platform putting together not only BRICS but mostly creating synergy for us" – he said.

Ms. Elena Kheifets, the Leading Analyst, Department of Economics and Social Development, Center for Strategic Research (CSR), represented Russia. She drew attention to the fact that the fight against poverty is one of the priorities of the UN and the BRICS countries have achieved significant success in this. However, she also stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased inequality in society and forced countries to adapt quickly to the new reality. The development of the innovation vector is one of the most effective ways to improve the standard of living of the population, and the task of the state is to help people adapt to new changes in society.

Amb. Bhaskar Balakrishnan, Science Diplomacy Fellow, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RUS) (India), spoke about the challenges that countries face today. He identified three main ones: health, climate change and energy, digital outreach to people. In addition, Amb. Bhaskar Balakrishnan stressed the importance of such meetings, as BRICS civil forum can focus on some of the development challenges that face all members and share experiences, strategies and practices.

The boarder Member of South Africa Youth Association, Arina Muresan paid attention to the role of young generation and youth organization to the problem of youth's lack of involvement in solving global problems to decreasing poverty level. “The focus on youth and increased people-to-people exchanges are welcomed, as is the creation of a youth forum and action plan. However, civil society calls on BRICS leaders to examine the underlying conditions that prevent youth from accessing opportunities, and to ensure that opportunities are accessible to all” – Arina said.

Mr. Atul Jain, General Secretary of Deen Dayal Research Institute, he shared an Indian vision of the world and society:  “We see the world not only people-centered, but also nature-centered, we see the entire universe as the integral form…Due to people-centered attitude, we could fight the pandemic”.

The Associate Professor, PhD, China Agricultural University, Mr. Gong Qiang took part in the seminar. The professor devoted his speech to the history of the development of NGOs in China, and also focused on the role of NGOs in improving the welfare of the population. In addition, Gong Qiang spoke about the activities of NGOs at the present time and their successes.

After the speakers' speech, a discussion began on increasing the involvement of NGOs in adhering to people-centered for philosophy of development for international community. Participants noted, civil society is allowed to hold their governments accountable in accordance with their legislation and monitoring and evaluating development programs

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National Committee on BRICS Research