Young sci-tech innovation experts and entrepreneurs from BRICS countries gathered in Xiamen on Wednesday, calling for stronger technological cooperation to drive shared development opportunities.
About 100 participants attended the 2026 BRICS Youth Dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation, according to a report by english.news.cn. The event formed a key part of the 2026 BRICS Youth Leaders Campus on Science, Technology and Innovation, running from November 8 to 13 across Fuzhou and Xiamen, english.news.cn reported.
Xu Xiao, president of the All-China Youth Federation, said that this year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation. He urged young delegates to become pioneers in technological innovation, practitioners of open cooperation, and promoters of mutual learning.
“The All-China Youth Federation is ready to work with youth organizations of other BRICS countries to empower youth innovation projects and build platforms for high-quality greater BRICS cooperation,” Xu said.
Vitoria Genuino de Morais Silva, Brazil’s national secretary for youth, said the Brazilian government views this framework as vital for shared development. She emphasized that the younger generation must jointly build a future for the Global South through industrial and technological cooperation.
Sunshine Myende, executive chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency of South Africa, outlined domestic strategies helping young people transition from innovation beneficiaries to active contributors. She stressed that public policies must strengthen science education, digital skills training, and entrepreneurship incubation.
“South Africa is using youth development policies and sci-tech innovation strategies to help young people move from being beneficiaries of innovation to active participants and contributors,” Myende said.
Fuad Gena Bune, president of the Ethiopian Youth Council, described youth as a critical force in his country’s digital transformation. He urged member nations to capitalize on respective strengths in science and talent to translate research into practical outcomes.
“Technological progress should create jobs and development opportunities for more young people,” Bune said.
During their program hosted by the All-China Youth Federation and organized by the China International Youth Exchange Center, participants engaged in industrial inspections, project matchmaking, and thematic seminars.
“I have truly felt that China boasts broad prospects for scientific and technological innovation,” Andreza Delgado from Brazil told english.news.cn on the sidelines of the event. Delgado, who works in the gaming industry, added that she hopes to cooperate with China across a broader range of technology sectors.
Prerit Rathi, founder and CEO of India’s Thinklude, praised the coordination among government bodies, private companies, and research institutions.
“This kind of coordination accelerates technological progress in the right directions,” Rathi said.
Marwan Mohamed Rashad Elsafty from Egypt highlighted the speed of technological integration.
“What impressed me most was the sheer scale and speed at which China integrates cutting-edge technology like AI, big data, and smart manufacturing into traditional industries and agriculture,” Elsafty told english.news.cn.
The program took place from November 8 to 13 in Fuzhou and Xiamen, with the youth dialogue held on Wednesday.
The All-China Youth Federation hosted the program, while the China International Youth Exchange Center organized the events.
Prerit Rathi, founder and CEO of India’s Thinklude, and Marwan Mohamed Rashad Elsafty from Egypt both attended the Xiamen dialogues.