The School of Young Futurologists (SYF) started its work today in Vladimir. The SYF is the pinnacle of the long-standing efforts of the “Knowledge Hub” Center of Russian State University for the Humanities (RSUH) in establishing a dialogue between young scientists and experts from BRICS and CIS countries.

Rector of RSUH Andrey Loginov addressed the SYF participants with welcome remarks, emphasizing in his speech the high demand for futurological research in a modern world: “We regard futurology as a field of knowledge that can become the basis of an entire scientific school. Futurologists today are not just science popularizers who have chosen a certain creative niche for themselves. They are supposed not only to create scenarios for the future based on the latest technological achievements and cutting-edge analytical methods, but also to participate directly in their implementation.”

Albina Kutuzova, Deputy Head of the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, spoke about the current trends in the cultural and educational cooperation among BRICS countries: “Our common task is to create conditions for young scientists to work and prosper. This is confirmed by the results of the 2024 study ‘The Image of Russia and BRICS in the Perception of Youth from BRICS Countries.’ It showed that the most in-demand areas of cooperation are education, science, and culture. Russia is ready to fully cooperate with friendly countries in the field of education and to offer  grants, internships, scholarships, as well as the support for international students at all stages of their studies.”

Olga Pavlenko, Vice-Rector for Scientific and Project Activities at RSUH, highlighted in her speech the relevance of futurology as a tool for studying the rapidly changing world: “Futurology is not a mere reflection, not a fantasy, it is not about the scenarios of the future that we prefer. It is very important to develop a methodology for studying the future and to work with large databases. You will have to find answers to many important questions of universal human significance.”

The program of the first day of the SYF included futurological sessions and workshops. The “Knowledge Hub” Center of RSUH presented the results of the largest sociological study in BRICS “The Image of Russia and BRICS in the Perception of Youth from BRICS Countries”. The participants also discussed the  “lesson of history” concept and its significance in various cultural traditions. 

The discussions also drew attention to a number of problems hindering the unlocking of the cultural and intellectual potential of the BRICS. For example, Harshit Kumar Kasaudhan from the Center for Russian and Central Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University pointed out the limited access of young people to cultural content from BRICS countries. According to Harshit Kasaudhan, cultural integration requires not only treaties and exchange programs, but also independent media platforms and access of the youth to the  films, books, and contemporary art of BRICS countries.

According to Isabela Rocha, President of the Brazilian “BRICS+ Tech Forum,” the main problem of BRICS is still the gap between political declarations and real mechanisms for supporting joint humanitarian and cultural infrastructure. Isabela Rocha noted that there are increasingly more memoranda and agreements within BRICS, but there is also a lack of programs and tools for their full implementation.

The work of the SYF will continue until December 5. The discussions, futurological seminars, and workshops involving more than 60 young scientists, researchers, and representatives of civil organizations from Russia, BRICS, and CIS countries will result in the signing of the BRICS International Charter of Young Futurologists. The Charter will outline the principles and goals of the SYF for the next five years.