The BRICS Dialogue on Civilizations event was held in Kazan, Russia, with more than 300 participants representing BRICS member countries through philosophy, culture, arts and sports exchanges.
The event, titled “Mobilizing the Power of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges to Build a Bright Future for the BRICS Countries”, was co-hosted by the State Council Information Office, the Government of the Russian Republic of Tatarstan and the Consulate General of China in Kazan. The event was jointly organized by the China Intercontinental Communication Centre and Kazan Federal University.
The organizers emphasized that exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations are the primary drivers of human progress and world peace. They also believe that through this dialogue, BRICS countries can deepen mutual understanding and traditional friendships, strengthen cultural ties, and inspire more BRICS citizens to become ambassadors of cultural dialogue.
They hope that the BRICS countries will actively support the Global Civilization Initiative, focus on people-to-people bonds, and use the BRICS+ cooperation platform to deepen cultural exchanges and foster new chapters of mutual understanding and friendship. Together, they aim to contribute to the “power of BRICS” in building a community with a shared future for humanity.
Commenting on the event Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan of Russia Leyla Rinatovna Fazleeva highlighted that cultural exchange and cooperation between countries has steadily deepened within the framework of the BRICS
“We encourage BRICS countries to continue to promote cultural dialogue, enrich the content of the exchange and build cooperative networks to turn the vision of cultural exchanges into reality,” says Fazleeva.
During the storytelling session, participants shared inspiring stories of how BRICS countries promote mutual understanding and deepen friendships through cross-border and intergenerational dialogues, and progress together through practical cooperation.
Tia Ju, Vice-President of the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro State in Brazil, delivered a video address, and Talita Bernardo, Head of the Office of the Second Vice-President of the State Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro, shared the deep ties that have formed between Rio de Janeiro and the Chinese people since the arrival of the first Chinese immigrants more than 200 years ago.
Tamara Moskvina, an 83-year-old Russian coach, Denis Petrov, silver medalist at the Albertville Winter Olympics, Chen Lu, China’s first figure skating world champion, and Anna Shcherbakova, a women’s figure skating champion at the Beijing Winter Olympics, shared stories of the friendship handed down by three generations of skiers from China and Russia.
Professor P.R. Deepak, Director of the Center for Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, spoke about the long history of friendly exchanges between China and India, recalling Tagore’s visit to China a century ago.
South African scholar Professor Paul Zelongisel Tempe used the song “Years of Glory” to highlight the BRICS countries’ shared commitment to openness and inclusiveness and their shared desire for peace and global development.
The BRICS Photo Exhibition attracted visitors, showcasing engaging moments from BRICS countries in areas such as economy, society, history, culture, environment and youth development.
Photographers from the UAE and Ethiopia captured the vibrancy of cities and the rapidly changing rhythm of time, while photographers from Egypt and Iran focused on colourful festival scenes, weaving a rich tapestry of cultural diversity.
The China Horse Industry Association contributed works that portray the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature, while young people from Russia, Saudi Arabia and other countries embodied energy and hope for the future.
At the event, artists from China Orient Ochestra played a diverse arrangement of music using traditional Chinese guzheng instruments. The Kazan Chamber Orchestra of Russia performed melodies rich in Tatar characteristics and played the glory years.
Chan Changgan, a member of the Chinese Arts and Crafts Association and director of the Jiangxi Arts and Crafts Association, demonstrated the art of Jingdezhen ceramics to international guests. He also created ceramic works inspired by the national flowers of the BRICS countries, which depict a vivid scene of unity and cooperation among the BRICS countries.
Zhejiang University also presented a comprehensive collection of ancient Chinese paintings to Kazan Federal University.
