India Hosts BRICS Network University Conference and IGB Meeting
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
India, under its 2026 BRICS chairmanship, hosted the BRICS Network University (BRICS NU) International Governing Board (IGB) meeting and a conference on Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge Systems. The IGB adopted a declaration and proposed adding Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge Systems as a new thematic group within BRICS NU, marking a significant step in BRICS higher education cooperation.
Background
BRICS Network University is a platform for academic collaboration among BRICS member countries, established to promote joint research, student mobility, and knowledge exchange. India assumed the BRICS chairmanship in 2026.
Key facts
India hosted the BRICS NU IGB meeting virtually on 21 July 2026, following a conference on Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge Systems on 20 July 2026.
The conference was the first of its kind under BRICS NU framework, focusing on mapping, documentation, preservation, and responsible digital dissemination of traditional and indigenous knowledge.
The IGB discussed and broadly supported the proposal to include Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge Systems as a new International Thematic Group (ITG) within BRICS NU.
Member countries agreed to continue consultations on a concept paper to advance the proposal.
The IGB reviewed the BRICS NU Action Plan (2025-2028), discussed development of a new BRICS NU website, and adopted the BRICS NU IGB Declaration.
Representatives from Brazil, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and UAE participated in the meeting.
India reaffirmed its commitment to academic collaboration under the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Collaboration and Sustainability' during its BRICS chairmanship.
Prelims pointers
- BRICS Network University (BRICS NU)
- International Governing Board (IGB)
- International Thematic Group (ITG)
- Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- India's BRICS chairmanship 2026
- Ministry of Education, India
- IIT Bombay (Dean International Relations involved)
- Virtual meeting held on 21 July 2026
Mains angles
- Role of BRICS in promoting higher education and research collaboration among emerging economies
- Significance of traditional and indigenous knowledge systems in global academic frameworks
- India's leadership in BRICS and its soft power through education diplomacy
- Challenges in institutionalizing knowledge systems across diverse member countries