Experts from the GPTT recently attended the inaugural BRICS Think Tanks Summit, organized by TRENDS Research & Advisory on the sidelines of the 2024 BRICS Summit in Moscow, Russia. In the landmark gathering, aimed at fostering collaboration across the BRICS network, GPTT experts shared insights on the future of global governance, the role of think tanks in shaping policy, and strategies for economic and institutional alignment.

Dr. Majid Afshani, Head of the International Department at the GPTT, emphasized the importance of collaboration among nations in tackling today’s complex international challenges. He argued that Western ideologies, which dominated institutional frameworks post-World Wars, have often constrained genuine cooperation, turning it into a means of unilateral control. According to Dr. Afshani, the BRICS platform offers a space for countries, particularly those grappling with sanctions, to amplify their voices and advocate for equitable international engagement.

In his address, Dr. Afshani highlighted the unique role think tanks play in bridging gaps among government, civil society, academia, and media. He introduced GPTT’s evaluative framework, which includes over 100 key components aimed at guiding policy institutes within BRICS to address economic, cultural, and geopolitical challenges. Among his recommendations were concentrating on vital issues such as intra-BRICS financial frameworks, trade imbalances, and integrating new members; Engaging influential voices to promote intersectoral connections; Emphasizing the need for think tanks to convey their findings to policymakers; Ensuring timely access to decision-makers for effective communication of insights; Developing shared content that reflects the consensus of all BRICS members; Utilizing podcasts and social media to foster solidarity and mutual understanding; and establishing a common understanding among intellectual leaders in BRICS societies through intellectual diplomacy dialogues.

Dr. Morteza Zamanian, Board Member of GPTT and founder of the Polytechnic Institute of Policy and Economic Studies (PIPES), discussed the pivotal role of BRICS in the global economy. He identified the main challenge for BRICS and BRICS Plus nations as the establishment of efficient institutional arrangements that consider the political diversity and varied economic landscapes of member countries. Dr. Zamanian advocated for think tanks to serve as “Institutional Facilitators” and intermediaries to support these arrangements. He proposed creating a joint BRICS economic program that could include a common currency and a shared payment system—cautiously designed to avoid the issues that plagued previous experiences like the Euro. He also encouraged BRICS think tanks to hold regular online meetings to collaborate on economic development and policy alignment.