Mr Marcus Moraes, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Brazil;
Ms Albina Kutuzova, Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Russia;
Dr Sanjeev Kumar Varshney, Ministry of Science and Technology, India;
Dr Wang Lei, Ministry of Science and Technology, China;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen:
It is my honour and privilege to deliver these closing remarks to the 8th BRICS Young Scientist Forum, held along the 6th BRICS Young Innovators Prize.
We just concluded a highly successful BRICS Young Scientist Forum, which was characterised by high calibre presentations and illuminating debates on several key issues facing humanity today.
The BRICS Young Scientist Forum has become an important platform for critical reflection by young scientists, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs, on some of the most urgent challenges of our time.
As South Africa, we are particularly pleased that this year’s BRICS Forum upheld the tradition of focusing on such critical global issues as climate change, environmental sustainability, the future of education, mindset and skillset and the future of society.
To enhance the objectives of the Young Scientist Forum, we believe there are several issues that deserve more focused attention. One is the need to focus on such critical areas as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and future skills.
Further to this, we also believe that consideration must be given to the human and social sciences. We believe that all these areas of focus are critical for the development all BRICS Countries and essential for their resilience and the long-term psychological well-being of their respective populations.
The other issue we believe deserves focused attention is the creation of strong post YSF engagements with this cohort and past cohorts. In this regard, as South Africa we wish to propose the establishment of an Alumni of Young Scientist Forum participants from BRICS Countries.
As stated earlier, as part this year’s BRICS Young Scientist Forum is the hosting of the 6th BRICS Young Innovator Prize. As you may recall, this Prize was introduced in 2018, during South Africa’s BRICS chairship.
The BRICS Young Innovator Prize seeks to recognise young talented entrepreneurs and researchers, whose innovations will make a profound impact on the socio-economic environment and life in BRICS societies.
This Prize also serves as a platform for BRICS young scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs to share their best practices in innovation and venturing.
It pleases us to note that a total of five instalments of the BRICS Young Innovator Prize have been held successfully. This Prize has become an important stage for young people in BRICS countries to showcase their innovation talents and strengthen exchanges and cooperation with peers.
The winners of this year’s Young Innovator Prize will be announced and awarded at a dinner by South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande. The 1st Prize is USD 25 000, the 2nd Prize is USD15 000 and the 3rd Prize is USD10 000.
To enhance the prestige of this Prize, it is important that we continually improve the resourcing of this initiative in support of innovation improvement in the BRICS countries.
There is also a need to increase the scope and thematic areas to resonate with economic development of the BRICS countries and to identify thematic areas that support developmental growth of the BRICS countries and in particular, the alleviation of poverty.
In conclusion, our gratitude goes to the officials of South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation and those of our entities, Assaf and TIA, for the sterling work of organising this year’s Forum and Innovation Prize.
Our gratitude also goes to the representatives of the various BRICS countries and our various esteemed guest speakers, who enriched our understanding of a number of critical issues that face our various countries and humanity today.
It is our hope that the outcome of the 8th BRICS Forum and the ideas presented by our young Innovators, will enhance the resolve of BRICS countries to improve the quality of life of the people in the global south.
Thank you for your presence and contribution. We wish each of you a safe journey as travel back to your different destinations.
Thank you.
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