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New Delhi, July 22, 2026: India, as BRICS President 2026, held the BRICS Network University (BRICS NU) Conference and International Governing Board (IGB) Meeting during BRICS NU, inviting governmental representatives, University leaders, academicians, and experts from BRICS member states to promote collaboration in higher education, research, and innovation. Inclusion of Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge Systems as a thematic area in BRICS Network University was one of the outcomes of the meeting.
The International Governing Board meeting was held on July 21, 2026, after the BRICS Network University Conference on Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge Systems held on July 20, 2026. These two-day activities were a part of India’s endeavor to further academic engagement within BRICS nations.
Inaugurated by Dr. K. M. Praphullachandra Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Education, the meeting had an introduction of BRICS Network University, its growing networks and collaborations given by Prof. Sudarshan Kumar, Dean (International Relations), IIT Bombay. Brazil, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates reported on their collaborative activities in higher education undertaken in the last one year.
A major highlight was the outcomes of the BRICS Network University Conference on Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge Systems. This is the first conference of its kind within the BRICS NU framework. Participants focused on the mapping, documentation, preservation and digital dissemination of traditional and indigenous knowledge and emphasized the ethical governance, community ownership, and emerging technologies, of which Artificial Intelligence is included, of which benefits would be shared equitably. General Principles were drafted by the conference for the purpose of developing and strengthening academic collaborations within Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge.
The International Governing Board acknowledged the emerging significance of this domain and discussed the proposition to form Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge Systems as a new International Thematic Group (ITG) within the BRICS Network University. The proposition was broadly supported by the member countries, and the participants agreed to continue the discussions of the concept note for its further advancement.
The Governing Board studied the BRICS Network University Action Plan (2025–2028), deliberated on the formation of a new BRICS NU website, discussed plans for the improvement of the co-operation between the institutions and enhancement of academic mobility and collaborative research, and, after thorough discussions, endorsed the BRICS Network University International Governing Board Declaration.
The meeting confirmed the dedication of all BRICS states involved to consolidating the BRICS Network University as an advanced platform for higher education, research, and innovation, as well as for exchanges on a personal level. India expressed gratitude to all delegations for their engagement and reiterated her support for the advancement of academic cooperation for the BRICS Presidency 2026 theme of “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
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