Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s video address to participants in the 2nd BRICS International Youth Camp, August 2, 2022

Friends,

I am delighted to welcome the participants of the 2nd BRICS International Youth Camp. Your forum, which is held in the hospitable Ulyanovsk Region, is becoming a positive tradition. The Foreign Ministry appreciates the efforts of the region’s authorities and the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs to promote the humanitarian dimension of our five countries’ strategic partnership.

BRICS is based on our common commitment to the values of equal dialogue and cooperation, and the mutual affinity of our unique cultures and civilisations, which represent different parts of the planet. Our association provides an example of a truly multilateral and multipolar diplomacy concordant with the realities of the 21st century. The participating countries are playing a major role in forming a positive, future-oriented international agenda. They are making a substantial contribution to the search for collective answers to numerous challenges and threats of our time based on the universal norms of international law.

The development of cultural, educational and sports ties is aimed at strengthening the atmosphere of friendship and trust among the peoples of our five countries. We traditionally pay much attention to ties between our young people. Our interaction in this sphere is vivid proof of the vitality and great appeal of the BRICS concept. The leaders of our states have reaffirmed their support for the priority development of youth exchanges during their recent summit meeting.

The theme chosen by the forum’s organisers this year – environment and sustainable development of the BRICS countries’ regions – is extremely important. I am sure that the rich agenda of the youth camp will offer the participants an opportunity for self-realisation and self-improvement and for gaining new insights and learning new skills. It will also help you implement joint projects and endeavours, develop new mutually beneficial ties, and learn more about the unique cultural and historical heritage of our multinational and multifaith country.

I would like to wish you a good time, interesting meetings, substantive discussions and all the best.