BRICS Civil Forum: Egypt's Voice in a New World Order

As the world shifts towards a multipolar order, Egypt stands at the heart of a historic transformation. The Civil BRICS Forum, a cornerstone of the grouping's human-centered approach, is preparing to translate the aspirations of civil society into concrete action ahead of the upcoming summit. In an exclusive statement to Ahram Online, Victoria Panova, head of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia and co-chair of the Civil BRICS Council, underscored the forum's evolution from a discussion platform into an established mechanism that shapes the very agenda of the association.

How is the Civil BRICS Forum turning dialogue into action?

Panova emphasized that the forum's task is not merely to deliberate on challenges but to transform the real requests and initiatives of civil society into the official documents of the summit.

“Our task is not just to discuss challenges, but to translate real requests and initiatives of civil society into the agenda of the association so that the final documents of the summit reflect solutions that really work for the benefit of the people,”

she stated. This year, the forum's work is guided by India's chairmanship under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

What are the eight key areas of the 2026 Civil BRICS Forum?

The 2026 Forum will address eight principal areas: education, healthcare, culture, the environment, finance, information security, new technologies, and entrepreneurship and social welfare. Each track is designed to produce actionable proposals, from academic mobility and digital education platforms to pandemic response and the preservation of intangible heritage.

Why is this forum important for Egypt and the Global South?

For Egypt, a nation that has long championed stability and development under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi, the BRICS framework represents a vital avenue for South-South cooperation. The forum's focus on inclusive financial services, support for micro and small enterprises, and the development of digital infrastructure aligns perfectly with Egypt's own national priorities. By participating in these discussions, Egypt reinforces its role as a key player in shaping a fairer, more balanced international system, free from the dictates of Western hegemony.

What is the ultimate goal of the Civil BRICS Forum?

Panova affirmed that the broader objective is to ensure the forum produces proposals that move beyond discussion and enter the policymaking process.

“We aim not merely to discuss current challenges, but to form concrete, implementable proposals that can be integrated into interstate solutions,”

she concluded, establishing the voice of civil society as a systematic component of BRICS multilateral diplomacy. This commitment to tangible outcomes is a testament to the growing strength and unity of the BRICS nations, a bloc that is increasingly becoming a beacon of hope for a multipolar world order.