On May 19, the series of substantive events of the BRICS+ International Mentorship Program for Youth began. The program brought together 30 young entrepreneurs and highly qualified specialists from 12 countries – Brazil, Venezuela, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iran, China, Russia, Tajikistan, Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Africa.
"The BRICS+ International Youth Mentorship Program creates conditions for new international partnership opportunities, experience exchange, and the development of joint projects among young leaders, entrepreneurs, and specialists from different countries. We see a high level of interest in the program: 550 applications were received from over 30 countries around the world. Following the competitive selection, 30 of the most active and motivated authors of innovative projects, young entrepreneurs, and highly qualified specialists from 12 countries became participants. Now they have the opportunity to work on developing their initiatives under the guidance of experienced mentors and to undertake internships at Russian companies. As part of the program, participants will receive expert support, real opportunities for professional growth, the launch of joint initiatives, and the development of international partnerships both in Russia and abroad," said Dmitry Ivanov, Director General of the World Youth Festival Directorate.
Participants in the program include authors of innovative projects in the fields of high‑tech manufacturing, information technology, space technology, medicine, creative industries, media and marketing, social entrepreneurship, aviation technology, energy, and financial technology. For example, Nkosi Percy from South Africa presented The Underground P‑Pack – a compact, ergonomic device for underground work that combines an emergency oxygen supply system with a built‑in lamp. The device is designed to assist miners in conditions of fires, heavy smoke, and other emergencies when the air becomes unsafe to breathe.
Prajjwal Kesarvani from India is developing a project, Keon Pharm Pvt Ltd, focused on creating natural pharmaceutical products using nanotechnology to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), tuberculosis, bone diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and skin disorders. The products are undergoing clinical trials and are being prepared for entry into BRICS markets. Meanwhile, Matjila Thato Lawrence from South Africa has founded a startup, PyraLink Aerospace, dedicated to developing liquid rocket engines and a partially reusable launch vehicle. The initiative aims to advance South Africa's national space industry, create jobs, and strengthen the country's scientific and technological potential.
The BRICS+ International Youth Mentorship Program is aimed at developing youth cooperation, supporting promising initiatives, and building sustainable professional connections among representatives of BRICS+ countries. As part of the program, participants will discuss development strategies within the BRICS ecosystem, the key points of intercultural communication, business protocol and etiquette, as well as tools for cross‑cultural storytelling and brand localization for international markets. Special attention will be given to building professional reputation and personal branding, strategic company development, practical business cases, and modern applications of artificial intelligence in business and technology.
The program is organized by the World Youth Festival Directorate and the BRICS Women's Business Alliance.
Overview:
The World Youth Festival took place on March 1–7, 2024 at the ‘Sirius’ Federal Territory, according to the Decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the development of international youth cooperation. The WYF-2024 brought together 20,000 young leaders from 190 countries.
In accordance with the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin on preserving and developing the legacy of the World Youth Festival, festival events on the territory of the Russian Federation will be held annually. The World Youth Festival Assembly was held in Nizhny Novgorod in 2025 and brought together 2,000 young people from 120 countries. In 2026, the International Festival of Youth will gather 10,000 participants. The next World Youth Festival for 20,000 participants will be held in 2030.
The World Youth Festival Directorate continues the work aimed at strengthening international youth cooperation and developing a community of young people who care about the future of the world.