On May 26, the 9th Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Education was held virtually. Minister of Education HUAI Jinpeng moderated and addressed the meeting. His counterparts from Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa attended the Meeting. Consensus was reached on the priorities of the future educational cooperation among BRICS and Declaration of the 9th Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Education was adopted as an important outcome of this meeting.

Huai indicated that, even in the sophisticated circumstance, under which profound changes unseen in a century intertwined with COVID-19 pandemic, many new progresses have been achieved with the guidance by BRICS leaders. Education is a vital part of BRICS cooperation. With great support from Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa, China has been successfully leading the role in establishing the BRICS TVET Cooperation Alliance and launching the 2022 BRICS Skills Competition, which are in response to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s call at the XIV BRICS Summit. The educational cooperation has been invigorated among BRICS.

Huai pointed out that, education administrations of BRICS are expected to join hands to actively build up a tighter and more pragmatic partnership with higher quality. BRICS education administrations would contribute to build a community of shared future for mankind by providing “BRICS solution” to global education reform and development.

Huai introduced Chinese policies and best practices regarding 3 thematic topics of this meeting: 1) Enable education in the context of digital transformation; 2) Link industry, innovation and TVET; 3) Build a sustainable BRICS education future. The 5 ministers had an in-depth discussion on further deepening educational cooperation among BRICS and reached a broad consensus.

Attendees from BRICS appreciated Ministry of Education of China for organizing the meeting. BRICS ministers of education shared experiences and practices respectively, and agreed to uphold the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, explore more opportunities for educational cooperation, implement substantive collaborations, and enrich educational exchanges, so as to tackle with challenges in education and promote joint development of education in all BRICS countries.

Ahead of the meeting, the The Senior Officials Meeting of the 9th Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Education was held virtually on May 25. It recalled the progress of educational cooperation among BRICS countries and negotiated on the draft of Declaration of the 9th Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Education. Tian Xuejun, Vice Minister of Education, delivered a videoed opening remarks. He hoped that representatives from BRICS would strengthen collaboration and strive for the positive outcomes of the 9th Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Education.

(Ministry of Education of People's Republic of China)