BRICS youth gather in China to explore innovation and cooperation
Young people from BRICS countries listen as a staff member explains how AI is being used in sports education in Fuzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, November 9, 2026. (Photo: CGTN)
Twenty-five young representatives from BRICS countries have gathered in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, for a six-day exchange program aimed at exploring opportunities for science and technology innovation and strengthening cooperation among member countries.
The 2026 BRICS Youth Leaders Campus on Science, Technology and Innovation, running from November 8 to 13 in Fuzhou and Xiamen, is themed "Bringing Together Youth Innovation to Advance Practical BRICS Cooperation."
During the program, participants will visit Chinese technology companies, major enterprises and cultural landmarks to learn about China's development and practical applications in areas such as the marine economy, artificial intelligence, the digital economy and intelligent manufacturing. They will also explore local cultural heritage and how traditional culture integrates with urban development.
A participant steers a vessel at a simulated ship captain's control station in Fuzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, November 9, 2026. (Photo: CGTN)
Wang Tingting, head of the International Projects Department at the China International Youth Exchange Center, which organized the camp, told CGTN that the program aims to translate BRICS youth exchanges into practical cooperation and create more opportunities for young innovators.
"Science and technology innovation is one of the ten priority areas of BRICS youth cooperation," Wang said, noting that the All-China Youth Federation leads the BRICS Youth Council's Working Group on Science and Technology Innovation.
She said BRICS countries have their own strengths in fields such as artificial intelligence, green development and the digital economy. The camp provides a platform for young people to exchange experiences, learn from one another and explore potential areas of collaboration.
A participant from South Africa talks with an assistant general manager of a digital technology company in Fuzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, November 9, 2026. (Photo: CGTN)
Wang added that the organizers hope the program will be more than a one-off exchange.
"We hope this camp can serve as a starting point for longer-term cooperation," she said.
She said that the organizers plan to maintain contact with participants through the BRICS Youth Council after the event, identify promising projects and facilitate further cooperation.
With China set to assume the BRICS chairship in 2027, she said, the organizers also hope to bring projects and talent identified through the camp into next year's BRICS youth activities, including the Youth Ministers' Meeting, Youth Council Meeting and Youth Summit.
The camp is organized by the All-China Youth Federation and hosted by the China International Youth Exchange Center. It aims to strengthen mutual understanding and promote exchanges among young people from BRICS countries in science and technology innovation, industrial cooperation and people-to-people engagement.