Day One of the VII International Municipal BRICS Forum: The Beginning of a Dialogue on Development and Cooperation

On November 20, 2025, the first day of the business program of the VII International Municipal BRICS Forum took place in St. Petersburg. The event brought together representatives of government, business, the scientific community, and international experts to discuss issues of sustainable development, digital transformation, technological sovereignty, and international cooperation.

The day's program included sessions and roundtables dedicated to the following areas: digitalization of municipal governance, technological sovereignty, and cooperation in healthcare, education, sports, and tourism.

The session "BRICS Sustainable Development Technologies" discussed modern engineering and transport solutions, including the prospects for implementing string transport in dense urban areas and hard-to-reach areas. Initiatives from Russia's national projects "Choose Your Own" and "Healthy Future" were also presented during the discussion. Participants noted the potential of environmentally friendly technologies to reduce anthropogenic impact on the environment and improve quality of life.

Discussion during the roundtable "Innovative Technologies in Healthcare" was focused on promising developments in the medical industry, including health monitoring devices, the use of artificial intelligence technologies in diagnostics, and modern approaches to medical training. The importance of developing international cooperation within the BRICS framework to improve the accessibility and quality of healthcare was emphasized.

At the same time with the discussion events, a B2B interaction zone was held, where participants had the opportunity to establish business contacts and discuss prospects for cooperation. Investment projects aimed at implementing joint initiatives in the BRICS countries were presented.

A significant event of the day was the signing of more than 280 cooperation agreements among the territories of the interstate association, as well as among public organizations and businesses, including:

·Memorandum of Understanding between the Eurasian Confederation of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (Russia) and the Knowledge Chamber of Commerce and Industry (India);

·Agreement on the creation of an International Consortium and the establishment of the international robotics festival “RobodexBRICS”;

·Cooperation Agreement between the Municipal District of Gavan (Saint Petersburg) and the Municipal Prefecture of Taquarituba (Brazil).

In the afternoon, News.ru hosted a business lunch for Forum participants. The general media partner also interviewed numerous participants from around the world, as well as Russian representatives. The evening program included an evening reception, where the discussion of prospects for strengthening partnerships continued.

The first day of the VII International Municipal BRICS Forum demonstrated the interest of all parties in developing multilateral cooperation, exchanging best practices, and implementing joint projects aimed at ensuring sustainable development and improving the quality of life in the BRICS countries.