The BRICS Edition of the Dialogue of Civilizations Series was held on Friday at Rio de Janeiro State University in Brazil. The event welcomed over 300 participants, including scholars, experts, celebrated athletes and youth representatives from China, Brazil, Russia, South Africa and India.

With the theme "Strengthening Cultural Ties Among BRICS Nations, Empowering a Brighter Future for the Global South", the event was co-hosted by the State Council Information Office of China and Brazil's Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro. The China Intercontinental Communication Center, Rio de Janeiro State University, the information office of the Guangdong provincial government and Nanfang Media Group also helped in the organization.

A representative of the State Council Information Office of China emphasized in his opening remarks that people-to-people exchanges among BRICS countries are not only dialogue across borders and cultures, but also powerful examples of the solidarity and shared development among nations of the Global South. As the broader BRICS cooperation enters a new phase, sustained cultural exchange and mutual learning are vital to ensuring that BRICS Plus collaboration becomes more meaningful, inclusive and enduring, he says.

Tia Ju, vice-president of the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro, noted that in today's world that faces challenges like climate change, social inequality and geopolitical conflict, BRICS countries represent the voice of the Global South. In this context, deepening civilizational dialogue is of great significance. Culture brings people together and builds understanding.

"When we respect each other's differences and celebrate global solidarity, we help lay the foundation for a sustainable future built on peace, empathy and shared prosperity," she says.

The event opened with a performance of musical hits in BRICS countries by the Copacabana Fort Orchestra. BRICS sports champions, business leaders and young professionals then shared stories from their personal journeys, showcasing how the people of BRICS nations strive for common development through resilience, unity and collaboration.

A series of themed exhibitions and cultural events were held alongside the main program, including exhibitions The Declaration of Civilization: A Beautiful Scroll Painting of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind I, The Warmth of the World: BRICS Lifestyle Photo Exhibition, Exhibition of Graphic Seals: Mutual Learning Among Civilizations with A Shared World Vision (BRICS Edition), See you in Guangdong: Lingnan Cultural Innovation Exhibition, Essence of China: Exploring the Culture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, apart from an interactive experience project of craftsmanship of the BRICS countries.

The Friday event was part of the Dialogue of Civilizations Series organized under the overall guidance of the State Council Information Office of China. Additional activities are set to follow, including exhibition The Third Latin American Tour of Chinese Culture: Entering Brazil, which opened in Sao Paulo on Saturday and featured books, cultural products, intangible heritage performances and copyright exchange sessions.

Another series of events will take place in Rio de Janeiro from Friday to Saturday, including the inauguration of the China-Latin America Joint Research Centre for Exchanges and Mutual Learning between Civilizations and the third International Symposium on China-Latin America Green Future and Sharing Civilizations.

During that time, Beijing-based Renmin University of China and Beihang University are scheduled to sign cooperation agreements with Brazil's Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and the Federal University of Minas Gerais.