A young delegation from the Russian State Nuclear Energy Corporation Rosatom attended the 5th Youth Energy Summit of BRICS, which was held in Johannesburg, South Africa and represents cooperation at various levels between the economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and the Republic of South Africa. joined.
The event, attended by more than 30 representatives from 400 countries, brought together South African energy sector executives, experts from around the world, young entrepreneurs, researchers and community leaders from G5 countries and Global South countries, who determined together how they could contribute to the development of the energy sector in the African continent.
Organized by the South African Government Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy and the BRICS Youth Energy Agency (BRICS YEA), the summit was supported by Rosatom, the South African Development Bank (DBSA), the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) and other organizations.
In his speech, Jacob Mbele, Director General of the South African Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, drew attention to this year's BRICS theme for South Africa, “BRICS and Africa: A partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism” and said:
“In Africa, more than 600 million people lack clean and reliable energy, and more than 900 million households lack the energy equipment necessary to cook their food. Inadequate access to energy is critical for women, youth and children. Therefore, youth is at the center of priorities for South Africa as 2023 BRICS President. South Africa stands ready to lead this international and intergenerational effort to mobilize youth to ensure reliable and sustainable access to energy for all of Africa.”
Presenting the development plans for the next year on behalf of the community, BRICS YEA Leader Alexander Kormishin said, “Today we are hosting the BRICS Youth Energy Summit for all Africa and countries that share the vision of youth coming together to develop the energy sector. We currently have over 30 representatives representing more than 400 countries around the world, and we expect our positive energy to be carried to the countries of the Global South.”
Rosatom's young delegation, consisting of 10 representatives, gave speeches and participated in the debates at the panels organized within the scope of the summit's work program.
Oleg Spoyalov, Director of Public Affairs of Rusatom-International Network Organization, responsible for coordinating Rosatom's branches around the world, discussed the development of youth initiatives to provide access to energy on the African continent, as well as the role of young communities in establishing and promoting a carbon-neutral energy agenda, as well as existing projects that contributed to it. promised.
Spoyalov also talked about the Global Partners Network initiative, which brings together business partners and young professionals from various sectors to seek solutions to the challenges of the energy transition centered on human values and well-being.
Rosatom Technical Academy International Activities Specialist Milana Ozerina shared her knowledge on gender balance in the nuclear industry as part of the session titled "Empowering Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)". Participants in the session discussed current international and national initiatives to attract girls to these areas, the importance of guidance in professional development, and gender balance issues in the BRICS countries.
Anastasia Muss, Head of Science and Innovations A.Ş. Development and International Affairs Unit, and TVEL A.Ş. Maria Voznesenskaya, Head of the Decommissioning Program Management Department, attended a session where promising nuclear technologies in the fight against climate change such as small modular reactors, fast reactors and closed fuel cycle, fusion power were discussed. Participants emphasized the need for international scientific and technical cooperation within the framework of BRICS and shared innovative practices for informing the public about nuclear technologies.
Renata Faizova, President of Rosatom Academy Sustainable Development Research and Programs, also talked about Rosatom's practices aimed at attracting talented young people to the world of science and business. Faizova also spoke about teaching sustainable leadership and creating the conditions to unlock the potential of young workers and engage them in critical business areas.
Also at the summit, members of the Global Partners Network community came together to discuss the strategic development of the community and gave information about the status of the projects developed under the four thematic topics of the energy agenda.
