iBRICS+
Introduction
iBRICS+, the Institute for Cultural Exchange and Economic Development of BRICS+ countries, serves as a facilitative platform focused on enhancing regional governance and fostering
economic development through international partnerships.
Initiated under the framework and methodology provided by Brazil-China relations, iBRICS+ is a youth-led initiative that seeks to match the dormant productive capacities of Brazil with engineering and infrastructural project opportunities provided by partnerships within the
BRICS+ countries.
By fostering international collaborations, iBRICS+ aims to revitalize local economies and also integrate and professionally develop the youth, preparing them for future challenges and
opportunities in a globalized world, as it directly addresses the challenge of underutilized
local capacities and the signicant shortage of skilled professionals, including engineers, in Brazil.
Methodological Approach
iBRICS+ employs a comprehensive approach to match Brazilian regions with potential international partners, emphasizing youth involvement and educational synergies:
Mapping and Analysis
Conducting thorough assessments to identify the specic needs and potentials of Brazilian municipalities, focusing on regions with signicant youth populations.
Stakeholder Engagement
Engaging local government ocials and educational institutions to outline the benets and requirements of international partnerships, with special programs targeting young professionals and students.
Partner Identication and Facilitation
Identifying suitable BRICS+ partners and facilitating strategic partnerships that are benecial for both local development and professional growth of young people.
Objectives
Youth-Led
Projects
Initiating projects designed and led by young professionals, involving them in all stages—from conception to implementation
Educational and Technical Exchanges
Creating exchange programs and internships with BRICS+ nations to enhance vocational and technical skills among youth, particularly in areas tied to future infrastructure projects
Capacity
Building
Workshops
Organizing workshops and seminars to prepare Brazilian municipalities for international cooperation, with a focus on project management, cross-cultural communication, and technical skills development.
Expected Outcomes
Professional Development for Youth
Providing young professionals with the skills and experiences they need to become leaders and innovators in their fields.
Boosting Infrastructure and Economic Growth
Activating underused resources through infrastructure projects, leading to economic growth and job creation.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
Deepening Brazil’s cooperation with BRICS+ countries, fostering global ties through economic and cultural exchanges that benet all parties.
Executive Team
Luan Scliar
General coordinator of iBRICS+
initiative
As presidential advisor to the Brazil-China Chamber of Economic Development, he acts as a bridge to identify and
establish dialogue between Brazil-China subnational entities and potential partners. Scliar is also the secretary to the BRICS Center of Workers’ Party, and General Secretary of CICRAL Brasil (Russia-Latin America Center for Integration and Cooperation).
Douglas Ferreira
Co-founder and the creator of
the iBRICS+ initiative
As presidential advisor to the Brazil-China Chamber of Economic Development, he acts as a bridge to identify and establish dialogue between Brazil-China subnational
entities and potential partners. Scliar is also the secretary to the BRICS Center of Workers’ Party, and General Secretary of CICRAL Brasil (Russia-Latin America Center
for Integration and Cooperation).
Camila Modanez
Co-founder and the creator of
the iBRICS+ initiative
Researcher and former General Coordinator of the Central Directory of Students at the State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Modanez has been working for nearly 10 years on digital community building, participating in progressive electoral campaigns across ve Latin American countries.
Currently, Camila is working on Business Development of hacklab/, a technology company that has been strengthening the free software culture in Brazil for 15 years. Previously, she worked with a global strategic consultancy, developing projects focused on sustainability, technology, and the public sector.
Lucas Souza
Co-founder and the creator of the iBRICS+ initiative
Lawyer with a degree in Law from the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC-SP) and a member of the Research Center on Democracy and Fundamental Rights at the same institution. Experienced in international concessions, privatization processes, and global strategic consultancy, with a focus on sustainability, technology, and the public sector. Currently serving as a teaching assistant in Administrative Law at PUC-SP, I also have expertise in data strategy for political communication, combining legal, academic, and communication skills to align diverse stakeholders and interests toward shared objectives.
Melissa Cambuhy
Lawyer, Professor and researcher, Melissa has a degree in Law (UPM-2017) with a specialization in Law and Development, a Master's degree in Political and Economic Law (UPM-2020) and is a PhD Candidate in International Relations (PPGRI/UERJ). Collaborating researcher at the Brazil-China Studies Center (FGV-Rio); researcher at the Socio-Spatial Formation: Technical Progress and Economic Development research group (UFSC); researcher at the New Economics of Projectment research group (UERJ). Visiting researcher at the Institute of Latin American Studies, at Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. She was Coordinator of Brazil-China International Cooperation at the Lula Institute. She currently coordinates institutional relations for the Latin American regional oce of the China Media Group and is a member of the BRICS Center and the China Group of the Workers’ Party.
Carolina Gaia
Parliamentary Advisor, secretary of the National Youth Directorate of the Workers' Party, and head of the National Preparatory Committee of Brazil for the World Youth Festival 2024 in Sochi, Russia. Gaia is a disciplined and benevolent young leader. Her experience has earned her important contacts throughout city halls across Brazil. Member of BRICS Center of Workers’ Party.
Upcoming Projects
During the September 1st, 2024 meeting, IBRICS+ outlined its key initiatives for the coming months and 2025.
Key activities planned include:
– Organizing a G20 Social Event in November 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, focusing on working conditions of Brazilian and global youth.
– Preparing a Russian-Brasilian BRICS Presidency Transition Conference in December 2024. – Coordinating a Schools Diplomacy Clubs for students up to 16 years old, with a focus on engaging young learners in BRICS-related discussions.
– Launching and awarding academic articles, with the creation of a thematic journal on BRICS in partnership with Brazilian universities and BRICS research institutes abroad.
– “BRICS Seasons”: a series of cultural events featuring BRICS countries’ cultural institutions.
– Hosting the BRICS AI Solutions Fair in July 2025, engaging Brazilian educational and research institutions like Federal Institute of Science and Technology, universities and government.
These initiatives aim to foster cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and educational outreach within the BRICS framework.
Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antônio, 2367
Bela Vista - São Paulo - SP 01401-000