BCMF and Ethiopian Youth BRICS+ Association Sign Memorandum of Understanding in Moscow

MOSCOW — September 20, 2026. Elina Adamova, Director International Relations of the BRICS Culture Media Forum (BCMF), signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ethiopian Youth BRICS+ Association in Moscow during a diplomatic reception dedicated to the International Day of Peace.

The agreement establishes a framework for long-term cooperation between BCMF and the Ethiopian youth organization, bringing together cultural diplomacy, media cooperation, youth engagement, education, creative industries, international relations and people-to-people exchange.

The signing took place on September 20, on the eve of the United Nations International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21. The UN has designated the 2026 theme as “Invest in Peace: for everyone, everywhere, every day,” emphasizing the role of dialogue, cooperation and social cohesion in building peace.

A new dimension of BRICS cultural and media cooperation

For the BRICS Culture Media Forum, the memorandum represents a further expansion of its international network and its work connecting culture, media and diplomacy across the BRICS and wider Global South.

BCMF positions itself as a global hub that unites diverse fields such as culture, media, education, entertainment, music, film, tourism, sports, technology, environmental efforts, and non-profit organizations. Its core purpose is to foster cultural exchange, promote mutual comprehension, encourage international collaboration, and build meaningful connections between individuals across the globe.

The Forum has also increasingly combined cultural diplomacy with economic and international dialogue. In 2026, BCMF organized the BRICS International Investment Forum in New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, diplomats, investors, entrepreneurs, media professionals and cultural representatives around questions of international cooperation, investment, innovation and sustainable development.

The new memorandum with the Ethiopian Youth BRICS+ Association extends this approach into a stronger youth and Ethiopia-focused dimension.

Cooperation with Ethiopia’s emerging BRICS youth community

The Ethiopian Youth BRICS+ Association was established in 2025 with a focus on strengthening Ethiopia’s engagement with the BRICS+ framework and creating opportunities for Ethiopian young people to participate in international cooperation, economic diplomacy, innovation and global policy dialogue.

According to the memorandum, the organization works to connect Ethiopian youth with BRICS member and partner countries, youth organizations, institutions, policymakers, businesses, researchers and development partners.

Its priorities include youth diplomacy and international relations, entrepreneurship and investment, trade and business development, science and technology, digital transformation, education and skills development, peace and security, cultural exchange, research and sustainable development.

The organization is headed by Dawit Zegeye Haile, who signed the memorandum on behalf of the Ethiopian Youth BRICS+ Association. The agreement therefore creates a direct institutional link between BCMF’s international cultural and media platform and an Ethiopian organization focused specifically on youth participation in the evolving BRICS+ environment.

The relevance of this cooperation is also reflected in Ethiopia’s wider BRICS agenda. In August 2026, Ethiopia called on BRICS countries to strengthen support for youth-led enterprises and increase investment in digital and green technologies. Ethiopian representatives also highlighted digital literacy, green entrepreneurship, technical skills, conflict prevention and educational and cultural exchange as areas for stronger BRICS cooperation.

From culture and media to youth diplomacy

The memorandum outlines a broad range of potential areas of cooperation.

These initiatives encompass a range of activities, including cultural exchange programs, media and communications projects, collaborations between journalists and content producers, film and music endeavors, support for creative industries, educational opportunities, youth entrepreneurship ventures, business networking events, and platforms for investment discussions.

Both parties plan to investigate collaborative efforts in areas such as artificial intelligence, information technology, digital media, research, tourism, sports-related diplomacy, environmental projects, and programs focused on international youth engagement.

Particular attention is given to the organization of joint conferences, forums, round tables, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, cultural programmes and other international events.

The agreement also provides for cooperation between universities, research institutions, diplomatic missions, government bodies, businesses, NGOs, cultural organizations and other stakeholders.

In practical terms, this gives BCMF and the Ethiopian Youth BRICS+ Association an institutional framework through which individual projects and programmes can be developed.

Culture as a bridge between nations

The philosophy behind the cooperation corresponds closely with BCMF’s broader international mission.

On its official platform, the Forum emphasizes the ability of culture to bring people together across borders, languages and different backgrounds, while identifying mutual respect, dialogue and cultural exchange as important instruments of international cooperation.

BCMF’s previous international initiatives have included programmes dedicated to cultural exchange, creative industries, cinema, education, tourism, sports diplomacy and digital technologies. Its international activities have brought together representatives from government, business, culture and media from different BRICS and partner countries.

The memorandum signed in Moscow adds an important African dimension to this network.

Ethiopia’s position within BRICS gives the partnership particular relevance. As one of the countries that joined the expanded BRICS grouping in 2024, Ethiopia has been developing new channels for cooperation with other BRICS members in areas ranging from economic development and investment to youth, technology, education and culture.

For Ethiopian youth organizations, such partnerships create additional opportunities to establish connections with institutions and young professionals across the wider BRICS community.

For BCMF, cooperation with Ethiopia strengthens the Forum’s ability to connect African voices, youth initiatives and cultural actors with its broader international network.

A memorandum built for practical cooperation

The document signed in Moscow establishes a non-exclusive framework for cooperation. It provides for regular consultations and information exchange, joint activities and project-based agreements where necessary.

The memorandum also establishes provisions concerning confidentiality, use of names and emblems, implementation, amendments and termination.

The agreement is initially set for a three-year period from its entry into force, with the possibility of extension by mutual written agreement.

Rather than limiting the partnership to a single project, the memorandum creates a wider institutional framework through which BCMF and the Ethiopian Youth BRICS+ Association can develop new initiatives over time.

The signing in Moscow therefore represents more than a formal exchange of documents. It establishes a new channel connecting BRICS cultural and media cooperation with Ethiopian youth diplomacy, while creating space for future projects involving culture, media, education, entrepreneurship, technology and international exchange.

As the International Day of Peace is marked around the world, the partnership places particular emphasis on the role of dialogue and human connections in international relations — and on the capacity of culture and youth cooperation to create lasting links between societies.