The BRICS Youth Energy Summit under the South African Presidency celebrated its 5th edition and for the first time became an open ‘energy’ gathering for BRICS youth and young professionals from the Global South, primarily from Africa. The 2 days agenda featured 9 thematic sessions on various aspects of the on-going energy transition in the BRICS countries along with its social aspects. The Summit participants had an opportunity to understand the challenges that Africa has faced in the energy sector and to engage with the leaders of its energy sector, both governments and industries.

“In Africa, more than 600 million people lack access to clean reliable energy and more than 900 million households lack access to clean cooking sources. Insufficient and inadequate access to energy is critical for women, youth, and children. Therefore, as Chair of BRICS in 2023, South Africa has placed youth at the center of its priorities and is ready to lead this international and intergenerational effort to galvanize youth action to ensure reliable and sustainable access to energy for all of Africa.”, said Mr. Jacob Mbele, Director General of South Africa’s Department for Mineral Resources and Energy.

“Today we are hosting the BRICS Youth Energy Summit for all of Africa and countries that share the vision of youth in coming together to develop the energy sector. We have over 400 delegates with us at this moment, representing more than 30 countries around the world, and we expect our positive momentum to carry across the Global South.”, welcomed the participants Mr. Alexander Kormishin, Chairperson of BRICS Youth Energy Agency.

The sessions of the Summit included discussions on energy access and energy poverty, green jobs and youth employment, engaging women and girls in STEM, international cooperation to achieve the United Nations SDG 7 (“Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all”), critical minerals and circular economy for the energy transition, nuclear solutions for Africa, and much more. The Summit also discussed the BRICS Youth Energy Outlook as a crucial instrument in delivering the youth perspective to the BRICS energy decision-makers. The proposals of the delegates were included in the final Declaration which was received by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to ensure its reflection in the at the 8th BRICS Energy Ministerial Communique and the BRICS Heads of State Declaration.

The Anniversary Summit was celebrated at the Gala Dinner on the 3rd of August.

The Summit provided a unique opportunity for offline delegates to attend technical sites in Johannesburg neighborhood, including facilities of Mintek, South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA), Marie-Louise Landfill, and Rustmo1 Solar Farm.

Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and BRICS Youth Energy Agency extend their appreciation for support of the Summit to Rosatom & Mission Impact, South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), Mintek (Council for Mineral Technology), Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), Energy & Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA), South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), and The Geostrata.

The Summit also hosted a meeting of the Global Partners Network, a BRICS YEA community, where young professionals and entrepreneurs discussed further strategic development of the community and reported on the status of projects being developed in the four thematic tracks.

For reference:

V BRICS Youth Energy Summit Agenda – Click to download
Watch Online – Click here to watch