BRICS countries call for stronger investment in children

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BRICS countries seek stronger support for children from early years to adulthood

25.08.26

BRICS countries seek stronger support for children from early years to adulthood

Investment in children should become one of the priorities for cooperation among BRICS countries, forum participants noted

Photo source: Volha Rahalskaya / iStock

Participants at the BRICS Child Futures Forum called for the development of children and adolescents to be made one of the long-term priorities of cooperation among the group’s member states – from support in early childhood through to the start of independent adult life, reports ANI, a partner of TV BRICS.

"BRICS is home to more than a billion children, nearly half of the world's children. Their health, learning, skills and agency will shape the future strength of BRICS economies and societies," said Jesper Moller, UNICEF India Representative.

Senior government officials, experts, researchers, representatives of international organisations and young people from India and other BRICS countries called for issues relating to the health, education, nutrition and employment of young people to be considered not in isolation but as interconnected elements of a single system of support for individuals throughout their life cycle – from early childhood to adulthood. They identified three main areas for further work.

Firstly, to increase investment in children from the earliest age. This involves supporting the health of mothers and children, ensuring adequate nutrition and creating conditions for early development. This support should subsequently continue through the education system, vocational training and the preparation of young people for entry into the labour market.

Secondly, to make government programmes and services more accessible to families. It is proposed that particular attention be paid to children and families who face greater difficulties in accessing healthcare, education, social benefits and other essential services.

Thirdly, to develop practical exchanges of experience between BRICS countries in order to share successful programmes and solutions in the fields of education, healthcare, social protection and youth development and to utilise tried-and-tested approaches.

The forum also emphasised that, for programmes to be implemented effectively, it is necessary to strengthen local institutions, improve on-the-ground operations and more actively involve women and young people in the development of relevant initiatives.

"The evidence is clear: investing early in children produces benefits across education, health, economic participation and social well-being. The priority now is to translate evidence into country plans, financing decisions, stronger delivery systems and practical cooperation across BRICS," added the UNICEF representative in India.

The forum, entitled "Investing in Children, Securing the Future: Human Capital for the Next BRICS Decade", took place during India’s BRICS Chairship. It was organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with UNICEF India.