Forum in Brazil establishes BRICS Literature Network

Following the results of II BRICS Traditional Values Forum, a declaration was signed on the creation of the BRICS Literature Network. The international association will bring together writers, literary scholars and publishers from participating countries to develop multilateral cultural exchange. The initiative to create the network came from Chinese colleagues during a meeting with the China Writers Association in June 2025. 

Vadim Terekhin, co-chair of the Russian Union of Writers, and Marcos Freitas, president of the Brazilian Academy of Letters (ABL), will take the lead. Representatives from other BRICS countries will join the association's collegial body.

The announcement of the creation of the association was made at a round table dedicated to the BRICS Literary Award, which is supported by the Eurasian Media Group.

Terekhin presented the long list for the prize, which includes authors from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the UAE, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and Egypt.

Hemang Joshi, distinguished Member of Indian Parliament and member of the award's organising committee, emphasised the importance of new literary cooperation on the international stage.

"Art and literature know no boundaries – recognising this idea, the BRICS Literary Award provides a platform for bringing together all literary communities and celebrating literature at an international level. This will truly open a new chapter in the world of literature," he said.

Zelalem Melak Bogale, Member of the House of People's Representatives of Ethiopia and member of the award's organising committee, noted that the award is a unique opportunity for writers.

"The idea behind this award will allow participating countries to get to know each other better through the prism of their culture and traditions, because literature is a powerful tool for telling the story of nations' history and traditions," he added.

The BRICS Literary Award was established in November 2024 at the Traditional Values Forum as a new international award to strengthen humanitarian cooperation. The award supports authors whose works reflect the traditions and values of the BRICS peoples and promotes the translation and publication of new books. The winner is selected in three stages: a long list (September, Brazil), a short list (October, Shanghai), and the winner will be announced in November in Moscow.

Photo: BRICS Traditional Values Forum