St. Petersburg becomes capital of BRICS international municipal dialogue

From 29 to 31 October 2025, St. Petersburg will host the International Municipal BRICS Forum (IMBRICS) – a major event bringing together mayors, governors, entrepreneurs and experts from more than 50 countries. Around 5,000 participants interested in the sustainable development of cities are expected to take part.

The Forum will take place at the EXPOFORUM Convention and Exhibition Centre and will serve as a platform for discussing current urban development strategies. For the first time in its history, the Forum will be organised jointly with the International Forum-Exhibition Russian Industrialist, where representatives of municipalities will be able to interact directly with industrial and technology companies, as well as potential investors.

The Forum’s programme includes 15 thematic areas. Among the key ones are smart cities and digitalisation, green transformation and sustainable development, municipal finance and investment, development of tourism, sport and cultural heritage, social innovation and youth initiatives. Particular attention will be given to developing business ties and strengthening international municipal partnerships through people’s diplomacy.

“It is important that the most substantial section is devoted precisely to youth issues, because great prospects for cooperation within international relations lie specifically among young specialists and at the municipal level,” noted Deputy Chairperson of the Federation Council and Deputy Chairperson of the IMBRICS Organising Committee Inna Svyatenko.

Organisers emphasise that the Forum is not only a space for expert discussions but also a roadmap for practical solutions, providing an opportunity to exchange experiences and launch joint projects.

The General Partner of the International Municipal BRICS Forum 2025 is the Moscow Government. The Forum is held with the support of the Federation Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, the Government of St. Petersburg, the Moscow City Duma, the All-Russian Association for the Development of Local Self-Government, the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, and the Roscongress Foundation. TV BRICS is the international media partner of the event.

Photo: Anna_Pakutina / iStock