On October 23, «BRICS+ Model: Arctic Track» student business game took place at the Presidential Academy in St. Petersburg. The event was organized by the Student Scientific Society, the Chair of International Relations, in collaboration with the RANEPA Center for Arctic Research and Projects, funded by the «Project Office for Arctic Development» (PORA), and assistance from RANEPA St. Petersburg Science Department.
50 students from the Presidential Academy in St. Petersburg, the HSE St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg State University, the Russian State University for the Humanities, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, and the Herzen State Pedagogical University came together to simulate the proceedings of a BRICS summit, discuss the Arctic agenda, and propose new initiatives and forms of cooperation for BRICS+ nations in the region.
Delegates acted on behalf of national governments. Sense of realism was provided both by correspondents from simulated international media — who asked pointed questions —and by delegations representing the indigenous peoples of the North, who advocated the interests of Arctic populations. The agreement on a draft framework document for the Arctic, which incorporated delegates’ initiatives, was an outcome.
Students shared:
The BRICS+ model event was performed perfectly: thoughtful organization, experienced experts, and a truly vibrant atmosphere during the negotiations. I am very glad that I had the chance to be a part of it.
Eva Mikheeva, a student at the HSE University in St. Petersburg
Perhaps what I enjoyed most were the informal negotiations. That’s where all the most interesting things happened.
Karina Ageeva, a student at RANEPA St. Petersburg
The business game gave students an excellent opportunity to play the role of diplomats and gain a deeper understanding of the BRICS+ Arctic agenda.
The methodological support of the event was provided by the participants of the Russian Science Foundation project No. 25-18-00379 “Modeling Arctic Cooperation within BRICS: Opportunities and Challenges for Russia in an Era of Global Turbulence”.
