St. Petersburg, Russia – The IMBRICS Forum 2025 (International Municipal BRICS Forum), held in late October in St. Petersburg, brought together over 2 000 delegates from more than 70 countries — including mayors, urban planners, economists, and business leaders. This annual event has evolved into one of the most influential platforms for dialogue between rapidly developing BRICS + cities and established European urban centers.
The 2025 edition focused on the future of global cities in an era of economic transition, digitalization, and climate change. Representatives from Brazil, India, China, South Africa, and partner nations shared practical insights into how large metropolitan regions are balancing economic expansion with sustainable development. European participants — including experts from Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands — contributed perspectives on regulatory frameworks, environmental standards, and long-term urban planning.
Accelerated urban growth and new infrastructure paradigms
Forum discussions revealed that cities across BRICS nations are urbanizing at unprecedented rates, often outpacing European metropolises in both scale and speed. In India, cities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru are expanding through ambitious smart-city programs. Brazil continues to invest in integrated transport systems in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to manage growing mobility demands. China’s megacities remain global leaders in digital infrastructure and energy-efficient housing, while South Africa focuses on revitalizing urban cores and addressing socio-economic disparities.
Across these regions, urbanization is reshaping demographics, creating millions of new jobs, and driving demand for housing, clean energy, and modern public services. This momentum, experts noted, contrasts with Europe’s slower urban growth yet opens the door to cooperation in technology transfer and sustainable policy design.
From competition to collaboration
Several speakers underlined that BRICS cities are no longer merely catching up with Western standards — they are setting new benchmarks in scale, innovation, and adaptability. The rise of emerging megacities such as Guangzhou, São Paulo, Delhi, and Johannesburg is shifting the global balance of economic influence, creating fresh opportunities for trade and investment between the Global South and Europe.
At the same time, both regions share challenges in urban mobility, housing affordability, and climate adaptation. As European cities focus on regulatory excellence and long-term planning, BRICS cities provide examples of flexibility and rapid technological adoption. Participants agreed that combining these strengths through structured cooperation could define the next decade of sustainable urban policy.
Social transformation and human capital
Urbanization across the BRICS countries is driving deep social change. Expanding middle classes, evolving employment structures, and rising education levels are redefining consumption patterns and civic engagement. In India and China, millions are joining the digital workforce, while in Brazil and South Africa, social inclusion programs are reshaping the urban labor landscape. These transitions are seen as vital foundations for long-term economic resilience and political stability.
European engagement and shared priorities
The forum’s international panels emphasized that collaboration between BRICS and European cities is not only desirable but essential. Areas such as green transition, circular economy, smart mobility, and public-private partnerships were identified as key vectors for mutual growth. European municipalities are increasingly interested in sharing policy expertise and co-developing technologies that can be tested at scale within BRICS megacities.
About the IMBRICS Forum
The IMBRICS Forum is held annually with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Federation Council, and the Moscow Government. It brings together global city leaders, urban policy experts, investors, and international organizations to foster collaboration on urban development, sustainability, and digital transformation.
The 2025 program included sessions on green energy transition, transport innovation, education and social infrastructure, AI-driven governance, and urban tourism.
The forum underscored that while Europe retains its role as a benchmark in sustainable governance, the momentum of BRICS cities is reshaping global urbanization trends — proving that the future of cities will be built on cooperation, not competition.
