GlobUs

“Tourism is not just about economics; it’s a tool for diplomacy”: Rishabh Sethi on the role of youth within BRICS

At a strategic session on tourism held during the BRICS+ Business Forum in St. Petersburg, Rishabh Sethi — an expert analyst in international relations, BRICS affairs, and public diplomacy, and a member of GlobUs — noted that the BRICS architecture rests on three pillars: political security, economic cooperation, and humanitarian diplomacy.

“Tourism should not be viewed merely as an isolated economic sector. It is an indispensable tool for public diplomacy, capable of overcoming contemporary geopolitical tensions,” he stated.

According to Mr. Sethi, youth exchanges are of particular importance. In an era marked by information wars and polarization, young travelers serve as “cultural ambassadors.”

“They document their authentic experiences, share them on social media, and directly dismantle stereotypes. Direct interaction allows people to learn about the history and traditions of their partners firsthand — a fact already demonstrated by exchange programs between India and Russia over the past year,” Mr. Sethi remarked.

He added that the harmonization of tourism protocols and the development of new tourism products represent practical steps toward a multipolar world.

Furthermore, Mr. Sethi met with the Russian Minister of Industry and Trade, Anton Alikhanov, and the President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), Alexander Shokhin. During these discussions, the GlobUs member emphasized the importance of deep integration among BRICS nations to foster sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation across the Global South.

#GlobUs #BRICS #tourism #Russia #India

« Geopolitics is inseparable from the future of African youth »: How GlobUs is developing people-to-people diplomacy

Today, when the world is undergoing a massive transformation and the old rules of the game are no longer applicable, it is especially important to give people the tools to understand new realities. This task is carried out by the international expert club GlobUs, which brings together specialists from around the world. Journalist and GlobUs member Clarisse Wiydorven spoke about its mission on air.

« Our task is to show that people are the main driving force behind their countries’ development. This is people-to-people diplomacy. And this is precisely what GlobUs is talking about today, congratulating researcher Michael Ndimancho on his dissertation defense, » she said.

According to Ms. Wiydorven, geopolitics today is inseparable from the future of the continent’s youth. GlobUs conducts seminars and roundtables to demonstrate how African countries can integrate into global processes.

#GlobUs #Africa #geopolitics #panAfricanism

“From a Four-Nation Dialogue to a Global Alternative”: GlobUs Expert Discusses the Transformation of BRICS at a St. Petersburg Forum

The BRICS+ Business Forum took place in St. Petersburg as part of the milestone “Russian Industrialist” Forum. Rishabh Sethi — an analyst specializing in international relations, BRICS, and public diplomacy, and a member of GlobUs — spoke at a strategic session dedicated to tourism. He provided an overview of the alliance’s evolution and the role of public diplomacy in building a multipolar world.

Mr. Sethi noted that BRICS has come a long way, evolving from a dialogue between four nations to an expanded group that now includes South Africa and, subsequently, other new partners. At the same time, according to him, a key milestone in institutional maturity was the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB).

“The NDB was created to serve as a financial alternative to Western-dominated institutions like the IMF and the World Bank. Meanwhile, the BRICS+ format, which emerged in 2017, provided a mechanism for integrating countries from the Global South,” he emphasized.

Mr. Sethi also drew attention to the success of the 18th BRICS Summit, held in New Delhi in September 2026 under India’s chairmanship. He described the event as an example of decentralized public diplomacy.

“India hosted over 350 meetings and sector-specific events across 25 to 30 cities nationwide. This extended international cooperation well beyond the capital cities and set a new standard for inclusive, multilateral dialogue,” the analyst observed.

In conclusion, Mr. Sethi highlighted the scale of the grouping: BRICS+ represents approximately 50–55% of the global population and about 30% of the Earth’s landmass, whereas G7 nations account for only about 10% of the world’s population. In his view, this creates a vast foundation for cross-border cooperation.

#GlobUs #BRICS #Russia #India #geopolitics

GlobUs Awarded the Best Graduates of its Educational Program in Zimbabwe

In Harare, 35 interns received gold and silver certificates from the international expert club GlobUs. The diploma ceremony took place on October 24.

The documents confirm the successful completion of the practical course in sociological research. This is the participants’ first confident step on a new path. The skills they have acquired will help them contribute to the future of their home country.

« We are proud of our graduates. Conducting socioeconomic research requires not only an analytical mindset, but also tremendous perseverance, courage, and a passion for the field. We saw exactly these types of people in Zimbabwe — dedicated, courageous, and resourceful. They are ready to tackle challenges of any complexity, » noted GlobUs representative Alexander Chinarev.

#GlobUs #Zimbabwe #sociology

“Resource Possession Doesn’t Equal Economic Power”: What Was Discussed at the GlobUs Roundtable

The transition from political independence to real economic sovereignty was the main topic of a roundtable organized by the GlobUs expert club in Douala. The occasion was the defense of researcher Michael Ndimancho’s doctoral dissertation on the evolution of Black consciousness.

GlobUs founder and political scientist Yulia Berg noted that the world is currently experiencing turbulence, and the African continent will play a key role in it.

“The pandemic has given a powerful impetus to the development of Pan-Africanism. Transformation is inevitable, but what the future will look like is still unclear. It depends on expert communities and individuals who are ready to implement change,” she stated.

The study’s author, Dr. Michael Ndimancho, called on Africans to stop focusing solely on criticizing colonialism and start recycling resources.

“We’ve spent too much time talking about what Africa lacks. But resource possession doesn’t equal economic power. What matters is who controls and processes them. Africa must move from demonstrating identity to economic identity,” he emphasized.

Mechanical engineering professor Peter Sob gave specific examples of how economic consciousness works in practice.

“You can complain about bad roads all you want, or you can rally your community and fix the potholes. You can wait for the government to fix the electricity problem, or you can install solar panels for your business. Don’t wait for leaders — start solving your community’s problems right now,” he explained.

Dr. Gnaka Lagoke of Lincoln University noted that the African philosophy of Ubuntu, based on community and mutual aid, must be the foundation.

“If we wait for political leaders to decide our fate, we’ll get nowhere. Ubuntu isn’t just a word; it’s an economic model. It’s a principle where a community unites to support one another and then, together, enter the global marketplace. Young people must take their destiny into their own hands,” he concluded.

Possessing resources alone does not make a country rich. As participants noted, Africa must move from exporting raw materials to creating its own industries, so that political flags don’t end up without an economy behind them.

#GlobUs #Africa #economy #Ubuntu #panAfricanism

**“The African Paradox” in Sierra Leone: Yulia Berg on the Country’s Economy

Sierra Leone** is a small country in West Africa, known for its impressive resource reserves and difficult colonial past. Political scientist and founder of GlobUs, Yulia Berg, spoke about how the country is doing today on the “Mama Africa” program on the “Soloviev LIVE” channel.

According to her, the country’s history was shaped first by the Portuguese slave trade, then by British colonization, from which it only emerged in 1971. In the 1990s, the country experienced a protracted civil war.

“It was a war not so much for power as for diamonds and gold, because this country has abundant natural resources,” Ms. Berg explained.

The country is currently led by Julius Maada Bio. Under his leadership, social services have been actively developed — for example, free school education has been introduced. However, the economy remains dependent on raw material exports.

“The state’s primary revenue comes from the export of iron ore, gold, and other minerals. Its main partners are China, the UAE, Liberia, and Guinea. But they trade raw materials for finished goods,” the expert noted.

This is the “African paradox,” says Ms. Berg.

“Africa is the richest continent with the poorest people. There is a systemic dependence on external financing and loans,” she emphasized.

At the same time, some West African countries are trying to weaken France’s influence, while new partners like China, the UAE, and Russia are playing an increasingly significant role amid a new wave of Pan-Africanism.

Tourism in Sierra Leone is underdeveloped due to a lack of infrastructure, although there are beaches and nature reserves. The country is noted for the traditions of the closed Poro and Sande communities. According to Ms. Berg, thanks to the penetration of information, ancient initiation rites are gradually being transformed: some aspects are being abandoned, but dances and rituals are being preserved, adapting to modern realities.

#GlobUs #SierraLeone #Africa #economy #tourism

“We need an army capable of defending the country”: Congo’s debate amid Kabila’s rebellion

Former DRC President Joseph Kabila, sanctioned by the US for supporting armed groups, announced the creation of a rebel movement, the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN). Against this backdrop, on the program “Regard sur le monde,” experts discussed whether Kabila is fighting for a constitution or trying to regain power.

Kayembe Junior-Nathanael, a representative of the ruling UDPS party and researcher, stated that Kabila has defected to the enemies of the state.

“He led the country for 18 years, and now he has joined forces with the same people he fought against. He is accused of crimes, and he has no right to bear arms. His only recourse is to stand trial; there will be no amnesty,” he stated.

Nganga Puati, co-founder of the Popular Front and a leader of the Congolese diaspora, stated that for him, there is no difference between Kabila and current President Félix Tshisekedi — in his view, neither is addressing the country’s main problems.

“I say to both those who support Kabila and those who support Tshisekedi: they are both only interested in their own situation. People in the east want security, not disputes over constitutional provisions. We need a strong national army capable of defending the country,” he stated.

Professor Tapé Groubera pointed out that the real cause of the crisis lies in economic dependence and external interference.

“The problem is not Kabila or Tshisekedi, but the system that allows foreigners to siphon resources. The Congolese need leaders who will give the army the means to regain control of the territory,” he emphasized.

Experts are confident that the political crisis in the DRC will not be resolved by a change of leadership as long as security and resource management remain in the hands of external players.

Watch the broadcast recording: https://youtu.be/yNh7X3JmPOk?si=qHk04oaPj-lrk1Sg

#GlobUs #DRC #Africa #politics #security

Top News: Powerful earthquake in Tibet. Putin speaks of Europe’s "political schizophrenia." Moscow prepares for the Russia-Africa Summit.

In this news release:

— A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake has struck Tibet, in southwestern China. At least 16 people have died, and 46 others have been injured — 11 of them critically. More than 300 homes have been destroyed.

— Vladimir Putin has described statements by European officials — claiming that Russia is threatening war — as "political schizophrenia." He noted that Moscow remains open to diplomacy and the resumption of trilateral talks involving the U.S. and Ukraine. These discussions could potentially take place in Abu Dhabi in mid-November.

— Turkey and Canada have signed three agreements covering cooperation in the defense industry, air transport, and the energy sector. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney — following years of strained relations — have characterized this as a new era in their bilateral ties, agreeing to establish a strategic partnership.

— Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing with his Congolese counterpart, Constant Serge Bounda. China reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development of the Congo and expressed its opposition to external interference. The two sides also discussed preparations for the 2027 China-Africa forum, as well as cooperation in the healthcare sector.

— Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has urged mining companies to focus on job creation and the training of local personnel, rather than limiting their efforts solely to social projects. Zambia plans to increase copper production to 3 million tonnes by 2031 and raise local content requirements from 20% to 40%.

— Footage of Moscow has been released ahead of the third Russia–Africa Summit, scheduled for October 28–29. Leaders from African nations will gather in the Russian capital to discuss politics, the economy, security, and humanitarian ties. A joint action plan for 2027–2029 is expected to be approved.

For more details and other news, see the GlobUs digest of top news https://youtu.be/ymos9G3FpSw

#GlobUs #digest #China #Russia #Europe

Russia-Africa Summit: From Declarations to Projects, Deadlines, and Responsibilities

On October 22, the GlobUs International Expert Club hosted a roundtable discussion titled “The Russia-Africa Summit in the Context of Sanctions Pressure and Multipolarity: Strategic Opportunities and Risks.” The meeting was timed to coincide with the third Russia-Africa Summit, which will be held in Moscow on October 28-29. Participants agreed that the main question today is not the number of documents signed, but rather what they translate into contracts, facilities, and educational programs.

The discussion was moderated by Sevgi Akhmedova, Head of the African Club at the Russian State University for the Humanities and a member of the GlobUs expert club. She recalled that in a multipolar world, Africa is no longer an object, but a subject: the continent has its own goals, enshrined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Therefore, sovereignty was at the center of the discussion.

Political scientist and founder of the GlobUs club, Yulia Berg, announced a comprehensive strategy for Russia’s cooperation with African countries, which will be published during the summit. The approximately 200-page document covers 14 areas and begins with a chapter on sovereignty. It is based on over a thousand expert interviews and extensive research.

According to Ms. Berg, trade deals yield quick results, while strategic change is impossible without science, education, and joint infrastructure projects in energy, water supply, and manufacturing. She also called for realistic expectations: Russia will not offer Africa investments on the scale of China, but is open to technology exchange and the creation of joint ventures.

Serge Fokas Odunlami, President of the NGO “House of Africa,” presented his book “Africa: A New Market for Russian Business,” and identified ignorance of the market as the main mistake Russian companies make: Africa comprises 54 countries, and the choice of country to launch into determines success. He sees Russia’s competitive advantages in education, energy, and technologies for processing African products locally. To achieve this, he believes, it’s necessary to create permanent platforms for interaction and provide African students with internships in Russian companies.

“We need fewer statements and more action,” he emphasized.

Ahmat Tahir Bakhit, Sputnik Africa’s lead correspondent and the head of external relations for the Russian House in Chad, noted that the success of cooperation is measured by what changes for people. Graduates from Russian universities often return home without work experience, which reduces the impact of educational programs. African countries, he argued, need technology, personnel, and local production rather than investment. He also noted that Russian media are operating under restrictions on social media platforms and are seeking alternative channels.

Rishabh Sethi, President and Founder of the Indian Center for the Promotion of International Initiatives, emphasized that multipolarity means “more space at the common table.” He cited the number of joint ventures, skilled jobs, and the amount of funds retained in the local economy as criteria for a successful partnership.

Summing up, Akhmedova noted that the summit is not about loud slogans, but rather projects, funding, and responsibilities.

#GlobUs #RussiaAfrica #Africa #RussiaAfricaSummit

Top News: Putin Thanked Trump for His Efforts in Ukraine. Iran Announces Closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Japan protests US-led exercises

In this news release:

— Vladimir Putin thanked Donald Trump for his efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine at a meeting with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg.

— Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin stated that relations between Moscow and Beijing are at a historic high. During talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in St. Petersburg, the two sides signed a number of cooperation agreements in energy, transport, agriculture, and the digital economy.

— The Baltic Fleet training ship Perekop arrived in Walvis Bay, Namibia, as part of a round-the-world voyage. It covered more than 1,800 nautical miles in seven days.

— The Indian frigate Sahyadri left Vladivostok after completing the naval phase of the Indra 2026 exercises. The maneuvers included artillery fire, exercises to free a captured vessel, and counter-drone training.

— IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebbi stated that the Strait of Hormuz is almost 100% closed to US warships and vessels carrying cargo for Israel. He threatened to expand operations beyond the strait.

— Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama explained his country's aspirations to join BRICS. He said shifting global alliances and competition for resources make economic independence vital. Ghana first intends to achieve partner country status.

— Hundreds of Japanese citizens gathered outside the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo, demanding an end to joint exercises with the US. Protesters opposed the expansion of the military presence on the southwestern islands and increased defense spending amid challenges in healthcare and education.

For more details and other news, see the GlobUs digest of top news https://youtu.be/eXDzQRJq4EE

#GlobUs #digest #Russia #USA #Iran