Belgrade, March 15 – 17, 2025 – Organized by the NGO Ragusa with the support of the Gorchakov Fund, the “Balkans – BRICS+” Media School was held in Belgrade from March 15 to 17, gathering around 30 young journalists, bloggers, and digital content creators from Serbia, the wider Balkan region, and BRICS+ countries, including Russia, China, and Brazil.
Conceived as an innovative educational platform, the school aimed to equip young media professionals with tools to critically understand contemporary geopolitical developments beyond dominant Western narratives. Over the course of three days, participants attended lectures, interactive workshops, and panel discussions led by distinguished journalists, professors, diplomats, and researchers from BRICS+ countries.
The opening ceremony took place at the Russian Center of Science and Culture in Belgrade and featured keynotes from experts such as Prof. Dr. Ekaterina Entina, Henrique Domingues, Anastasia Kotova, Vladan Grbović, and Tiosav Purić. A special artistic touch was provided by performers Sonja Kalajić and Bojana Dimković, who presented traditional Serbian music using unique instruments, including the musical saw.
Program sessions focused on the role of media in a multipolar world, public diplomacy, digital security, investigative journalism, and the development of alternative media narratives. Presenters shared best practices and offered participants practical tools for navigating today’s complex media landscape, with a strong emphasis on networking and intercultural exchange.
Scenes from the International Media School in Belgrade, Hotel Mark – participants, lectures, and speakers
In addition to the educational content, participants engaged in cultural and social activities that offered insight into Serbia’s history and contemporary society, helping foster deeper mutual understanding and long-term connections.
The “Balkans – BRICS+” Media School laid the foundation for future institutional cooperation and joint media and research initiatives aligned with the values of the BRICS+ framework. Upcoming steps include expanding the program, connecting with partner institutions, and launching collaborative projects that support inclusive and balanced global communication.