International Media School “Balkan and BRICS+”
The International Media School “Balkans – BRICS+”, held in Belgrade from March 15 to 17, 2025, was a pioneering educational initiative designed for young professionals from the Balkans and BRICS+ countries. Organized by the NGO Ragusa and supported by the Gorchakov Fund, the school gathered over 30 young journalists, analysts, and students with the goal of fostering critical thinking, intercultural exchange, and a deeper understanding of global processes from a multipolar perspective.
Through lectures, expert panels, and interactive workshops led by renowned speakers from Russia, China, Brazil, and Serbia, participants explored key topics such as the role of media in global geopolitics, media literacy, public diplomacy, creative industries, energy cooperation, digital security, and investigative journalism.
The program emphasized the importance of empowering new media voices beyond dominant Western-centric narratives and aimed to create a lasting educational platform for continuous collaboration, knowledge exchange, and strategic networking among young professionals.
The opening ceremony was held at the iconic Russian House in Belgrade, symbolizing cultural ties and diplomatic dialogue between the Balkans and the BRICS+ region. In addition to the educational program, participants engaged in cultural visits, informal gatherings, and networking activities that deepened their understanding of the local context and strengthened mutual trust.
Despite the challenging social climate in Serbia at the time—marked by unrest and protests—the Media School was successfully implemented in full capacity, demonstrating both the dedication of the organizing team and the strong motivation of young people to actively engage in building new models of international cooperation.
The “Balkans – BRICS+” Media School laid the groundwork for a long-term educational and media platform, promoting critical, independent, and globally sensitive journalism and encouraging initiatives that reflect the values and perspectives of the Global Majority. It marks the first step towards institutionalizing deeper cooperation between the Balkans and the BRICS+ space through media, education, and cultural diplomacy.