A Russian Member of Parliament has called for India to join a BRICS initiative focused on children's welfare, emphasizing the necessity of uniting efforts to support and protect the younger generation. This appeal highlights the growing importance of collaborative international efforts in addressing the challenges faced by children worldwide.

The BRICS group, originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded to include other emerging economies like Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia, marking its growing influence on the global stage. The bloc aims to foster sustainable development and enhance cooperation among developing countries, addressing issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change.

The call for India to join the BRICS children's welfare initiative underscores the potential for BRICS to address social and humanitarian issues, in addition to economic and political ones. By pooling resources, sharing expertise, and coordinating policies, BRICS nations can create a more comprehensive and effective approach to safeguarding children's rights and well-being.

India's involvement could bring significant value to the initiative. India has a strong network in providing tele-education to many countries. Moreover, India's experience with various social programs and its large and diverse population could provide valuable insights and best practices for the initiative. India already has been granted a US$ 1 billion loan from the NDB for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Generation Scheme (MGNREGA).

The specific details of the BRICS children's welfare initiative, including its goals, strategies, and activities, would provide a clearer understanding of how India's participation could contribute to its success. However, potential areas of collaboration could include:

• Combating child poverty: Implementing programs to reduce poverty and improve access to essential services like healthcare, education, and nutrition for children in BRICS nations.
• Promoting quality education: Sharing best practices in education, developing innovative learning tools, and expanding access to education for marginalized children.
• Strengthening child protection systems: Enhancing legal frameworks, law enforcement, and social services to prevent and respond to violence, exploitation, and abuse against children.
• Improving child health: Collaborating on research, prevention, and treatment of childhood diseases, and promoting access to quality healthcare services for all children.
• Supporting children in emergencies: Coordinating humanitarian assistance and protection for children affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and other crises.

The importance of focusing on the youth and their well-being has been a recurring theme within the BRICS framework. For example, the BRICS Youth Council was established to encourage cooperation initiatives, technology transfer and academic exchanges driven by young people. Mental health also needs special focus in India through education.

While the Russian MP's call emphasizes the potential benefits of India joining the BRICS children's welfare initiative, it is important to acknowledge the challenges and complexities involved in such collaborations. Differing priorities, resource constraints, and bureaucratic hurdles could impede progress. However, by addressing these challenges and fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding, BRICS nations can work together to create a brighter future for children.