The event began with a welcoming speech by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who stressed the role of the Brics as a center for the coordination of interests of the countries of the global majority and highlighted the contribution of women to the development of the economies and the social sphere of the participating states.

“Women’s entrepreneurship is one of the key factors in achieving progress,” the head of Russian diplomacy noted, stressing that the initiatives worked out at the forum will be taken into account during the preparation of the Brics summit in Rio de Janeiro.

The participants were also addressed by high-level guests, including the chairwoman of the Council of the Eurasian Women’s Forum Galina Karelova, who conveyed greetings from the chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia Valentina Matvienko.

Karelova noted that women of the Brics countries contribute significantly to the development of their countries, introducing innovations and participating in eco-projects, science and culture.

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