The multinational channel TVBRics explains that each BRICS country nominates three authors to compete for the prize. The winner is determined in three stages: a long list in September, in Brazil; a short list in October, in Shanghai; and the final one in November, in Moscow.

It was also decided to create the “Best Literary Debut” nomination, the winner of which will be honored at the BRICS Arts Festival in the Russian city of Khabarovsk.

The president of the Russian Book Union, Sergey Stepashin, noted that the Brics Literary Prize aims at strengthening intercultural dialogue and spread traditional values.

According to him, “literature destroys prejudices, fosters empathy, and contributes to mutual understanding.”

State Duma deputy and head of the prize’s Secretariat, Dmitry Kuznetsov, spoke at the presentation about the work of the Common Values Research Group, which analyzes the works of nominees to identify key ideas.

The creation of the Brics Literature Network, an international association of writers and publishers from the Brics countries, was also reported.

Regarding the prospects for cooperation in this field, the director of the Iranian Cultural Representation, Masoud Ahmadvand, said that literature can strengthen talks of peace, help people support each other, and recognize new voices.

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