BRICS and reshaping education in Global South: From digitalization to AI

Pars Today – BRICS member countries, focusing on the digitalization of education, the development of online learning, and the use of artificial intelligence, have taken steps toward redefining their education systems—a path that could transform the future of education in the Global South.

Amid unprecedented technological acceleration, education has become one of the most important arenas for competition and cooperation among emerging powers. Analytical reports published in international media indicate that BRICS countries, despite their cultural and historical differences, are striving to address shared educational challenges through modern technologies and play a more prominent role in the global education agenda.

This Pars Today news package examines digitalization, online education, and artificial intelligence in the education systems of BRICS countries, which you can read below:

BRICS: Key players in global education
According to a report by the BRICS Expert Council in Russia, in the 2023–2024 school year, approximately 35.9% of school-age children worldwide lived in BRICS countries, and more than one-third of the world’s schools were located in these countries. India ranks first with over 365 million students, followed by China, Brazil, Russia, and South Africa—statistics that highlight the decisive role of these countries in the future of global education.

Shared challenges and educational concerns
Experts emphasize that BRICS countries face similar challenges, ranging from ensuring equal access to compulsory and inclusive education to teacher shortages, migration of educational personnel, and linguistic diversity. In some countries, population growth requires the expansion of educational infrastructure, while in others, migration from rural areas has led to school closures.

Technology: Opportunity or challenge?
The introduction of digital education, neural networks, and artificial intelligence into BRICS education systems is seen as an opportunity to reduce inequalities and expand access. However, questions remain regarding the quality of online education, the role of teachers, and the ability of these platforms to train skilled professionals. Experts believe that the future of education will not lie in eliminating traditional models, but in combining in-person and digital learning.

Diverse strategies in BRICS countries
BRICS countries have developed education strategies tailored to their national circumstances. China focuses on the equitable distribution of high-quality education across the country, India and South Africa aim to reduce school dropouts, and Russia and China seek to ease educational pressure on students. In Brazil, inclusive education has become a primary policy priority.

Educational cooperation and joint projects
BRICS educational cooperation at the university and research levels has expanded in recent years. Initiatives include faculty and student exchanges, networked educational programs, and joint online courses. Estimates indicate that by 2030, the number of students participating in BRICS joint programs could reach 100,000.

Future outlook for education in BRICS
Analysts believe that the digitalization of education and the development of shared scientific resources could become one of the most important public services in BRICS countries. Although challenges such as the digital divide and limited financial resources persist, BRICS experience shows that education can become a driving force for human and economic development in the Global South.