DOI: 10.3897/brics-econ.7.e171174

Authors: Yanan Zhao, Elena Frolova

Abstract: ESG governance in emerging economies is facing a major challenge: the use of global standards is expanding rapidly, but institutional asymmetries, regulatory capacity constraints and ownership structures are limiting their effective implementation. Existing empirical research still focuses on developed markets, but firm-level data on ESG corporate governance for BRICS is still scarce, even though these countries play a crucial role in global sustainability transitions. Following the PRISMA framework, this study systematically reviews 45 peer-reviewed articles on ESG corporate governance in BRICS (2021–2025) indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. Using VOSviewer keyword co-occurrence analysis, we code evidence on governance mechanisms, theoretical frameworks, research designs, policy references, empirical outcomes and regional disparities. The findings show fragmented yet rising attention to the issue, with China and India relying on state-led frameworks and South Africa following code-based, market-oriented rules. Russia and Brazil display weaker visibility in English-language journals. Board composition, ownership concentration and executive incentives appear to be decisive, but enforcement is weakened by institutional gaps. Evidence clusters around the four themes: governance and performance, ESG and firm value, ESG and risk, gender and diversity. Theory application remains limited: stakeholder, agency and institutional theories are often cited but rarely operationalised. The study extends ESG governance research by incorporating cross-country institutional contexts into a comparative analysis. Practically, ESG governance requires a closer alignment between policy development and local capacity, stronger enforcement, and more diverse research approaches. Under the right conditions, the BRICS countries can contribute to shaping global ESG standards and advance sustainable development.

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DOI: 10.3897/brics-econ.6.e141639

Authors: Nyiko Worship Hlongwane, Hlalefang Khobai

Abstract: This study aims to investigate the impact of disaggregated renewable energy sources on life expectancy in the BRICS nations from 1990 to 2023, using linear, non-linear and non-parametric models. This research challenges long-held beliefs about the impact of renewable energy on human health. It reveals the intricate links between different energy sources and life expectancy in the BRICS countries. Based on the QPNARDL results, hydropower is found to harm life expectancy. Based on the PNARDL model, its impact varies across countries. Based on the SQR and PCSE models in the BRICS nations, however, it appears to have a positive impact on life expectancy. According to the QPNARDL, SQR and PCSE models, wind energy reduces life expectancy in BRICS nations. However, the PNARDL model shows that wind energy has a positive impact on life expectancy in Brazil and China, and a negative impact in India and Russia. Other Renewables, including bioenergy, boost life expectancy in the BRICS nations based on the SQR and PCSE models, while hurting life expectancy based on the QPNARDL and PNARDL models. The results suggest that the impact of renewable energy sources on life expectancy varies between countries and models. These findings have significant implications for policymakers managing the transition to renewable energy; they emphasise the importance of informed, evidence-based decision-making. The study recommends promoting hydropower, wind energy and other renewable energy sources, such as bioenergy, in the BRICS countries to increase life expectancy.

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DOI: 10.3897/brics-econ.5.e132092

Authors: Lyubov Ganeeva, Alexandra Nikiforova

Abstract: The paper explores the potential for cooperation between the BRICS+ countries in digitization of international sports; it seeks to identify the most promising ways of joint action to advance the use of digital tools for the development of the Olympic movement. The research objective is to determine forms of digital diplomacy for the BRICS+ members that may assist Russia in promoting its Olympic activities. Based on the data from the United Nations’ “e-Government Knowledge” (United Nations, 2022), the Ministry of Digital Development of Russia, Federal Statistics Service and Higher School of Economics (Anisimov et al, 2023) have established four broad categories of indicators to measure the development of digital economy and society. These indicators are expected to become a valuable tool of advancing the Russian Olympic movement. The authors have identified the leading countries in digital development within the BRICS+ association and pointed out the most significant benefits of cooperation within this alliance that should contribute to the development of Olympic education, marketing and information support.

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DOI: 10.3897/brics-econ.4.e114685

Authors: Krish Chetty

Abstract: In response to COVID-19 lockdowns, universities in Africa and BRICS nations swiftly transitioned from contact to online learning to maintain academic progress. This article explores critical questions these institutions must address to develop effective long-term online learning policies, rooted in Swartz’s (2022) Navigational Capacities framework. It highlights the risk of deepening digital inequalities if the limitations of emergency remote learning are overlooked. Focusing on the experiences of the BRICS, Ghana, Uganda, and Ethiopia, the article analyses their online learning approaches during 2020 and 2021 amidst the pandemic. This analysis, through the Navigational Capacities lens, emphasises addressing key challenges such as technology access, affordability, and digital skills. Many universities initially transferred traditional teaching methods to online platforms without a pedagogical redesign to optimise digital tools, underscoring a need for a strategic shift. Going forward, universities must understand the requirements of an effective long-term online learning programme, weighing the economic costs of such an approach. Crucially, universities across BRICS and the Global South must continue to share knowledge about these experiences as they develop policies which define an effective long-term online learning programme.

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DOI: 10.3897/brics-econ.4.e100736

Authors: C. C. Wolhuter

Abstract: One of the key features of the contemporary world is the project of massive global education expansion, driven by high expectations related to the role of education as the most powerful instrument available to humanity to meet the challenges of the contemporary era. However, three quarters of a century after the beginning of this global education expansion project, it is still far from proper completion, facing immense challenges in terms of quality, inclusiveness and equality. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic aggravated and accentuated the deficiencies of this project. The present position paper claims that the experience of the BRICS education systems during the COVID-19 pandemic presents a valuable lesson for the rest of the world. The BRICS countries were able to provide equitable quality education for all, and also ensure that education contributed to their economic development and economic development of the Global South at large. This paper argues that the pandemic presents an opportunity and a compelling need to restructure education globally, developing education models suitable for the Global South. The constellation of BRICS countries, as the vanguard of the Global South, has a crucial role to play.

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DOI: 10.3897/brics-econ.3.e98753

Authors: Alina Steblyanskaya, Sergey Bobylev, Yan Jun

Abstract: -

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