From 26 to 28 November, the Grand Finale of the BRICS-RI (BRICS Research Institute) Debates was held at the Durban University of Technology. Chinese Consul General in Durban Li Zhigong attended the opening ceremony and delivered remarks, underscoring the importance of civilisational dialogue and youth engagement in advancing cooperation among BRICS members and the wider Global South. Deputy Consul General Sun Anlin attended the award ceremony and presented the trophy to the champion.

The competition brought together young scholars from universities and research institutions in China, South Africa, Brazil, Russia and India. After national preliminary rounds, each country sent its own champion to compete in the final. Wang Zhisheng from Zhejiang University represented China in the Grand Finale, demonstrating the positive spirit and international outlook of Chinese youth.