LUCKNOW, Aug. 24 -- The 18th BRICS Academic Forum will be held in Lucknow on August 24-25, bringing together scholars, researchers and experts from BRICS member countries to deliberate on global challenges and generate policy recommendations under India's BRICS Presidency. The forum is being convened by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) and the University of Lucknow (LU). Addressing a press conference on Sunday, ORF president Samir Saran said hosting the forum in Lucknow was part of the foundation's effort to decentralise conversations on international affairs and global policymaking. He said Uttar Pradesh had a long tradition of learning, philosophy and intellectual exchange and that ORF sought to contribute to re-establishing the state as a global hub for knowledge and ideas. Prof Harsh V Pant, vice-president for studies and foreign policy at ORF, said BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and newer members, provided a platform for countries of the Global South and other emerging economies to work together on shared challenges, including development, technology, climate action and reform of global institutions. Amit Kushwaha, assistant professor in the Lucknow University's political science department, said more than 5,000 delegates had registered for the two-day brainstorming session at the university. He said the event would bring together scholars, researchers and experts from BRICS member countries to generate policy ideas and recommendations contributing to the wider BRICS agenda. The forum comes as BRICS marks 20 years of cooperation and will examine the grouping's evolution and its future priorities. A key highlight will be an address by Sudhakar Dalela, secretary (ER) and BRICS Sherpa in the ministry of external affairs....