Brasília – The Volunteers of the World platform has presented the international program “Assistance to Children in Crisis Situations – 2026” at the 2nd BRICS Forum “Traditional Values”.
This initiative, hosted in Brasília, brought together specialists and volunteers from Russia, Brazil, India, and Ethiopia to find and apply effective methods of helping children suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“Our project is about the most important thing: children who have experienced trauma. Our goal is to give them a chance for a healthy future,” explained Lyubov Zueva, Director of the Elizaveta Foundation and project leader representing Russia.
She stated that thousands of children worldwide live under the heavy burden of PTSD caused by war, hunger, loss of loved ones, and lack of prospects.
“Our mission is not just to provide help, but to restore faith in life through support, creativity, and human involvement,” she said.
Zueva also noted that the project unites the experience and knowledge of professionals for the benefit of the most vulnerable, and expressed readiness for open dialogue and exchange of best practices with colleagues from BRICS countries.
“Together, we are creating a space of mutual support, where healing becomes a shared process — for those who help, and for those who are saved,” Zueva added.
She expressed confidence that cooperation with BRICS will help respond more quickly to the needs of children in crisis and to create effective support systems.
In 2026, the program includes exchange visits, joint educational and cultural events, as well as the publication of methodological materials for specialists from different countries.
The organisers emphasise: participation is open to new countries and organisations — the list of participants is not closed, and the platform welcomes all who are ready to join this important mission.
The initiative received broad support from parliamentarians, business representatives, and civil society organisations from BRICS countries.
Nikolay Tolpinsky, the initiator of African projects and head of the Volunteers of the World platform, noted: “Experience exchange is a key tool for increasing efficiency and preventing mistakes.
“It is very important not just to create a platform, but to build a large team of like-minded people, as international volunteering is full of challenges that are difficult to overcome alone.”
At the round table “Humanitarian Cooperation of BRICS Countries,” a report on the projects of the Volunteers of the World platform for 2025 was presented. Volunteers successfully implemented significant initiatives in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Russia.
One of the key outcomes of the forum was the signing of a declaration on the development of joint humanitarian initiatives and assistance to children in crisis situations.
The document was signed by representatives from Russia, Brazil, India, Ethiopia, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The declaration emphasizes the role of the Volunteers of the World platform as a unifying venue for the development of BRICS countries’ initiatives based on shared moral values.
It also expresses support for child assistance programs and readiness to combine practices and resources in humanitarian projects.
Dmitry Kuznetsov stated: “Among the peoples of BRICS, four of the twelve shared values are directly related to humanitarian cooperation: compassion, humanism, mutual respect, and peacefulness.
“By joining efforts on the basis of these values, we make the world a happier place.”
Kuznetsov called on anyone interested to join the platform’s volunteer programs, emphasising that the next year has been declared by the UN as the Year of the Volunteer — an excellent opportunity to get involved in helping children at the international level.
Daniel Jesini Netto, President of Edukhan (Institute of Academic and School Recovery), said: “Humanitarian cooperation is about transforming solidarity into real change in children’s lives”.
Netto, also the leader of the Assistance to Children in Crisis Situations – 2026 program from Brazil, added: “Through initiatives like Edukhan, Brazil is eager to welcome volunteers from BRICS countries so that we can learn from each other and develop effective ways to help children grow up with dignity.”
The forum organizers are confident that the “Assistance to Children in Crisis Situations – 2026” program will serve as a platform for developing long-term international cooperation and forming a professional community of specialists and volunteers working with children suffering from PTSD.
They also invite new countries and organizations to join the initiative.
The II BRICS Forum “Traditional Values” took place from September 15 to 17 in the capital of Brazil — Brasília— gathering parliamentarians, business representatives, cultural and public figures from BRICS member states, as well as partner countries and candidate countries.
Dr. Roland Lota, head of RL Global Academy and leader of the “Assistance to Children in Crisis Situations – 2026” program from India, said: “The BRICS summit is enriching, fostering humanitarian cooperation and peacemaking.
“To enhance integration, visa restrictions should be removed, and people-to-people exchanges encouraged. Shared values can promote unity and cooperation in socio-economic and political spheres.”
