II CONFERENCE IN
STRATEGY,
TECHNOLOGY

and SOVEREIGNTY

October 6th to 10th at Brasília, DF

Technological Integration and Integrity in the Global South, in BRICS+ countries, and Worldwide

In an increasingly data-driven world, Computational Technologies play a central role in transforming raw data into information, enabling its interpretation and practical application. However, this process relies on complex infrastructures that are currently largely under the control of monopolistic corporations based in Western Northern countries, reinforcing the concentration of technological power and perpetuating global inequalities while restricting the diversity of independent technological development in the Global South.

In this context, the BRICS+ countries emerge as central to advancing a more equitable model of technological governance, with the potential—under Brazil’s presidency—to broaden the perspectives and opportunities of nations currently dependent on Big Tech’s monopolistic technologies.

At the heart of the II Conference on Strategy, Technology, and Sovereignty: Technological Integration and Integrity in Brazil, in BRICS+ countries, and Worldwide lies the commitment to promote equitable technological governance, despite the challenges imposed by consolidated power structures, toward a new multipolar and digitally connected world.

This year, the conference will take place in partnership with the IV International Symposium on Innovation. Established as one of the leading forums for debate on innovation and digital governance in Brazil, the Symposium brings together researchers, professors, students, public managers, entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives in a space for critical reflection, learning, and collaborative production. Throughout its previous editions, the Symposium has stood out for integrating national and international actors, expanding dialogues on digital democracy, the use of emerging technologies, and institutional strengthening in the face of the challenges of digital transformation.

In this fourth edition, the focus will be on Artificial Intelligence applied to public policy and citizen participation, connecting ethical, regulatory, democratic, and technological dimensions. The program will feature lectures, roundtables, interactive activities, academic coworking, and a Public Policy Hackathon, which will encourage the development of innovative solutions to improve governmental management.

Our PARTNERS

The realization of this conference is only possible thanks to the support and collaboration of our partners, who share our vision of promoting dialogue, innovation, and development. Their contributions—whether through resources, expertise, or institutional support—were essential in creating a dynamic and inclusive space where ideas can flourish and solutions can be built collectively. We thank each partner for their dedication and commitment, which make this event a reality and strengthen our goal of achieving global impact.

IBRICS+ is a youth-led institution dedicated to research and to advancing the BRICS agenda in Brazil, fostering the engagement of Brazilian civil society on issues of sustainable development and inclusion through cultural integration. By using technology to monitor and produce strategic reports, we are developing a platform for academic and scientific integration. We also promote initiatives aimed at generating high-quality jobs for young people, as well as international opportunities for study and professional training.

The Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br) is the body responsible for coordinating and integrating initiatives related to the internet in Brazil, defining strategic guidelines for its development, and promoting security, digital inclusion, and the democratic use of the network.

It is a multistakeholder entity created in 1995 to organize internet governance in the country. It brings together representatives from government, civil society, the academic community, and the private sector, functioning as a space for collective decision-making. Among its responsibilities are defining principles and guidelines for the use and development of the internet, managing the .br domain, assigning IP addresses in Brazil, as well as fostering research, statistics, and best practices related to the network.

This Symposium brings together researchers, professors, students, public managers, entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives in a space for critical reflection, learning, and collaborative production. Throughout its previous editions, the Symposium has stood out for integrating national and international actors, expanding dialogues on digital democracy, the use of emerging technologies, and institutional strengthening in the face of the challenges of digital transformation. This year, it will take place in partnership with the II Conference on Strategy, Technology, and Sovereignty.

Academic pannels

An academic panel is a structured discussion space within a conference, where previously submitted papers are evaluated by specialists and presented to the public for debate and exchange of ideas. Each panel gathers works around a thematic axis, enabling critical analysis, interaction among researchers, and the collective construction of knowledge.

This year, the conference will grant two special distinctions: the Award in Technological Sovereignty and the Award in Internet Governance, each worth R$ 2,500. These awards recognize the best papers presented in the academic panels, highlighting research that contributes in innovative ways to strengthening technological autonomy and to building a more democratic and inclusive digital governance.

After evaluation, the papers may be resubmitted for publication in the conference proceedings, becoming part of the institutional record of the BRICS+ Forum for Strategic Technology.

1. Submission

Abstracts: must be submitted by September 24, 2025. Authors will be notified if abstracts were accecpted at the 24th.
Full papers: must be submitted by October 1, 2025.
Submissions must be in Word format and follow ABNT standards, in english, portuguese or spanish.
Each author may submit only one paper as first author, and a second one as co-author.

2. Evaluation

All papers will be reviewed by referees based on criteria of originality, relevance, methodological rigor, and clarity of presentation.
Accepted papers will be organized into four thematic panels, in which authors will present their research for debate.
The final evaluation of papers for awards will consider both the written submission and the presentation during the panel.

3. Awards

Two awards will be granted, each worth R$ 2,500.00:
- Award in Technological Sovereignty
- Award in Internet Governance
The winners will be announced at the closing session of the conference.
Payment will be made by bank transfer within 30 days after the event.

4. Conditions of participation

Eligible participants include researchers, professors, graduate students, and professionals working in fields related to the theme of the conference.
Papers must be unpublished and cannot be under review or publication in another event or journal at the time of submission.
Registration in the conference is mandatory for participation in the panels and to compete for the awards.
Articles must be presented at the Conference to be eligible for the prize.

5. Final provisions

Selected papers may be invited to contribute to dossiers, strategic reports, or publications linked to the conference, and will be prominently published in the conference proceedings.
The organizing committee reserves the right to adjust the program and the rules, notifying participants in advance.
The submission of abstracts and papers implies full acceptance of these regulations.

Digitalization and the BRICS+ Countries

The panel Digitalization and the BRICS+ Countries will examine how digitalization is transforming the economies and societies of BRICS+ countries, highlighting opportunities for technological innovation, economic integration, and inclusive growth. It will address the potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and interoperable digital infrastructure to drive sustainable development and connectivity in the Global South and worldwide. In addition, the panel will discuss challenges such as data governance, digital sovereignty, and the growing influence of Big Tech, while proposing strategies for cooperation among the bloc’s countries to tackle digital inequalities, promote local innovation, and build a sovereign and resilient digital economy capable of benefiting all populations involved.

Technological Transition and Artificial Intelligence in BRICS+: Cooperation, Sovereignty and Sustainable Development

The panel Technological Transition and Artificial Intelligence in BRICS+ will discuss how the adoption of AI is reshaping economies, societies, and governance structures among the bloc’s countries, emphasizing its potential to drive innovation, productivity, and sustainable solutions. The debate will address opportunities for cooperation in research, regulation, and the development of secure and inclusive digital infrastructures capable of strengthening the technological sovereignty of the Global South. The panel will also examine the risks associated with AI use, such as digital inequalities, dependence on monopolistic platforms, and environmental threats, while proposing joint strategies to foster an AI ecosystem that is ethical, transparent, multipolar, and sustainable. In this context, BRICS+ emerges as a central space for building a technological transition that balances competitiveness, social justice, and sustainable development, thereby expanding the autonomy of member countries and benefiting their populations.

Profitable Digital Sovereignty? Theory and Practice for International Integration

This panel will analyze how the construction of sovereign digital ecosystems can function not only as a strategy for data protection and technological autonomy, but also as a driver of economic growth and international integration. Models that reconcile innovation, information security, and profitability will be discussed, highlighting initiatives such as local digital currencies, BRICS+ payment platforms, and independent data infrastructures. At the same time, the panel will examine the dilemmas of dependence on Big Tech and the risks of economic capture by monopolistic structures, contrasting them with opportunities for multilateral cooperation, investment in innovation, and sustainable development. The proposal is to consider digital sovereignty not as a barrier, but as a profitable and integrative engine for a multipolar economic future.

Cognitive Defense in a Digital and Interconnected World

The panel Cognitive Defense in a Digital and Interconnected World will discuss how digitalization affects the cognitive autonomy of individuals and nations, with a focus on the threats posed by information manipulation and the attention economy. It will address the impacts of Big Tech dominance—acting as invisible architects of narratives and behaviors—and the need for defense strategies against external influences that seek to shape public opinion and undermine democratic processes. The panel will explore BRICS+ initiatives to strengthen digital sovereignty, protect sensitive data, and promote independent technological infrastructure. It will present regulatory and innovation policies, such as those implemented by China and Russia, which aim to balance the use of technology with the protection of informational autonomy and cognitive integrity, serving as models for digital governance in the Global South and beyond.

Hackaton in Digital Governance

Are you creative and innovative and want to contribute to Brazil's digital transformation? Join the Digital Governance Hackathon, an event that will bring together programmers, designers, students, public servants, and professionals from various fields to develop technological solutions that make public services more efficient, transparent, and accessible.

This hackathon will be a laboratory for ideas and prototypes, focusing on two major challenges:

Morning: How to improve digital governance mechanisms on the e-Gov Platform?

Afternoon: How to promote simple digital language in communication between government and citizens?

Why participate?

Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams;
Get mentoring from digital government and technology experts;
Develop solutions with real implementation potential;
Stand out: there will be certification, awards, honorable mentions and the possibility of incubating the best ideas in public bodies.

Who is this hackathon for?

IT students and professionals (programming, design, data);
Humanities students and professionals (communication, public policy, law);
Public servants interested in innovation;
Anyone motivated to create solutions to improve digital governance.

More information - coming soon!

II CONFERENCE IN STRATEGY, TECHNOLOGY