The 3rd BRICS Young Scientist Forum was held in Durban, South Africa from June 24 to 29, 2018. The theme of the Forum was“Building BRICS Youth Leadership through Science, Technology and Innovation”. More than 100 young scholars and innovative entrepreneurs from China, Brazil, India, Russia and South Africa participated in the Forum. Daan Du Toit, Deputy Director General of the Department of Science and Technology of South Africa and Zandile Ruth Thelma Gumede, Mayor of the host city Durban, attended the opening ceremony and made welcome speeches. More than 20 young scientists and innovative entrepreneurs from China took part in the meeting.
The Forum consisted of various events, including thematic forums, dialogue of young women scientists, Youth Innovation Award, youth innovation and entrepreneurship workshop, science and technology diplomacy, science and technology consultancy and science popularization workshop, which were all designed to provide a platform for exchanges among outstanding young scientists and researchers in BRICS countries. All this will help build up sustainable research partnerships, encourage the young to solve the most urgent social and economic problems and promote academic and policy exchanges. 
Young scientists from China participated in all thematic forums, including the three fields of energy (current and future energy needs of BRICS), water (strategic importance of water) and social sciences (impact of modern ICT on youths and the challenges), and engaged in academic dialogues and group discussions with representatives from other BRICS countries. In the Innovation Award session, Chinese business representatives ranked the third in the competition.