Under the Brazilian presidency, this meeting brings together representatives of the group’s founding countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Delegates from new member nations such as Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia (whose incorporation has not yet been formalized) are also attending.
When opening the event, the Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, said: “The bloc must promote a new world order, in a world of geopolitical tensions. In this evolving scenario, the BRICS have a crucial role in promoting a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world order. A multipolar world is not just an emerging reality. It is a shared objective.”
Vieira said that the bloc embraces the hopes of the Global South and defended the organization’s historical guidelines, such as the promotion of alternative financial mechanisms, the reform of multilateral institutions of global governance, and the expansion and use of local currencies. He also valued that the principles of multilateralism, which is the cooperation of several countries to achieve a common goal, are being tested by the new international situation and institutions.
The Minister mentioned the United Nations Security Council and the International Monetary Fund, which are struggling to adapt to recent changes in global politics and economy.
According to the diplomat, humanitarian needs are increasing, but the international response remains fragmented and sometimes insufficient. He also stressed: “If we want to face these challenges, we must defend a comprehensive reform of the global security architecture.”
Viera recalled that BRICS represent almost half of the world’s population, have 39 percent of the Gross Domestic Product, and are responsible for 50 percent of energy production worldwide. “This group of the Global South and our role in shaping it in the future has never been so significant. The recent expansion of BRICS from five to 11 members was a great development,” he admitted.
The meeting, which will take place in Brasilia behind closed doors, will end on Wednesday and is the first of the BRICS heads of delegations under the leadership of Brazil and will prepare agendas and seek consensus to be taken to the summit scheduled for July in Rio de Janeiro.
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