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Malaysia Sun
2 hours ago
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
BRICS moves to expand Global South cooperation for inclusive, sustainable global governance
At the 17th BRICS Summit, leaders emphasized strengthening multilateralism, reforming global governance, and empowering the Global South through deeper cooperation, expanded membership, and opposition to unilateralism and protectionism. RIO DE JANEIRO, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of BRICS countries, gathering here on Sunday and Monday for the 17th BRICS Summit, reiterated their commitments to reforming and improving global governance by expanding Global South cooperation. The meeting adopted the Rio de Janeiro Declaration, which calls for strengthening multilateralism and reforming global governance, promoting peace, security and international stability, as well as deepening international economic, trade and financial cooperation. Addressing the summit's plenary session themed "Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance" on Sunday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called on BRICS countries to strive to become pioneers in advancing the reform of global governance, safeguard world peace and tranquility, and boost the peaceful settlement of disputes. In 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the global governance vision of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, offering China's solution to the global governance challenge. Ten years on, the vision has gained growing global influence as transformations unseen in a century are accelerating in the world. "The world has entered a new phase of major turbulent changes, and the international order is undergoing a significant reorganization. Following its expansion, the BRICS mechanism will unite efforts to promote common development, defend multilateralism and contribute more to building a more equitable global governance system," said Boris Guseletov, a senior researcher at the Institute of European Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Li also called for commitment to building an open world economy and stressed the importance of opposing unilateralism and protectionism when addressing the plenary sessions. The Chinese premier noted that the current international economic and trade order, along with the multilateral trading system, is facing severe challenges, and the global economic recovery remains arduous. Greater BRICS cooperation must stay true to its founding purpose, meet the needs of the times, uphold and practice multilateralism, promote the establishment of an equitable and open international economic and trade order, pool efforts in the Global South, and make greater contributions to global stability and development, he said. Amid rising global trade tensions, the 17th BRICS Summit toughened the bloc's key role in promoting fairer economic practices, said Balew Demissie, a researcher with the Ethiopian Policy Studies Institute. BRICS offers a unified platform that supports multilateral trade, promotes intra-bloc commerce and facilitates the use of local currencies, thus reducing reliance on limited markets, he added. The leaders attending the plenary sessions agreed that the BRICS cooperation mechanism has been growing stronger and more representative, with its international influence rising steadily. It has provided an important platform for Global South countries to defend their right to development, uphold international fairness and justice, and participate in the reform of the global governance system, they said. "BRICS is increasingly shaping global debates on development, multipolar governance and security matters," said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday. "With our broad geographical footprint and growing influence, BRICS is uniquely positioned to advocate for reform in global governance structures." Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in a statement that BRICS, which has emerged as a strong and principled force, represents an opportunity to shape a more balanced and just international order, noting that legacy international organizations need to be reformed to reflect the changing global realities and take into account the aspirations of developing nations. Furthermore, the expansion of BRICS symbolized a qualitative leap in its representativeness and influence. In January this year, Indonesia, the largest economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), officially joined BRICS. By now, BRICS countries account for over half of the world's population, nearly 30 percent of global GDP, and more than 50 percent of global economic growth. This signifies a historic shift of the Global South power from the periphery to the center of the international arena. "If we want the international system to be more diverse, fair and democratic, it is important that the Global South has more power to act and have a voice," said Alessandra Scangarelli Brites, editor-in-chief of Brazil's Intertelas Magazine. "This does not mean fighting for power to have control over others, but to have equal action and to have its positions and interests heard and met in a space of greater equality, independence and respect for the sovereignty of countries," the editor-in-chief added. During talks with other leaders on the sidelines of the summit, the Chinese premier voiced China's readiness to push for a greater role of the Global South in improving global governance. When meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva a day before the summit, Li said China is willing to enhance communication and coordination with Brazil within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, BRICS and the G20, work in unity with developing countries to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and provide more certainty and stability for the world. In his meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Li noted that both China and Ethiopia are important Global South countries, and China will join hands with Ethiopia to strengthen communication and coordination within multilateral frameworks, boost concerted efforts by all parties to practice true multilateralism, firmly safeguard economic globalization and free trade, and inject more stability and positive energy into the world. After the plenary sessions, Li met with Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and said China will, as always, continue to practice and safeguard multilateralism and free trade, actively support the reform and development of the WTO to restore its authority, accelerate the improvement of trade rules, and push for more concrete outcomes of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference. "Instead of unilateralism and protectionism, the BRICS countries reaffirmed the importance of cooperation and an open economy so that all countries can achieve development and collective security," said Marcos Cordeiro Pires, a professor of political and economic sciences at the Faculty of Philosophy and Sciences of the Sao Paulo State University. BRICS countries are striving for new global governance and a global framework that is inclusive, representative and anchored in the principles of sovereignty, equality and peaceful coexistence. "The demand for new global governance is not a whim, but a process of historical reparation. The BRICS offers a platform for inclusive cooperation, removed from hegemony and closer to the principles of multipolarity," said Jhonathan Mattos, an associate professor at the Department of International Relations, Rio de Janeiro State University. "It's a model of multilateralism, multipolarity, regional integration and the identity of shared demands," Mattos said.
India Today
a day ago
- Politics
- India Today
India's triumph at Brics: PM unites summit against terrorism, pushes reforms
India emerged as a leading voice at the 17th Brics Summit in Brazil, securing a unanimous condemnation of terrorism and pushing for urgent reforms in global governance institutions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation shaped the summit's agenda, particularly spotlighting the fight against summit, themed 'Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,' concluded with the adoption of the Rio de Janeiro Declaration, which reflected many of India's strategic concerns. It delivered a sharp message on cross-border terrorism, while also highlighting the contradictions in China's the session on Peace and Security, PM Modi condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. He described it as an 'assault on humanity.' The Brics declaration echoed this sentiment, denouncing the attack in the 'strongest terms' and rejecting 'double standards' in countering terrorism. The declaration called for decisive action against UN-designated terrorists and those who fund or shelter them—an implicit reference to Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism. Speaking at a press conference, Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said India's diplomatic efforts ensured that Para 34 of the declaration captured a united stand against terrorism, including those who 'abet, finance, covertly or overtly.'The reference to the 'cross-border movement of terrorists' served as a direct nod to India's longstanding concerns. The PM said that 'victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale,' and called for sanctions on those who aid terrorists. All 11 Brics members and partner countries expressed solidarity, marking a diplomatic win for China's dual role drew criticism. While Beijing joined the condemnation of the Pahalgam attack, it continues to shield Pakistan by blocking UN designations of Pakistan-based terrorists. PM Modi's pointed remark against those offering 'silent consent' to terrorism for political gain appeared to target this inconsistency. Though Chinese Premier Li Qiang led the delegation in place of President Xi Jinping, India's assertive diplomacy ensured that terrorism remained central to the summit's the security agenda, India led the charge for reforming global institutions. The PM called for a 'multipolar and inclusive world order' and stressed the need to overhaul the UN Security Council, IMF, World Bank, and WTO to reflect current global realities. According to Dammu Ravi, Para 6 of the declaration 'strongly endorsed' this demand, and highlighted the roles of India and Brazil in elevating the voice of the Global also advanced a proposal for a Brics science and research repository to secure critical mineral supply chains and develop responsible AI, in line with its commitment to sustainable development. In bilateral talks with countries like Malaysia, Cuba, South Africa, and Vietnam, the Prime Minister promoted collaboration in digital infrastructure such as UPI and the integration of India prepares to assume the Brics leadership in 2026, PM Modi's leadership at the summit has cemented its image as a global advocate against terrorism and a proponent of equitable governance. While challenges remain, especially with China's contradictory actions, the summit outcomes marked a strong endorsement of India's priorities.- Ends IN THIS STORY#BRICS
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Making Brics count: Summit highlighted diminishing global relevance
The lengthy, nearly 16,000-word Rio de Janeiro Declaration, which followed the summit, made all the right noises about "inclusive and sustainable" governance Business Standard Editorial Comment Mumbai Listen to This Article The joint statement issued by the Brics summit, hosted by Brazil, may have attracted the ire of United States (US) President Donald Trump for its criticism of the bombing of Iran and tariff-based protectionism. But this unexpected attention from an erratic US President does not detract from doubts about the grouping's relevance. The catchy acronym Bric was coined by a Goldman Sachs economist in 2001 to designate a group of prominent emerging markets in Brazil, Russia, India, and China. This grouping first met in a formal summit in 2009; South Africa's attendance at the second summit in 2010 rounded off
India Gazette
a day ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
BRICS leaders at Rio Summit condemn strikes on Iran, call for upholding international law
New Delhi [India], July 7 (ANI): BRICS leaders convened in Rio de Janeiro for the 17th BRICS Summit from July 6 to 7, where they strongly condemned recent military strikes on Iran and emphasised the need to uphold international law and nuclear safeguards. The leaders, meeting under the theme 'Strengthening Global South Cooperation,' also reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, sustainable development, and peaceful conflict resolution. During the high-level meeting, the grouping formally inducted Indonesia as a full member and welcomed ten other nations -- including Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Bolivia, and Vietnam -- as new BRICS partner countries, signalling a major expansion of the bloc's outreach. In the Rio de Janeiro Declaration released after the summit, the BRICS leaders outlined wide-ranging priorities across global peace, multilateralism, and development. Among the key issues addressed was the Middle East security situation, including a strong condemnation of recent military strikes on Iran. As per the Rio de Janeiro Declaration, the attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under full IAEA safeguards also violated international law and relevant IAEA resolutions. It underscores that nuclear safeguards, safety, and security must always be upheld--even in armed conflicts--to protect people and the environment. The leaders reiterated support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at addressing regional challenges and urged the UN Security Council to be seized of the matter. The leaders also expressed concern about ongoing conflicts in many parts of the world and the state of polarization and fragmentation in the international order. It noted the alarming trend of increasing global military spending at the cost of development financing for developing countries. They advocated for a multilateral approach that respects diverse national perspectives on global issues, including sustainable development, climate change, and poverty eradication. The joint statement urged the international community to take politico-diplomatic measures to de-escalate conflict and emphasized the indivisibility of global security. It called for strengthening preventive diplomacy and the active role of regional organizations in peacebuilding, in accordance with the UN Charter. The leaders reaffirmed their support for cooperation on UN peacekeeping, AU peace operations, and global mediation efforts. Highlighting humanitarian concerns, the leaders condemned violations of international humanitarian law such as attacks on civilians, obstruction of aid, and the targeting of humanitarian workers. It stressed that such violations deepen human suffering and jeopardize post-conflict recovery. They underscored the need for accountability and welcomed BRICS members' efforts to uphold humanitarian law. On the 25th anniversary of UNSC Resolution 1325, the joint declaration reaffirmed commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda, emphasizing women's equal, full, and meaningful participation in peace and security processes, from prevention to post-conflict reconstruction. It also recalled national positions on the conflict in Ukraine, appreciated mediation initiatives such as the African Peace Initiative, and expressed hope for a peaceful and sustainable resolution through dialogue. Turning to the Middle East, the leaders reiterated grave concern over the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, condemning Israeli strikes on Gaza and obstruction of aid. They called for strict adherence to international law, a permanent ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces, release of detainees, and unrestricted aid delivery. They reaffirmed support for UNRWA and endorsed the two-state solution based on 1967 borders, including East Jerusalem as Palestine's capital. It welcomed the Lebanon ceasefire and demanded full implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701 while urging Israel to withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory. They reaffirmed commitment to Syria's sovereignty, condemned terrorism and occupation, and welcomed the lifting of sanctions to aid Syrian reconstruction. The BRICS leaders also endorsed 'African solutions to African problems,' supported AU-led peace efforts, and called for stronger backing of missions in Sudan and the Horn of Africa. It condemned ongoing violence in Sudan, called for a ceasefire, and urged urgent humanitarian assistance. They also addressed the deteriorating situation in Haiti, urging Haitian-led dialogue to restore security and development. It emphasized UN cooperation to tackle Haiti's multifaceted crisis. The leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms, including the April 22 Jammu and Kashmir attack, and welcomed the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group's efforts. They denounced attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure and urged accountability under international law. On financial integrity, they reiterated their commitment to combating illicit financial flows, terrorism financing, drug trafficking, and corruption. It highlighted cooperation through BRICS working groups and the UN Convention against Corruption, calling for asset recovery and technical assistance. They also voiced concern over nuclear risks, reaffirmed their commitment to disarmament, and supported the UNGA conference on establishing a WMD-free zone in the Middle East. They also endorsed efforts to prevent weaponization of outer space and supported legally binding treaties and transparency measures. On cybersecurity, they reaffirmed its commitment to a secure, stable, and interoperable ICT environment. It welcomed the UN Convention against Cybercrime and urged all countries to sign and ratify it promptly to strengthen legal cooperation. They also supported responsible state conduct in cyberspace and deeper BRICS collaboration on ICT security and cybercrime prevention. (ANI)
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Iranian Foreign Minister thanks BRICS for condemning military strikes
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Monday expressed gratitude to the BRICS bloc for condemning recent "Israeli and US strikes" on the country during the ongoing 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. "Iran is grateful for the strong and unequivocal condemnation by BRICS of the recent Israeli and US military aggression. In no uncertain terms, the deliberate attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure and nuclear sites under IAEA safeguards violate both international law and norms, the influential group of countries agree," the Iranian Foreign Minister posted on X. "Here at the BRICS Summit in Rio, where representatives of states making up 40 per cent of global GDP and almost half the world's population have gathered, the tectonic economic and political shifts our planet is witnessing have never been more apparent. Iran welcomes and is delighted to be part of the dawn of a new era," the post added. The remarks came after the 'Rio de Janeiro Declaration', adopted during the first day's proceedings at the 17th BRICS Summit on Sunday, condemned the recent military strikes against Iran, without directly naming the United States and Israel. "We condemn the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran since 13 June 2025, which constitute a violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and express grave concern over the subsequent escalation of the security situation in the Middle East. We further express serious concern over deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under full safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in violation of international law and relevant resolutions of the IAEA," the declaration mentioned. "Nuclear safeguards, safety, and security must always be upheld, including in armed conflicts, to protect people and the environment from harm. In this context, we reiterate our support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at addressing regional challenges. We call upon the United Nations Security Council to be seized of this matter," it added. Araghchi is in Rio de Janeiro to attend the BRICS Summit, where he plans to meet his counterparts and other high-level participants from other BRICS member states. "We arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the 17th BRICS summit where FM Araghchi will also be meeting his counterparts and other high-level participants from BRICS' member States. The motto 'Inclusive and Sustainable Global South' should be pursued through enhanced cooperation among BRICS' member countries," the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said in a post on X.
