July 6-7
17th BRICS Summit, Rio de Janeiro
Commitment to Strengthening Multilateralism, Defending
International Law and Equitable
Global Order
The 17th annual BRICS Summit took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on July 6 and 7, under the presidency of Brazil. Reports inform that the two-day event addressed global development and governance, international policy, and multilateral cooperation. As rotating president, Brazil outlined six priorities for this year's agenda: global health cooperation; trade, investment, and finance; climate change; Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance; reform of the multilateral peace and security system; and institutional development within BRICS. Related meetings of BRICS bodies took place prior to the actual summit.
This TML Supplement provides a general overview of the work of BRICS at the latest meeting based mainly on reports carried on the brics portal. The aim is to inform TML readers about what BRICS is doing and the arguments BRICS members and partners present on topics addressed. These included the necessity for reform of the international system on the basis of the founding principles of the UN; emphasizing the peaceful resolution of conflicts; respect for sovereignty, equality among nations; opposition to hegemony; the measures being taken to develop cooperation on many fronts from health, economic development, climate change, etc., as well as measures which counter the broad use of sanctions and every form of economic pressure and threats by the U.S. imperialists and their collaborators, as well as BRICS support for the Palestinian people.
Evident in the speeches and final declaration is the expressed possibility of cooperation and respect between peoples from different civilizations and ways of life as well as political and economic institutions.
It is clear that BRICS is bringing together many countries, in the particular circumstances, which are striving in different ways to oppose U.S. hegemony and domination, unequal trade, plunder of their resources, demands that they come under U.S. dictate on many fronts and what it calls its "rules-based international law" which does not adhere to the principles contained in the UN Charter and international conventions. It is not a united front but an alternative based on multilateralism and the principles as enunciated in the Charter of the United Nations and international Covenants which comprise the international rule of law as recognized since the establishment of the United Nations following World War II.
TML considers it important to make sure its readers have this information to help them analyze unfolding events and intervene in them in a manner which favours the peoples of the world whose resistance struggles are an affirmation of their right to be as they create their own history and identity themselves. Our confidence lies in the nation-building role of the organized, conscious working class and the resistance struggles of the peoples of the world which are decisive in opening a path to progress and averting the dangers which lie ahead.
BRICS
BRICS was founded in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2011. It now represents nearly half the global population and about 40 per cent of the world's GDP. Over the past year, full membership was extended to Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and United Arab Emirates. There are 11 partner countries of BRICS: Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
Brazilian officials reported that 4,000 participants from 37 countries took part in this year's Summit, including senior representatives from member states, partners, and international bodies. The opening plenary session was held under the theme "Peace, Security, and the Reform of Global Governance." Brazilian President Luiz Inαcio Lula da Silva, in his opening remarks, presented an overview of what he called the crisis of multilateralism, highlighting the emergence of multiple conflicts and their impacts on national autonomy, security, and the global economy.
Lula was unequivocal in urging countries to shift spending away from military efforts and toward the implementation of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, not toward war.
"It is easier to allocate five per cent of GDP to military spending than to commit the 0.7 per cent promised for Official Development Assistance. This shows that the resources to implement the 2030 Agenda do exist they are simply not made available due to a lack of political will. It is always easier to invest in war than in peace," Lula said.
He underscored the role of the founding of BRICS in building "a new multipolar reality for the 21st century." Thanks to BRICS' diverse realities, Lula emphasized its ability to advocate for a reform in global governance and become "a force capable of promoting peace and of preventing and mediating conflicts."
"We can lay the groundwork for a renewed system of governance," Lula said. He said the "crisis of trust" the world faces today requires a fundamental reform of the UN Security Council "by making it more legitimate, representative, effective, and democratic."
Summit Declaration
The Rio de Janeiro Declaration, titled "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance," lists the 126 commitments adopted by the Summit. They cover global governance, finance, health, artificial intelligence and climate, with commitments to strengthening multilateralism, defending international law, and striving for a more equitable global order.
According to reports from the Summit, "the 16,000-word document is the result of more than 200 meetings and 200 new cooperation mechanisms created or reinforced in areas such as eradicating hunger, tackling climate change, and developing emerging technologies."
One of the commitments made in the declaration states:
"We want to reaffirm our commitment to the BRICS spirit of mutual respect and understanding, sovereign equality, solidarity, democracy, openness, inclusion, collaboration and consensus. Building upon the past 17 BRICS Summits, we are now extending our commitment to strengthening cooperation within the expanded BRICS, based on three pillars of cooperation: politics and security, economy and finance, and cultural and people-to-people cooperation. We are also enhancing our strategic partnership to benefit our peoples by promoting peace, a fairer and more representative international order, a revitalized and reformed multilateral system, sustainable development, and inclusive growth."
The declaration reaffirms the commitment of BRICS to what it calls multilateralism and the defence of international law, including the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter. Throughout, the declaration refers to the "Global South," meaning the countries of Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, many referred to as developing countries that are said to share a common history of struggle against colonialism, exploitation, economic dependency and foreign intervention.
The declaration calls for the increased participation of developing countries, particularly those in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, in global decision-making processes and structures. The declaration states that it is essential for developing countries to strengthen their efforts to promote dialogue and consultations in pursuit of more just and equitable global governance, and of mutually beneficial relations among nations.
"We recognize that multipolarity can create opportunities for developing countries and emerging markets (DCEMs) to realize their constructive potential and benefit from inclusive and equitable economic globalization and cooperation that is universally advantageous. We want to emphasize the importance of the Global South as a driver of positive change, especially amid significant international challenges -- including escalating geopolitical tensions, economic slowdown, accelerated technological transformation, protectionist measures and migration challenges."
In the financial realm, the declaration emphasizes the need of emerging and developing countries to increase International Monetary Fund (IMF) quotas (essentially membership dues), and World Bank shareholding. Information provided explains that the amount of financial contributions to these bodies determines a country's say in their governance, meaning that the most economically powerful countries have the most say.
When it comes to health, the declaration acknowledges the interconnected nature of global health challenges and their cross-border implications. It reaffirms the commitment of BRICS countries to strengthen global health governance by enhancing international cooperation and solidarity.
"We are committed to actively supporting efforts to strengthen the global health architecture by promoting equality, inclusion, transparency, and responsiveness. This ensures that no country is left behind in achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals," the BRICS' declaration states.
The declaration also announces the launch of the Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases, which promotes health equity and "demonstrates the BRICS' commitment to addressing the root causes of health disparities, such as poverty and social exclusion."
Artificial intelligence (AI) governance "plays a prominent role in the BRICS agenda for the first time," reports indicate. The declaration "recognizes that AI presents a unique opportunity to create a more prosperous future, but that global AI governance must mitigate potential risks and meet the needs of all countries, including those of the Global South."
"A collective global effort is needed to establish AI governance that upholds our shared values, addresses risks, builds trust, and ensures broad and inclusive international collaboration and access," the declaration states.
In preparation for the November UN Climate Change Conference COP30 also under Brazilian leadership "the declaration recognizes the Tropical Forest Forever Fund (TFFF) as an innovative mechanism to mobilize long-term financing for tropical forest conservation, encouraging ambitious donations from potential partners," reports inform.
The reports indicate that, "One of the pillars of the declaration is the commitment to addressing ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world." These are referred to as "the current polarization and fragmentation of the international order." The declaration expresses concern over the current trend of sharply rising global military expenditures at the expense of adequate financing for development. "The BRICS countries advocate for a multilateral approach that respects perspectives and positions on crucial global issues that come from outside the rich minority of countries, on matters such as sustainable development, hunger and poverty eradication, and global climate action," reports inform.
The declaration also made four
commitments regarding the situation in Gaza and the just cause
of the Palestinian people.
In an official statement responding to the declaration, the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas said: "We welcome the final statement of the BRICS Summit and its call for a ceasefire in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces, and its condemnation of violations of international humanitarian law, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare."
Hamas urged BRICS and all countries worldwide to pressure the Israeli government to comply with international law and to stop its aggression and genocide against innocent civilians in Gaza. The Movement also demanded an end to the "criminal blockade" imposed on more than 2 million people.
Other Documents Issued by BRICS Summit
In addition to the traditional leaders' declaration, three other documents reflecting the priorities of the Brazilian presidency were approved: the BRICS Leaders' Framework Declaration on Climate Finance, the BRICS Leaders' Declaration on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence, and the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases.
"These initiatives reflect our joint efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable solutions to pressing global issues," says the summit's main declaration.
Rio de Janeiro Declaration: Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance
Leaders' Framework Declaration on Climate Finance
Leaders'
Statement on the Global Governance
of Artificial Intelligence
Declaration
of 15th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting
This article was published in
Volume 55
Number 18 - July 18, 2025
Article Link:
https://cpcml.ca/Tmlm2025/Articles/TS55181.HTM
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