No. 18

July 18, 2025

July 6-7
17th BRICS Summit, Rio de Janeiro

• Commitment to Strengthening Multilateralism, Defending International Law and Equitable Global Order

• Presentations on Rule of International Law,
Strengthening Cooperation and Multilateralism and
Reform of International Financial Relations

July 4-5
10th Annual Meeting of New Development Bank

• BRICS Bank Consolidates Strategic Expansion and Reinforces Commitment to Sustainable Development

• BRICS Finance Ministers and Bank Governors Commit to Strengthen Economic Cooperation

July 4-5
BRICS People's Council, Rio de Janeiro

• Civil Society Organizations' Recommendations to Heads
of State and Government

June 17
BRICS Health Ministers Meeting, Brasília

• Partnership Established to Eliminate Socially Determined Diseases and Strengthen Vaccine Cooperation

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 Inácio 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.

Presentations on Rule of International Law,
Strengthening Cooperation and Multilateralism and Reform of International Financial Relations

July 6
• Chinese Premier
• Russian Foreign Minister
• Iranian Foreign Minister
• Vietnamese Prime Minister

July 7

• Cuban President

July 4-5
10th Annual Meeting of New Development Bank

BRICS Bank Consolidates Strategic Expansion
and Reinforces Commitment to
Sustainable Development

The New Development Bank (NDB) is an integral part of BRICS and its 10th annual meeting was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil just prior to the BRICS Summit. It is "a multilateral development bank established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) [in 2015] with the purpose of mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs)," its website says. "Working hand in hand with our member countries and stakeholders, we leverage capital for development purposes to accelerate economic growth, as well as to achieve environmental and social sustainability to improve the lives of people in our member countries," it adds. The NBD is headquartered in Shanghai, China.

Dilma Rousseff, former president of Brazil (2011-2016) has been the NDB's president since 2023. Speaking at the conclusion of the NDB's Annual Meeting on July 5, Rousseff outlined the institution's recent progress -- from the admission of new members to the overcoming of financial turbulence -- while adhering to its core mission to promote sustainable and sovereign development.

Dilma Rousseff (fifth from left) at NDB's Annual Meeting on July 5, 2025

The expansion of the bank's membership was a central focus of the presentation. Rousseff confirmed the approval of Colombia and Uzbekistan as the newest members of the NDB, a decision made by the Board of Governors, composed of the Finance Ministers of BRICS countries. With these additions, the bank now has 12 members, including its founding members -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa -- and subsequent members -- Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay.

Rousseff also noted that other countries are currently under review for membership. She said expansion of the NDB will follow strategic criteria, always with the goal of strengthening its representativeness within Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, she explained, making clear that the Bank remains open to qualified new members.

Governance was another key pillar of the president's remarks. Rousseff drew a clear contrast between the NDB's model and institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. The NDB was established by countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, that share a common history of colonialism and exploitation and economic dependency, to serve their interests. It has a governance structure based on substantive equality among members, she emphasized. In this innovative model, there is no room for unilateral veto power: all member countries have an equal voice in strategic decisions, which are made by consensus or qualified majority, she explained.

One of the most salient features of the NDB's governance is its rejection of what Rousseff referred to as political or economic conditionalities. This refers to how the IMF and World Bank give loans based on "structural adjustments" made by countries that receive them, wrecking the economies of these countries and depriving the people of control over the direction of their economies, and making them subject to the whims of global financiers. Rousseff pointed out that the NDB's model "is demand-driven. It is the member countries that define their development priorities, and we assess projects based on technical -- not political -- criteria," Rousseff stressed, underscoring the NDB's commitment to national sovereignty in all its operations.

The financial report presented by Rousseff indicated the challenges faced by the NDB, including a particularly difficult 15-month period when the bank was unable to raise funds in international markets -- a situation that tested its liquidity and required bold corrective measures.

Since assuming leadership in March 2023, Rousseff has spearheaded a campaign to resume bond issuances, successfully raising $16.1 billion in 2024 alone, at rates that reflect renewed market confidence.

"Today we have strong credit ratings, including a AAA grade from the Japanese agency JCR, and we are expanding into new markets, such as yen-denominated instruments and the Middle East," she said, signalling the NDB's growing presence in the global financial ecosystem.

The bank's project portfolio has now reached $40 billion in approved financing since its inception encompassing 122 strategic initiatives, of which $22.4 billion has already been disbursed. In the case of Brazil specifically, investments total $2.3 billion, spanning sectors as diverse as logistics infrastructure, clean energy, and health system modernization.

The investment strategy follows key priorities aligned with what the NDB has identified as the most pressing development challenges of the 21st century. Logistics infrastructure receives particular emphasis, with projects aimed at upgrading ports, airports, and railways -- including feasibility studies for high-speed trains -- as well as regional integration initiatives such as the bi-oceanic railway linking Brazil and Peru, still in bilateral discussion.

Digital transformation is another key priority, with funding directed toward the expansion of 5G networks, early groundwork for 6G, and the development of data centres to ensure member countries' technological sovereignty. In the realm of social infrastructure, smart hospitals equipped with AI and telemedicine technologies are featured as flagship projects, alongside essential initiatives in basic sanitation and affordable housing.

Energy transition completes the list of investment priorities, with significant funding flowing into solar and wind energy projects -- always accompanied by innovative solutions for battery storage. "Storing wind and sunlight was once mocked as a fantasy, but today it is one of the most strategic areas in the global energy sector," Rousseff noted, alluding to past criticisms of her advocacy for these technologies.

Local-currency financing warranted a dedicated section of her remarks. Rousseff highlighted the risks faced by emerging economies overly reliant on the U.S. dollar for external financing. "Any business or government that borrows in foreign currency becomes subject to decisions made by the Federal Reserve or other central banks in developed nations," she cautioned.

As a concrete example of this alternative approach, she pointed to a project in Brazil funded directly in Chinese renminbi, without the need for dollar conversion. She also noted strategic partnerships with national development banks like the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) and Regional Development Bank of the Far South (BRDE) to structure operations with reduced exchange-rate risk. This policy aims to shield member countries from the volatility of strong currencies while strengthening domestic capital markets -- fostering a more resilient financial ecosystem, less dependent on traditional centres of financial power.

Technological innovation emerged as a cross-cutting theme in Rousseff's remarks. Emerging economies must gain mastery over critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and robotics -- lest they become "passive consumers of platform capitalism," said Rousseff. The NDB, she said, positions itself as a strategic facilitator in this process, actively promoting knowledge-sharing among members.

She cited China's expertise in electric vehicles and solar panels, India's strengths in the digital economy, and Brazil's leadership in biofuels and deepwater oil exploration as examples of complementary assets ripe for exchange. "We have a flagship smart hospital project in São Paulo that incorporates Chinese know-how in its design," said Rousseff, saying that this is exactly the kind of cooperation the NDB aims to foster. This is an example of how the bank can function as a platform for technological collaboration among developing nations, she pointed out.

Outlining the bank's strategic outlook, Rousseff laid out four key priorities. First, the expansion of the membership base will proceed based on strategic criteria that bolster the NDB's geographic and economic representativeness. Second, the mobilization of private capital will be intensified through innovative guarantee mechanisms aimed at reducing investor-perceived risk.

Third, partnerships with leading research institutions will be scaled up to accelerate the pace of technological innovation in member countries. And fourth, local-currency operations will remain an absolute priority as a means of building a more diverse, balanced international financial system.

Asked about the controversial topic of "de-dollarization," Rousseff offered a cautious and analytical response. "I don't see concrete evidence of an imminent decline in the dollar's status as the world's primary reserve currency. But the rise of initiatives to expand trade in local currencies is undeniable, and I see that as a positive development," she said. Under her leadership the bank has sought tangible and practical alternatives to vulnerabilities in the global financial system.

The proceedings of the NDB's annual meeting indicate that the bank has a strategic plan firmly in place and continues to consolidate its position as a relevant actor on the international financial stage, offering a viable alternative that combines technical soundness with deep respect for the needs of developing nations.

(BRICS Portal)

BRICS Finance Ministers and Bank Governors Commit to Strengthen Economic Cooperation

On July 5, the Ministers of Finance and Central Bank Governors of BRICS member states endorsed three declarations containing commitments to strengthen multilateralism and foster economic development among member countries. The group also adopted a dedicated declaration in support of the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation, as well as the revision of financial contributions to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), known as quotas, in support of reforming the international financial system. A country's say in the IMF is proportional to its quota, giving the countries with the largest economies the most say.

"BRICS economies have become increasingly integrated into the global economy and now account for approximately one-quarter of global trade and investment flows. At the same time, member states acknowledge that further progress is needed to ensure that the benefits of globalization, economic growth, and productivity are distributed more equitably among all peoples," the ministers and governors affirm.

Among the measures adopted, member states reaffirmed their commitment to constructive and active engagement within international financial institutions and a "rules-based multilateral trading system," with the aim of addressing the needs of developing countries and advancing intra-BRICS cooperation to foster development and enhance the resilience of their economies.

Member states also affirmed their intention to pursue cooperative efforts aimed at easing trade tensions, including through the reinforcement of solidarity and the promotion of strong, sustainable, and more balanced global growth -- thereby fostering an inclusive and universally beneficial economic globalization.

Another key commitment concerns the enhancement of coordination among official creditors and debtors -- bilateral, multilateral, and private -- with a view to assisting Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs) in addressing debt-related challenges in a fair and constructive manner, under a development-oriented framework.

The finance ministers and bank governors also highlighted the significance of the UN Climate Change Conference, COP30, to be held in Belém, Brazil this November. They underscored the importance of enhanced engagement by Ministries of Finance and Central Banks in the discussions -- particularly with regard to the roadmap aimed at mobilizing U.S.$1.3 trillion in financing from all public and private sources to fund climate action in developing countries.

The ministers and governors called upon international financial institutions to scale up support for adaptation efforts and to help foster an enabling environment that encourages greater private sector participation in initiatives to mitigate climate change. To mobilize large-scale private capital, BRICS intends to promote the use of diverse financial instruments -- including blended finance mechanisms (public-private partnerships), guarantees, green bonds, local currency instruments, and interoperable systems -- while simultaneously advancing carbon markets that result in actual reductions in the emission of greenhouse gases.

The ministers and governors reaffirmed the commitment of BRICS to fiscal transparency and the promotion of a global dialogue on fair and effective taxation, advancing progressivity and contributing to the reduction of inequality. The group also aims to enhance global coordination among tax authorities, improve domestic revenue mobilization, ensure the equitable allocation of taxing rights, and combat tax evasion and illicit financial flows.

Finally, BRICS reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening social participation: "We pledge to continue proactive efforts to enhance social engagement within the BRICS process, deepen cooperation among expert communities and civil society across member states, and reinforce the People-to-People pillar within our economic and financial agenda."

(BRICS Portal)

July 4-5
BRICS People's Council, Rio de Janeiro

Civil Society Organizations' Recommendations
to Heads of State and Government

The BRICS People's Council, formally established at the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, convened in-person for the first time in Rio de Janiero from July 4 to 5, where it continued the work of the BRICS civil forums held since 2015.

In the months leading up to the in-person meeting, preparatory engagements were conducted online, with the participation of more than 120 social organizations from member countries.

"What we intend to convey is that cooperation must necessarily involve civil society organizations. While governments may engage with high-level political agendas and prominent issues in the current context, it is imperative to build more tangible channels for technological and cultural cooperation, and these can only be forged by the peoples themselves," stated João Pedro Stédile, of Landless Workers' Movement (Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais sem Terra, MST) and Brazil's representative on the Council.

"Civic engagement and popular participation are the foundational support to all debates. This is a significant outcome of our time -- an authentic product of our collective endeavour," remarked Victoria Panova, Russian representative to the Council. She further underscored that, although the institutionalization of the mechanism took place during Russia's chairmanship, it was the result of a genuine aspiration and concerted effort by societies across all participating countries.

At the conclusion of the two-day deliberations, a Compendium of Recommendations was adopted, focusing on seven thematic areas:

BRICS and the Establishment of a Global Public Health Regime: Outlining a comprehensive strategy aimed at advancing health equity, reinforcing public health systems, and enhancing cooperation among member countries. The document affirms health as a fundamental human right and underscores the imperative for systemic responses that address the social determinants of disease, safeguard vulnerable populations, and prioritize prevention and dignity in service delivery.

Non-Western Strategies for Education in BRICS Countries: Presenting a vision for the development of inclusive, people-centred educational models that affirm the sovereignty, diversity, and cooperation of member nations. Recognizing education as a universal right and a strategic domain for international cooperation, the document outlines structural reforms aimed at countering commodification, strengthening public systems, and enhancing democratic governance in education across the Global South.

Environmental Crisis, Climate Justice, and Alternatives for Sustainable Development for the Peoples of the Global South: In view of escalating environmental emergencies, mounting geopolitical tensions, and the weakening of global climate commitments, the strategic recommendations aim to advance climate justice and sustainable development led by and for the Global South. The document articulates a people-centred ecological agenda grounded in social equity, environmental integrity, and international cooperation among BRICS member states.

Culture and Arts for BRICS Integration: Asserting the centrality of cultural cooperation to strengthen BRICS, fostering multipolarity, and advancing mutual understanding among the group's diverse societies. Grounded in principles of anti-colonialism, cultural diversity, and social justice, the document outlines a comprehensive set of proposals aimed at promoting cultural integration, artistic collaboration, heritage preservation, and inclusive development among member states.

Financial and Monetary Systems in a Multipolar World: Outlining a strategic framework for restructuring the global financial architecture from the vantage point of the Global South. The proposals aim to advance sovereign, inclusive, and sustainable development across BRICS member states, moving beyond conventional market paradigms to address pressing human, social, environmental, and financial challenges. The recommendations encompass international taxation, trade, monetary policy, financial cooperation, technology, and institutional reform.

Digital Economy, Digital Sovereignty, Artificial Intelligence, and Governance: Outlining a strategic framework for advancing digital sovereignty, inclusive governance of artificial intelligence (AI), and a human-centred digital economy. Acknowledging the growing concentration of technological power and global disparities in digital development, the document advocates enhanced cooperation among BRICS member states to ensure a just, secure, and autonomous digital transformation, firmly grounded in social justice and human rights.

BRICS, its Institutional Framework and Respect for Sovereignty in Advancing Global Peace: Presenting a strategic vision for strengthening peace, sovereignty, and institutional reform within the group. The document advocates a multipolar global order grounded in the self-determination of peoples, in democratic governance, and in inclusive participation. As BRICS continues to expand, it must cultivate stronger institutional structures to ensure coherence, transparency, and effective coordination -- while embracing diversity and resisting external coercion.

The compendium was formally transmitted on July 6 to Heads of State and Government during the BRICS Summit.

In October, an additional in-person convening of BRICS civil society will be held, still under Brazil's chairmanship, with the objective of advancing and deepening dialogue following the dissemination of outcomes from the BRICS Summit. Popular movements in Brazil have proposed and are actively organizing an expanded conference, to be held over three days in Salvador, Bahia.

The initiative seeks to convene between 250 and 300 participants, including approximately 10 to 15 delegates per member state, alongside representatives from other nations and organizations engaged in the process. The objective is to strengthen collaboration among the peoples of the Global South and to enable practical cooperation initiatives led by civil society and its movements.

(infobrics.org)

June 17
BRICS Health Ministers Meeting, Brasília

Partnership Established to Eliminate Socially Determined Diseases and Strengthen
Vaccine Cooperation

On June 17, Health Ministers from the BRICS member states convened at Itamaraty Palace in Brasília, where they adopted the BRICS Final Declaration on Health. Central to the document is a recommendation to establish a Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases across the 11 member states. This initiative was formally endorsed at the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 7.

Brazilian Health Minister Alexandre Padilha stated, "BRICS has proposed a health agenda aimed at integrating technical cooperation with a political commitment to equity, health, and capacity development. This effort is structured around three central pillars. The first focuses on addressing the social determinants of health, leading to the flagship initiative of Brazil's BRICS presidency: the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases."

The health declaration outlines that BRICS will serve as a "catalyst for integrated and multisectoral action." Ministers emphasized that once this international commitment is endorsed by Heads of State, it will accelerate progress toward achieving health equity globally. To ensure the partnership advances, the heads of the relevant ministries will convene annually to discuss the initiative.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), social determinants of health refer to the conditions in which individuals are born, grow, live, work, and age. Key factors -- including food insecurity, poverty, and inadequate access to housing -- are recognized as major influences directly affecting population health.

Diseases such as malaria, leprosy, Chagas disease, and tuberculosis are closely associated with social determinants of health. The BRICS commitment to eliminating these diseases is in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 -- Good Health and Well-Being -- of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, which sets the objective of ending epidemics of these diseases by 2030.

Brazil's Health Minister Padilha explained, "We recognize that social determinants of health impact countries and regions in diverse ways, reflecting national specificities, disease patterns, and socio-economic epidemiological contexts. This universality calls for context-sensitive responses tailored to local realities and capable of addressing structural inequalities. At the same time, it underscores the significance of partnership as a mechanism for cooperation among BRICS member states and partners."

Among socially determined diseases, tuberculosis receives particular attention from BRICS member states, as they collectively bear the highest burden of the disease globally, accounting for more than 50 per cent of reported cases.

Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health of South Africa, in an exclusive interview with BRICS Brazil, stated, "Tuberculosis is curable and preventable. However, it has claimed more lives than all known pandemics combined. Many remain unaware of this reality. Tuberculosis has resulted in more fatalities than the bubonic plague -- which devastated Europe, smallpox, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and additional diseases, including COVID-19, yellow fever, and influenza."

"One of the reasons is that tuberculosis, as I describe it, does not generate urgency. It does not attract immediate attention like other diseases. It claims lives silently, gradually, yet with significant impact. That is why we must remain vigilant," added Motsoaledi.

At the invitation of Brazil's BRICS presidency, Nigeria participated in the health discussions and identified parallels with its national context, which also align with the realities of other African nations.

Iziaq Adekunle Adeboye Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare for Nigeria stated, "Nigeria stands as the most populous Black nation globally and is characterized by remarkable diversity. The challenges we face in achieving universal health coverage, addressing socially determined illnesses, and combating neglected tropical diseases are substantial. Tuberculosis and HIV remain highly prevalent. Our participation in the BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting presents a valuable opportunity to foster partnerships, exchange best practices, and broaden cooperation -- so that, united as one humanity, we may continue progressing toward health for all."

In his opening address to the BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting, Padilha underscored two additional key pillars of the BRICS Ministerial Declaration on Health: the imperative to overcome cultural disparities in order to ensure equitable access to health care -- through targeted actions aimed at remote institutions and the promotion of health innovation -- and the strengthening of national capacities in science, technology, and health production, with particular emphasis on the consolidation of the BRICS Centre for Vaccine Research and Development.

In the context of discussions on cooperation in vaccine and technology development among BRICS Member States, Mario Moreira, President of the FIOCRUZ research institute, participated in the ministerial meeting and advocated for a "bolder" scientific agenda.

"Brazil upholds a principle of structural cooperation. That is why, in collaboration with the G20 last year, it proposed and secured the adoption of the Global Coalition for Technological Development and Vaccine Production. In this spirit, we bring the discussion to the BRICS platform, with the objective of establishing an institutional framework through which such cooperation may be advanced -- thereby enhancing our autonomy and reducing dependence on the international pharmaceutical industry," stated Moreira.

"The BRICS Vaccine Development Centre is currently operational, with an ongoing initiative involving the establishment of a digital repository for projects under development. Nevertheless, I believe it is imperative that we adopt a more ambitious stance and pursue a concrete strategy for vaccine development -- by identifying a specific target and coordinating efforts around it. Within this broad, extensive, and diverse bloc, we possess complementary assets and face numerous shared public health challenges that could be effectively addressed through the joint development of a vaccine," emphasized the President of FIOCRUZ.

Moreira identified the joint development of a BRICS vaccine against tuberculosis as a leading example of cooperation. At present, the most widely administered vaccine globally for the prevention of severe cases of tuberculosis is the BCG vaccine, which is given to newborns in Brazil. However, this immunization was developed a century ago, and comparable new technologies remain under investigation.

"It is not viable to address situations analogous to the COVID pandemic in isolation. We are currently facing a particularly challenging moment marked by challenges to multilateralism, during which blocs such as BRICS and MERCOSUR are actively consolidating and reinforcing their institutional frameworks. This is essential if we are to respond collectively at the global level, as the ultimate priority remains the health of the planet and the life of its human population," Moreira concluded.

The joint Health Declaration reaffirmed universal health coverage as a fundamental right, with a strong emphasis on public health. "We reaffirm our commitment to cooperate in capacity-building and in expanding universal access to health care, vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and universal health coverage -- focused on building resilient health systems and promoting health equity," reads one excerpt.

To expand access to health care across all regions -- including remote and underserved areas -- technology was identified as a crucial instrument. BRICS called for the development and use of artificial intelligence and digital tools in ways that are safe, ethical, and non-discriminatory, with the aim of narrowing inequalities, reinforcing digital sovereignty, and enhancing the performance of health systems across varied contexts.

(brics.br)

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Commitment to Strengthening Multilateralism, Defending International Law and Equitable Global Order

BRICS

Summit Declaration

Other Documents Issued by BRICS Summit

Presentations on Rule of International Law, Strengthening Cooperation and Multilateralism and Reform of International Financial Relations

BRICS Bank Consolidates Strategic Expansion and Reinforces Commitment to Sustainable Development