Rio de janeiro: The 17th BRICS summit commenced in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro, bringing together leaders from major emerging economies for discussions on global security, governance reform, and strengthening cooperation across the Global South.
According to Anadolu Agency, the two-day event is hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and takes place amidst mounting geopolitical tensions over the ongoing war in Ukraine, the second year of genocide in Gaza, and recent Israeli and US strikes on Iran, which became a BRICS member in 2024. The summit began with an official arrival ceremony at Rio's Museum of Modern Art at 12.30 pm (1230GMT), followed by a family photo and a plenary session focused on 'Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance.'
A second plenary session, scheduled for 7 pm (1900GMT), will address 'Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs, and Artificial Intelligence.' Notably, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are not attending in person. Xi is represented by Prime Minister Li Qiang, while Putin participates via video link due to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov leads Moscow's delegation in Brazil. Additionally, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi are absent from the summit.
The summit's agenda includes discussions on trade, investment, financial cooperation, artificial intelligence, global health, and climate action under the theme 'Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.' BRICS, initially formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, expanded to include South Africa in 2010. In subsequent years, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran also joined, bringing the total number of members to 11, alongside 10 strategic partner countries.
The alliance's objectives include creating alternative financial mechanisms, reducing reliance on the dollar, and enhancing Global South representation in international institutions, thereby challenging Western-led governance structures.