Rio de janeiro: Leaders and representatives from the BRICS alliance are gathering in Rio de Janeiro for the group's 17th annual summit, taking place on Sunday and Monday.
According to Anadolu Agency, the summit occurs against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions, including recent Israeli and US strikes on Iran, a BRICS member since 2024, the genocide in the Gaza Strip, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The return of Donald Trump to the White House and his renewed tariff threats have also raised concerns within the group. The two-day talks will be hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, with a focus on trade and investment, financial cooperation, AI and technology, global health, and climate action.
BRICS was initially formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining the following year. The alliance has since expanded to 11 members, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia, the latest entrant. Additionally, 10 countries, such as Vietnam, Nigeria, and Malaysia, have joined as official "partner countries," a category introduced at the 16th BRICS summit in Russia. The bloc, representing around 44% of global GDP and over 56% of the world's population, advocates for a multipolar global order and seeks to counter Western influence globally.
Notable absences from the summit include Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Putin, who faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant, will participate virtually, while Russia will be represented in Brazil by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Xi Jinping will miss the summit due to a scheduling conflict, with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang attending in his place. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian is also reportedly absent. Attending the summit are Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The summit's agenda prioritizes enhancing cooperation among Global South countries by establishing alternative financial systems, reducing dollar dependency, and seeking greater representation in global institutions. The theme for this year's summit is 'Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.' Brazil is focusing on six key topics, including global health cooperation, trade, investment and finance, and climate change. The summit will also emphasize artificial intelligence, governance, multilateral peace and security architecture, and institutional development.