The 2023 BRICS Leaders’ Summit, held in Johannesburg, South Africa from August 22 to 24, convened leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa under the theme “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism.” As the summit unfolded, a common thread emerged among participants and observers alike: a heightened focus on ecological and environmental protection.
In a special episode of “We Talk BRICS,” individuals from diverse backgrounds shared the issues they hope the summit would address. Nicole, from the United States, emphasized the importance of balancing development with efforts to combat climate change. “I believe this year’s BRICS Summit should focus on how to combat climate change while developing,” she stated, highlighting a sentiment shared by many across the globe.
Valentine, a resident of South Africa, echoed this concern. He expressed hopes that the summit would prioritize discussions on cleaner resources and renewable energy sources. “It’s crucial for the BRICS nations to lead the way in adopting sustainable energy solutions,” Valentine remarked, underscoring the role these countries play in global environmental initiatives.
Participants from BRICS member country China and BRICS applicant Argentina also voiced their expectations for intensified collaboration on environmental issues. The convergence of these perspectives signals a growing recognition of the urgent need for sustainable development practices within the BRICS framework.
As the summit progresses, the emphasis on ecological and environmental protection reflects the collective awareness of environmental challenges and the desire for cooperative solutions. The discussions at the BRICS Summit could pave the way for significant advancements in sustainable development and set a precedent for global partnerships addressing environmental concerns.
Reference(s):
We Talk BRICS special: Issues of interest at this year's summit
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