Brazil has kicked off the inaugural BRICS Sherpas meeting, marking a significant moment as the country assumes the rotating presidency of the influential bloc. Brazilian Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira opened the two-day conference at the Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia, emphasizing the need for stronger, more inclusive multilateralism in response to current global challenges.
In his opening remarks, Vieira highlighted the profound changes reshaping the international order, noting that existing institutions are struggling to adapt. He underscored the growing demand from emerging economies for greater participation in global decision-making processes. "In this evolving scenario, BRICS plays a fundamental role in promoting a more just, inclusive and sustainable world order. A multipolar world is not only an emerging reality, but a shared objective," Vieira stated.
The meeting, the first of its kind since BRICS expanded last year to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia, brings together chief negotiators to discuss creating a more equitable global governance structure. Associated countries such as Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan are also participating.
Economically, Vieira warned against the rise of protectionism, which he believes threatens to exacerbate global inequalities. He called on BRICS nations to advocate for an open, fair, and balanced multilateral trade system that caters to the needs of the Global South and supports a truly multipolar economic order. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of alternative financial mechanisms like the New BRICS Development Bank, which is crucial for financing infrastructure and sustainable projects in emerging economies.
Under Brazil's presidency, the BRICS agenda will focus on cooperation with the Global South and prioritize social, economic, and environmental development across six key areas: health, trade, climate change, artificial intelligence, multilateral security system reform, and the institutional strengthening of the bloc.
The second day of the meeting will feature a special session with Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, culminating in a summary of the discussions to be released later in the afternoon.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
