The 17th Annual BRICS Summit Begins in Brazil with a Focus on Global Cooperation and Economic Issues
The 17th annual BRICS summit commenced on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, gathering an estimated 4,000 participants from 37 countries and international organizations. Brazil, which currently holds the group’s rotating presidency, is leading the discussions on key global issues such as global health cooperation, trade, investment, and finance, climate change, AI governance, reform of the multilateral peace and security system, and institutional development within BRICS.
One of the notable aspects of this year’s summit is the inclusion of a wide array of participants, including senior dignitaries from member states, partner countries, and international bodies. Brazilian officials had previously estimated that the event would bring together around 4,000 attendees, underscoring the significance of the meeting and its potential influence on global policy.
The Russian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, is representing the country at the summit, while President Vladimir Putin is joining via video conferencing for the plenary session titled ‘Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs, and Artificial Intelligence.’ This session aims to address pressing global issues, including the role of multilateralism in international relations and the economic and technological implications of AI.
BRICS was established in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. Over the past year, the bloc has extended full membership to several countries, including Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. This expansion reflects the bloc’s growing influence and its efforts to strengthen its global standing and economic and political reach.
Last year, at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, the group approved a new ‘partner country’ status to accommodate the increasing interest from more than 30 countries. This initiative continues to demonstrate the bloc’s ambition to expand its membership and enhance its role in global governance, economic cooperation, and international relations.