Brazil
Source: brics.br


With 11 member countries and 9 guests, the first expanded BRICS meeting addressed political reform and renewed the call for peace. According to the Brazilian minister, BRICS is not a confrontational bloc, but a platform for coalition-building.

During their first meeting since the group’s expansion, the Foreign Ministers of the BRICS countries emphasized that the bloc of emerging nations should be multipolar rather than ideological. This was the first meeting of Foreign Ministers after the expansion, with BRICS now comprising 11 members and 9 partner countries. The representatives gathered on April 28–29 at the Itamaraty Palace in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Among the points of consensus during the event were support for global governance reform and international financing mechanisms, the rejection of war, and the promotion of knowledge-sharing in health and technology. Although the official document has not yet been released, the differences among the countries did not outweigh the common ground, noted Brasil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. The need to reorganize global governance was one of the key areas of agreement.

In practice, Global South countries are calling for greater diversity in international geopolitical institutions—particularly the UN Security Council, which has remained unchanged since 1945, with five permanent members holding veto power and ten non-permanent members without it.

The push to reform the UN Security Council is not new. Previous BRICS summits and other major international forums have also called for changes in global governance. At last year’s G20, for instance, the issue was addressed in the Leaders' Final Declaration. A rare consensus among G20 members—including China, Russia, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom, the Council’s five permanent members—already pointed to the need for reforming both the Security Council and the UN Secretariat, to increase the representation of women and of countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Pablo Saturnino, a professor of International Relations at the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), observed that the growing economic strength of Global South countries—combined with ongoing crises in developed nations—may contribute to a reorganization of global governance. China’s increasing global influence is a clear example of this shift. In 2023, China’s Gross Domestic Product reached 134.9 trillion yuan (approximately USD 18.5 trillion), marking a 5% increase from the previous year, according to the country’s National Bureau of Statistics.

Saturnino explains that Brasil’s presidency of the expanded BRICS group is important for showcasing the country's longstanding ability to engage in dialogue on complex issues, such as the energy transition, human rights, and global peace. The first meeting of BRICS foreign ministers already demonstrated Brasil’s capacity for mediation and leadership.

During this first meeting, the group of Foreign Ministers also endorsed the rejection of protectionism, signaling the rise of an increasingly multipolar world, with the Global South playing a growing role in international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization.

This first meeting highlighted areas of consensus among BRICS members ahead of their leaders' summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7. “The foreign ministers meeting represents a preparatory arrangement for the meeting of heads of state. It is a way to foster convergence and streamline the negotiation process,” explained Professor Saturnino.
Minister Mauro Vieira stated that the first meeting built bridges, with common themes taking center stage over differences. In addition to the founding members — Brasil, South Africa, China, India, and Russia — other nations have now joined the bloc and are participating in the discussions. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates are now part of the forum, while Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and, more recently, Nigeria, will participate as guests in some meetings.

By Everton Victor. Content originally published on UERJ’s Scientific News Agency (Agência de Notícias Científicas da UERJ/AGENC).

Russia
Source: en.interaffairs.ru

The President of China has arrived in the Russian Federation for an official visit to attend celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, Kremlin informs.

The talks of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin and the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping began with a limited attendance meeting between the leaders and continued with an expanded meeting involving delegations.

The talks addressed key issues concerning further development of the comprehensive strategic partnership, as well as current matters on the international and regional agendas.

Russia was represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, First Deputy Prime Minister and Russian Co-Chair of the Russia-China Intergovernmental Commission on Investment Cooperation Denis Manturov, Deputy Prime Minister and Russian Co-Chair of the Russia-China Intergovernmental Commission on Humanitarian Cooperation Tatyana Golikova, Deputy Prime Minister and Russian Co-Chair of the Russia-China Intergovernmental Commission on Energy Cooperation Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister and Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District, Russian Co-Chair of the Russia-China Intergovernmental Commission on Cooperation and Development of the Far East and Baikal Region of Russia and of Northeast China Yury Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister and Russian Co-Chair of the Russia-China Intergovernmental Commission on Preparation of Regular Meetings of Heads of Government Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the People’s Republic of China Igor Morgulov, Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina, Director of the Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugaev, and Igor Sechin, Executive Secretary of the Presidential Commission on Strategic Development of the Fuel and Energy Sector and Environmental Safety, Co-Chair of the Russia-China Energy Business Forum, and Rosneft CEO and Chairman of the Management Board.

Following the talks, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping signed the Joint Statement of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on Deepening the Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation in the New Era to Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Soviet Union’s Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the People of China’s Victory over Japanese Aggression, and the Establishment of the United Nations. A package of bilateral intergovernmental and interagency documents was also signed during the talks.

The documents signed include:

• Joint Statement of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on Global Strategic Stability;
• Joint Declaration of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on Further Strengthening Cooperation to Maintain the Authority of International Law;
• Intergovernmental Agreement on the Promotion and Mutual Protection of Investment;
• Letters of understanding between the two governments on measures, the introduction of which is regulated by the World Trade Organisation rules on national security exceptions, general exceptions, and prudential measures.
• Interdepartmental documents concerning biological safety, cooperation in digital transformation and the digital economy; creation and development of megascience research facilities; combating infectious diseases; and cooperation in building a lunar power station for the International Scientific Lunar Station were signed among other documents.
• A package of documents signed concerns cooperation between Russian and Chinese universities and between media outlets, in particular, cooperation between the Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency, the Xinhua News Agency, and the China Media Group.
• The Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation was signed between Russia’s Movement of the First youth organisation and the Chinese Youth Federation (2025-2026).

Vladimir Putin at the meeting with President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping.

Photo: Klemlin.ru

Talks between Vladimir Putin and President of China Xi Jinping took place in the Kremlin.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr President, dear friend, dear Chinese friends.

It is a great pleasure to welcome all of you to Moscow.

I am truly delighted to see you again and sincerely value the opportunity to speak with you personally. I am grateful that, just as you did ten years ago for the previous anniversary, you have chosen to join us in commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, which our nation holds sacred.

Tomorrow, the official parade will take place on Red Square featuring servicemen of the People’s Liberation Army of China. As far as I know, this is the largest foreign military contingent to take part in the event.

The victory over fascism, achieved through immense sacrifice, holds enduring significance. Together with our Chinese friends, we are committed to upholding historical truth, honouring the memory of the war years, and standing against the resurgence of neo-Nazism and militarism today.

I would like to express my gratitude for your invitation to the commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of victory over militarist Japan and the end of World War II. I will be delighted to pay an official visit to friendly China on this historic occasion. And prior to that, our delegation will participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit to be held under China’s chairmanship.

The military brotherhood forged between our nations during those difficult wartime years remains a cornerstone of today’s comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China. We expand our collaboration for the benefit of both nations; our efforts are not directed against any third party.

Our relations are based on equality and mutual benefit, and remain unaffected by momentary interests. Our willingness to foster neighbourliness, strengthen our friendship, and expand cooperation reflects the two countries’ choice driven by our strategic cooperation.

I would like to once again note that our governments, ministries, and agencies are striving to implement a full range of practical agreements within a multilateral mechanism of regular meetings. Those include a plan for comprehensive economic cooperation through 2030.

Mr President, my dear friend, thank you very much once again for today’s visit. This holds great significance to us.
The immeasurable losses borne by both our nations demand perpetual remembrance. The Soviet Union lost 27 million lives, sacrificing them at the altar of the Fatherland and the altar of Victory. China gave 37 million lives in its struggle for freedom and independence. This victory was achieved under the leadership of the Communist Party.

We are delighted to see you at the festivities. I am certain that we will use this time to exchange opinions on the entire scope of our relations.

Thank you.

Photo: Kremlin.ru

President of China Xi Jinping (retranslated):

Mr President, my dear friend, Russian ministers.

I am happy to visit Russia once again at the invitation of my friend Vladimir Putin, and attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory of the Soviet Union in the Great Patriotic War.

Earlier this year, we held a meeting via videoconference and had a telephone conversation. Together, we planned to further develop China-Russia relations. Under our mutual strategic leadership, our countries are reinforcing their political mutual trust and expanding practical cooperation, intensifying cultural and humanitarian exchanges and interregional ties, which demonstrates a more consistent, stable and steady dynamic in our bilateral relations in this new era.

Past history and present reality convincingly demonstrate that the sustained development and expansion of China-Russia relations are imperative for maintaining our nations’ centuries-long friendship, and represent a strong commitment to our countries’ success, prosperity and revival. They remain crucial for the ongoing endeavours to uphold international justice and promote global governance reform.

This year, we also celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people’s victory in the war against Japanese aggressors, the Soviet Union’s Victory in the Great Patriotic War, and victory in the world’s fight against fascism.
Eighty years ago, at the cost of heavy losses, the Chinese and Russian peoples achieved Great Victory, making an indelible and historic contribution to peace across the world and human progress.

Today, as we are facing negative trends and unilateral actions and the dictate of force in the world, China is ready to join Russia in carrying special responsibility, as major global powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council, and dutifully and courageously defend the truth about World War II history, safeguarding the authority and positions of the United Nations, resolutely protecting the interests and rights of our states and all developing countries, building together an equal and structured multipolar world order, and achieving an inclusive, generally accessible economic globalisation.

Thank you.

Photo: Kremlin.ru

Media statements by Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.

Vladimir Putin and President of China Xi Jinping made statements for the media following Russian-Chinese talks.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

President Xi Jinping, dear friend. Ladies and gentlemen.

As always, our talks with President of the People’s Republic of China took place in a warm, friendly and constructive atmosphere. It was a substantive and productive discussion.

Mr Xi Jinping’s current visit is timed to coincide with the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Tomorrow, we and many other foreign leaders will take part in the anniversary events and attend the Victory Parade.

The soldiers and officers of the People’s Liberation Army of China will march shoulder to shoulder with the military units from Russia and other states in a ceremonial procession on Red Square.

The President of China and I have also agreed that we will meet in Beijing in September to celebrate another anniversary, 80 years since the end of World War II, and to pay tribute to the Soviet and Chinese troops who fought together against the Japanese militarism.

Overcoming the unprecedented hardship and horrors of war, our nations conducted the ultimate heroic feat to restore peace but also, as is well known, suffered the greatest losses. Today, Russia and China stand together in their consistent efforts to preserve the historical truth about the Great Victory as the common value for humankind, and jointly prevent attempts to falsify history and rehabilitate Nazism and militarism.

Our shared heroic past and combat brotherhood form a solid foundation for the development and strengthening of Russia-China relations. These relations have reached the highest level in history, being self-sufficient and independent from internal political factors or momentary global agendas.
The comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China are built on the unshakable principles of equality, mutual support and assistance, as well as the unbreakable friendship between the two states and two nations.

I want to emphasise that Mr Xi Jinping and I personally control all aspects of Russia-China partnership and do all we can to expand the cooperation on bilateral issues and the international agenda alike.

During today’s talks, we discussed politics and security cooperation, economic ties, as well as cultural and humanitarian exchanges in detail.

As you have just seen, following the talks, we have signed an impressive package of documents. The Joint Statement Mr Xi Jinping and I have signed sets ambitious goals, in particular, ensuring significant progress in Russian-Chinese trade and investment by 2030, expanding and improving the structure of economic ties by increasing the share of high-tech products, developing innovative e-commerce, mutual supply of essential materials, mineral resources, and agricultural products.

China is Russia’s leading trade partner. In 2024, our trade set a new record, reaching $245 billion. Russia is also one of China’s leading trade partners.

Investment cooperation is developing actively: about 90 top priority Russian-Chinese projects worth about $200 billion are being implemented or in development, covering such areas as industrial production, transport, logistics, agriculture, and mining.

The intergovernmental agreement on promotion and mutual protection of investment signed today will undoubtedly contribute to the continuous growth of mutual investment.

The timely and well-coordinated measures taken by both Russia and China to conduct bilateral payments in national currencies also contribute significantly to the deepening of our commercial ties. As a result, nearly all Russian-Chinese trade transactions are now carried out in rubles and yuan. In effect, a stable and resilient mutual trade system has been established — one that is reliably shielded from the influence of third countries and adverse fluctuations in global markets.

The Power of Siberia gas pipeline has now reached its full design capacity, with 31 billion cubic metres of natural gas delivered to our Chinese partners. Gazprom consistently meets the requests of its Chinese counterparts, regularly supplying volumes beyond those stipulated in the contractual obligations.

The launch of the Far Eastern Gas Pipeline scheduled for 2027 will increase Russian gas exports by another 10 billion cubic metres.

The volume of LNG that Russia supplies to China is also increasing, and cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy is developing successfully. Rosatom is building Russian-designed power units at the Tianwan NPP and the Xudapu NPP. Their commissioning will make a significant contribution to the energy supply of the Chinese economy, helping supply Chinese enterprises and households with inexpensive and clean energy, thus improving the environmental situation in large Chinese cities.

In late March, the Nika accelerator complex, built with the active assistance from our Chinese partners, was launched in the city of Dubna, Moscow Region. This collider allows for unique physics experiments that help study the nature and properties of elementary particles.

When discussing current issues of industrial cooperation, special emphasis was put on creating additional value chains and introducing advanced technologies and innovations.

Large Chinese car producers, manufacturers of industrial equipment, microelectronics, and household appliances are expanding their presence in the Russian market; large-scale joint projects are being implemented in non-ferrous metallurgy, chemical and cellulose industries, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, space development, and many other knowledge-intensive areas.

Russia and China prioritise the development of international transport corridors spanning the entire Eurasian continent. Our country is actively upgrading key railway routes — the Trans-Siberian and the Baikal-Amur mainlines — along with the supporting infrastructure.

Significant progress has been made in the development and commercial operation of the Northern Sea Route. As a result, passenger and freight flows between Russia and China continue to grow steadily, with increased throughput at border crossings, several of which now operate 24 hours. New logistics hubs are being established, too.

I would also like to highlight that 2024–2025 have been declared the Cross-Years of Russian and Chinese Culture. To date, around 150 events, including theatre tours, museum exhibitions, and film festivals, have taken place in 30 Russian and 50 Chinese cities. Last winter, Moscow marked the Lunar New Year on a grand scale, an occasion in which hundreds of thousands of Muscovites took part. I am certain that many people in Moscow are now recalling those festive moments with fondness. We have many New Year celebrations: the calendar New Year, the Old-style New Year, and now we are delighted to celebrate the Lunar New Year as well.

The steady growth of mutual tourism is further supported by the visa-free regime for organised tour groups. In 2024, 1.6 million Russian citizens visited the People’s Republic of China, while approximately 1.2 million Chinese nationals travelled to the Russian Federation.

There are 21,000 Russian students in China, and 51,000 Chinese students in our country. More than 160 bilateral educational programmes for undergraduate and postgraduate students are available in Russian and Chinese. There are 27 joint education institutions, including the flagship Joint Russian-Chinese University created by Lomonosov Moscow State University jointly with the Beijing Institute of Technology. There are 12 inter-university associations that unite about 600 education institutions in the two countries. Today, the President of China proposed an initiative to hold bilateral years of education. We support this timely and useful idea.

Chinese athletes successfully participated in the BRICS Games and the Games of the Future, held in Russia in 2024. In turn, the Russian national team won many awards at the Greater Altai Games organised in China last January.
When addressing crucial international and regional issues, we reaffirmed that Russia and China maintain identical or highly aligned positions. The two countries pursue independent foreign policies and are interested in creating a more just and democratic multipolar world order.

As you know, the United Nations marks the 80th anniversary this year. Russia and China both believe that the UN and its Security Council ought to continue playing the central role in global affairs, while all the issues and problems on the global and regional agendas must be addressed in compliance with the UN Charter and international law, with due account for the interests of all international community members with respect for the cultural and civilisational diversity.

Our countries are actively cooperating within BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, where China is now presiding. Russia supports the priorities of China’s SCO chairmanship, and we are happy to be taking part in the SCO summit in Tianjin this September.

Of course, we will continue to coordinate our positions in other multilateral formats, such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, the G20, the World Trade Organisation, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. We will persist with our efforts to align the integration processes within the EAEU and China’s Belt and Road Initiative with the prospect of forming a greater Eurasian partnership.

In conclusion, I would like to sincerely thank President Xi Jinping and our Chinese colleagues for their productive joint work. I am confident that the current visit and talks will further strengthen Russian-Chinese friendship and contribute to the well-being and prosperity of our states and nations.

Thank you.

President of China Xi Jinping (retranslated):

President Putin, ministers, journalists, good afternoon.

I am delighted to visit Moscow once again during this festive season full of emotions and the joys of Victory. I want to thank President Putin for inviting me, and thank our Russian friends for their warm welcome.

Mr President and I have just had substantive and fruitful friendly talks, reaching an entire range of new important agreements.

We have signed the Joint Statement of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on Deepening the Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation in the New Era to Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Soviet Union’s Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the People of China’s Victory over Japanese Aggression, and the Establishment of the United Nations. An impressive package of documents was signed and exchanged in our presence, which, I believe will further enhance our bilateral relations.

Russia is the country I have visited most frequently as the President of China: this is my 11th visit. Tomorrow, I will have the honour of taking part in the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The last time I attended such festivities was exactly a decade ago.

The past ten years have brought not only profound transformations on the international landscape, but also remarkable milestones and breakthroughs in the development of China–Russia relations. We have witnessed a steady strengthening of our political mutual trust and a dynamic expansion of multifaceted cooperation that continues to reach new heights.

In the face of global, monumental and historic changes, I am firmly convinced of the importance of staying true to the course of the development of our bilateral relations and of human society at large. We must uphold our sense of responsibility, deepen comprehensive cooperation, and contribute ever more to the progress and prosperity of our nations, while defending international justice and equality. It is essential that we remain trusting friends, bound by time-tested friendship and mutual respect.

Eighty years ago, in the face of ferocious militarism and Nazism, the armies and peoples of China and Russia fought side by side, selflessly and with great courage. Together, they wrote a glorious chapter in human history — a legacy of heroism that will never fade. The deep bond between our peoples was forged in the fire of war and sealed in blood, laying a firm foundation for the ever-rising trajectory of our bilateral ties.

I am confident that we must continue strengthening our political trust and enhance our strategic coordination. China-Russia relations will only grow more mature and resilient. It is vital that we remain reliable partners, committed to mutual benefit and shared prosperity.

The mutually beneficial China-Russia cooperation has gone along a very difficult path, from massive reciprocal flows of highly sought-after cargo during the challenging years of World War II to regularly renewed records of mutual trade, like a high-speed train steadily climbing the peaks. In this context, it is essential to continue to deepen multifaceted practical cooperation and strengthen the material basis for comprehensive interaction to benefit our countries’ peoples and foster global development.

It is imperative that we remain the defenders of a world order in the spirit of equality and justice. China and Russia, as the main theatres of war in World War II, made a decisive contribution to the victory over Nazism, and thus laid the cornerstone of the post-war world order.

As a positively stabilising and proactive factor of the international community, China and Russia should stand unwaveringly side by side, resolutely uphold the UN-centred system of international relations and the world order based on international law and continuously promote equitable and orderly multilateralism around the world. It is vital to remain the engines of global governance in the spirit of mutual support.

All the nations of the world have an equal right to determine the future of our planet and to share the achievements of global progress. China and Russia, as great world powers and emerging markets, have a noble mission to ensure global development in a more equitable and rational vein.

It is crucial to boost our interaction within multilateral organisations, including the UN, the SCO and BRICS, to uphold genuine multilateralism, to ensure that global governance is moving in the right direction, and to promote universally accessible and inclusive economic globalisation.

As a Chinese wisdom goes, the path to the most ambitious goal lies through the most formidable hardships. Despite the turbulent international situation, China and Russia will remain committed to the spirit of eternal neighbourliness, comprehensive strategic interaction and mutually beneficial cooperation, will withstand any weather and overcome any obstacles hand in hand, work unceasingly to comprehensively advance bilateral relations deep and wide, enhance their strength, bring more stability to global peace and security, and provide powerful incentives and boosts to global development and prosperity.

Thank you for your attention.

country
Source: brics.br

BRICS strengthens anti-corruption cooperation in meeting led by Brasil’s Office of the Comptroller General (CGU)

With a focus on climate integrity, asset recovery, and technology, Brasil presented recent progress and proposed joint actions to be taken up at the BRICS Summit and COP30.

Under Brazilian leadership, the Office of the Comptroller General (Controladoria-Geral da União/CGU) hosted discussions in Brasília for the BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group, one of the core priorities of the group’s 2025 agenda. The meeting brought together senior representatives from BRICS member countries to align strategies on public integrity, corruption prevention, asset recovery, and climate governance—issues that have gained growing global relevance in recent years.

CGU Executive Secretary Eveline Brito emphasized that the Brazilian presidency is prioritizing three key pillars: inclusive multilateralism aimed at reducing asymmetries among developed and developing countries; the integration of anti-corruption efforts with climate justice, an increasingly urgent issue in the face of environmental challenges; and the strengthening of transparency mechanisms through the use of technology and international legal cooperation. “Corruption not only diverts public funds but also deepens inequality and weakens responses to global crises such as climate change,” stated Brito. She referenced the 2025–2027 Integrity and Anti-Corruption Plan, launched in December, which outlines 260 initiatives in areas such as sustainable procurement, environmental resource oversight, and partnerships with the private sector.

One of the panels focused on “Climate, Integrity, and Sustainable Development,” addressing how corruption exacerbates environmental crises—from the misappropriation of conservation funds to fraud in carbon markets. Eveline Brito underscored Brasil’s intention to place climate integrity at the center of global negotiations as the host of COP30 in Belém this November. She also noted that there can be no climate justice without transparency. “Vulnerable populations, especially in the Amazon and other impoverished regions, are most affected when funds are diverted or policies go unimplemented. Fighting corruption is not just about punishment; it is about ensuring that public policies reach those who need them most,” she explained.

Russia shared its experiences in tracking environmental crimes, such as illegal logging and clandestine mining. South Africa presented successful cases of restoring degraded land through public-private partnerships with robust auditing mechanisms. Mayra Saito, head of the Brazilian Government's Digital Policy Secretariat’s Disinformation Taskforce, warned of a new threat: climate disinformation. “Fake news about environmental policies can erode institutional trust and delay urgent action,” she said, citing Brazilian initiatives such as the Environmental Information Observatory, which cross-references official data with reports from civil society.

In the field of asset recovery, National Secretary of Justice Jean Keiji Uema outlined the progress made under the National Asset Recovery Policy (PNRA), launched in February 2025. This mechanism sets guidelines for identifying, freezing, and repatriating diverted funds, including in cross-border cases. “In 2024 alone, Brasil recovered BRL 2.3 billion in corruption-related assets,” Uema stated. “We now aim to expand cooperation within BRICS, particularly in cases involving tax havens and cryptocurrency-based money laundering,” she concluded.

Natalia Primakova, adviser at Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of New Challenges and Threats, highlighted achievements such as the 2022 document Common Vision in Joint Action, which unified investigative and training methodologies for anti-corruption, as well as the 2023 Guidelines for Legal Cooperation, which facilitated extraditions and evidence sharing. She also mentioned the Rapid Alert System, a platform for tracking suspicious asset movements among member states.

“Consensus is our method, but urgency is our motivation,” said the Russian adviser.

Discussions also addressed technological solutions for integrity, including the use of blockchain for digital procurement records, artificial intelligence to detect fraud in large datasets, and whistleblower protection through secure platforms. China shared examples of smart cities utilizing sensors and algorithms to prevent fraud in real time, while India presented its Aadhaar digital payments system, which uses facial recognition and has helped reduce corruption in social programs.

The outcomes of the meeting will inform two major events: the BRICS Summit in Rio this July, where the Anti-Corruption Working Group will propose a joint action plan with measurable goals through 2030; and COP30 in Belém, where Brasil will advocate for the creation of a “Global Forum on Climate Integrity” linked to the United Nations.

The Brasília meeting reinforces BRICS' role as a forum for cooperation on global challenges, demonstrating that even in a complex geopolitical landscape, fighting corruption and advancing transparency remain shared priorities. Under Brasil's presidency, the group seeks to consolidate practical advances that could serve as a model for other regions, particularly in addressing environmental and financial crimes that transcend borders. The challenge now is to turn dialogue into concrete action, with effective monitoring mechanisms and tangible results for BRICS citizens.
Integrity and climate change

Elizabeth Cosmo, head of CGU’s Special Advisory Office for International Affairs, emphasized the impact of corruption on environmental policy. “Climate change presents challenges that require efficient public policies. Corruption can undermine these efforts by diverting resources meant for mitigation and adaptation,” she stated.

Another key point was the use of digital tools to prevent fraud. “Criminals use technology, and we need to stay ahead,” stated Cosmo. She cited ALICE, an AI platform developed by CGU that analyzes tenders, contracts, and procurement notices on federal e-procurement platforms. Its purpose is to flag inconsistencies and potential signs of fraud in advance, helping reduce corruption and prevent the waste of public resources.

International cooperation in tracing and repatriating diverted funds was also a major topic. Brasil shared recent recovery figures from leniency agreements, highlighting the importance of returning those funds to essential areas such as healthcare and education. “This is a sensitive issue for countries in the Global South, where the impact of corruption is often more severe,” Elizabeth Cosmo noted.

The group is expected to maintain asset recovery as a priority area through the BRICS Summit in July. When asked how these discussions affect ordinary citizens, Cosmo was unequivocal: “Corruption is not abstract. When a hospital lacks funding or a bridge goes unbuilt, it is because that money was stolen. BRICS accounts for nearly half the world’s GDP. We must act together,” she concluded.

Russia
Source: mid.ru

Question: How are Russia and China coordinating on key regional and global issues through platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS?

Maria Zakharova: Russia and China maintain close cooperation across international platforms, particularly, within multilateral organisations and forums, of course. We champion principles of equality and fairness. We promote the development of a just multipolar world order with the UN as its unifying core. We firmly resist Western attempts to impose a confrontational agenda on the entire world, specifically regarding Asian regional matters.

Against this backdrop, the strategic tandem between Moscow and Beijing contributes substantially to the stability in international affairs and global governance. Our stance is that the viability of the multipolar model requires universal openness and respect for the interests of all nations without exception, based on the principles of inclusivity and zero tolerance for discriminatory practices. Therefore, we prioritise the promotion of human values such as peaceful development, equality, justice, democracy and freedom. These values represent humanity’s genuine accomplishments and deliver constructive and positive benefits for nations’ development and prosperity.

Brazil
Source: brics.br

The Itamaraty Palace, in Brasília, hosted this Friday, May 9, the BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management. Representatives from the 11 countries that compose the bloc participated in the meeting to discuss strategies to reduce risks, strengthen climate resilience, and foster international technical cooperation — in a global context that is increasingly affected by extreme climate events.

The meeting was led by the Brazilian ministries of Integration and Regional Development (Integração e Desenvolvimento Regional/MIDR) and Cities (Cidades), which work jointly to formulate policies for urban adaptation and strengthening local capabilities in the face of climate change.

At the event opening, the Minister of Regional Development, Waldez Góes, highlighted the urgency of the environmental agenda and the need for cooperation among the countries.

“The increased frequency and intensity of disasters constitute an environmental emergency with direct implications for our countries’ development. This scenario amplifies structural inequalities, overloads public systems, and deepens social vulnerabilities, which require coordinated and integrated responses. In this sense, this meeting is not only a technical space but a call for collective and solidary action.”

Next, the Minister of Cities, Jader Filho, stressed the importance of international coordination to jointly address climate challenges.

“This meeting is not just about making decisions but also about listening to one another, joint learning, and strengthening ties among our countries. Brasil has been dedicated to building bridges that connect prevention and mitigation, always focused on reducing inequalities and protecting the most vulnerable populations. Our active participation at BRICS is a reflection of our commitment to leveraging public policies that strengthen resilient infrastructure and promote integrated actions to address disasters.”

Joint Declaration

During the Ministerial Meeting, the BRICS countries approved a Joint Declaration with guidelines for prevention policies and disaster responses. The document consolidated the group’s commitment to a shared agenda aiming at prevention, climate adaptation, and the promotion of sustainable development with social justice.

In the Joint Declaration, the members recognize that the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters, aggravated by climate change, have been causing negative social and economic impacts such as the increase in poverty levels and delays in development.

To address this scenario, the document highlights four fundamental principles:
1 - Integrating the dimensions of development and social justice in all disaster risk reduction areas;
2 - Strengthening the preventive approach according to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030;
3 - Orienting strategies to connect to the climate agenda; and
4 - Advancing the elaboration of sustainable resilience initiatives.

The Declaration reflects the unanimous understanding of the BRICS member countries that building an environment of sustainable resilience requires not only technical actions but also political commitment, solidarity among the nations, and valuing the diversity of contributions. In this spirit of cooperation, the Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs of South Africa, Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, underscored:

“We must take a broader view when assessing the contributions of our partners — not only those of a privileged few, but of all who have shown commitment and integrity. No nation should elevate itself above others, for at the end of the day, we all share this world, and with it, the responsibility to build a more peaceful and just future.”

Work Plan

On the occasion, the 2025–2028 Work Plan was officially presented. Developed under Brazil’s leadership and adopted unanimously by the member states following months of constructive dialogue, the plan outlines strategic goals and priorities to advance international cooperation in disaster risk management, emphasizing climate change prevention, mitigation, and adaptation. The guidelines are intended to strengthen governance frameworks and translate commitments into concrete action.

The Work Plan includes four cross-cutting priorities: addressing inequalities to reduce vulnerabilities; establishing robust early alert systems and strengthening the capacity for anticipatory response; developing resilient infrastructure; and integrating local and national traditional knowledge into the disaster risk reduction systems.

According to Brasil’s National Secretary for Civil Protection and Defense, Wolnei Wolff, from MIDR, the challenges faced by the member countries present similarities, which reinforces the importance of joint action.

“After this meeting cycle, we managed to approve this work plan and establish clear goals for the next four years. During the exchange of experiences among the countries, we realized that the climate crisis affects the country as a whole. And the problems are more or less common among the countries that compose BRICS. These challenges are heightened by climate change, which is subjecting us to increasingly frequent and intense extreme events.”

The actions listed in the Plan include:

• Producing Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction Plans;
• Implementing Early Warning Systems;
• Developing Resilient Infrastructure;
• Integrating Nature-Based Solutions;
• Designing Sustainable Financing Models.

Name change

The member countries also agreed to update the name of the group to reflect its missions and scope in the context of multilateral cooperation within the BRICS with more precision. As of this meeting, the new name will be “BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Group”.

Brazil
Source: brics.br

The Brazilian BRICS Presidency inaugurated this year the Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as part of the bloc’s Partnership for the New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR). The goal of this initiative is to promote industrial development, innovation, and technological cooperation among the eleven member countries.

““Micro and small enterprises are the backbone of the BRICS economy,” stressed Mancini.
In an exclusive interview with BRICS Brasil, Working Group (WG) Coordinator Luciana Mancini — who also serves as an international adviser at the Brazilian Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Microenterprise and Small Business (Ministério do Empreendedorismo, da Microempresa e da Empresa de Pequeno Porte/MEMP) — discussed the challenges of organizing the group’s first edition this year. She emphasized the significant role this segment plays in the economies of the bloc.
Considering the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment figures across BRICS countries, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) play a significant role in the bloc’s economies. In Egypt, for instance, MSMEs account for 80% of the GDP. In China, the figure is similarly high, with small businesses contributing 60% of GDP. In India, 95% of jobs are generated by this sector, a trend echoed in China (80%), Russia (72.5%), and Egypt (72%). These figures are part of a study conducted by MEMP to support the structuring of the Working Group.

“Micro and small enterprises are the backbone of the BRICS economy,” stressed Mancini.
Recognizing this potential, the Working Group aims to compile successful experiences already implemented across BRICS countries and identify strategies to further strengthen them through the use of technology. “E-commerce platforms now play a critical role in enabling small businesses to expand their reach both domestically and internationally,” noted the coordinator of the BRICS Working Group. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also part of this discussion.

Read the full interview with the BRICS Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Luciana Mancini.

What does the Working Group on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises do?

Luciana Mancini: The MSME Working Group was created last year, during Russia’s presidency of the bloc. So now, with Brasil holding the presidency, we are the first to actually coordinate and structure this new group.

MSMEs have come up in BRICS discussions before, under previous presidencies, but not in a very organized way. Setting up a dedicated working group is something new, and it is giving us the chance to take the conversation to a deeper, more consistent level.

How is the WG, which is meeting for the first time this year, being structured?

Luciana Mancini: Basically, what we are doing under our presidency is putting together a strategy, an action plan, and a solid mechanism for it all to work. We are identifying the key priorities to include in the plan and figuring out how to implement them through concrete actions that will bring real benefits to small and medium-sized enterprises within the bloc. It is also about strengthening these businesses among both the original five members and the six new additions, which bring with them significant asymmetries.

The big challenge is figuring out how to structure a work plan, strategies, proposals, activities, and initiatives that can truly support these small businesses. It is not just about public policy, since governments are leading the conversation. We are also bringing together various governmental levels from the BRICS countries, along with the agencies responsible for actually implementing these programs and projects.

You mentioned the asymmetries among the BRICS countries. What do they look like in the context of MSMEs?

Luciana Mancini: Within BRICS, each country has a different approach for MSMEs. From a governmental standpoint, each BRICS country has a different structure and addresses the issue in a different way at different levels of each government.

To give you a concrete example, in the cases of Brasil, South Africa, India, and Indonesia, which are countries that have specific thematic MSME ministries at the national and federal levels, for example. This is different from other countries that address MSMEs in the context of ministries of trade, ministries of finance, ministries of industry, and other arrangements.

And what are the similarities among the BRICS MSMEs?

Luciana Mancini: Small, micro, and medium enterprises are the backbone of literally every one of the BRICS countries. For instance, from the standpoint of participation in the BRICS countries’ Gross Domestic Product, it is remarkably high. From the standpoint of job creation, it is remarkably high.
In fact, these businesses represent a dominant presence in the social and entrepreneurial fabric of all BRICS countries. We are focusing on this characteristic and using it as a foundation to establish our new priorities for action, which are very much based on this reality.

And what are the priorities of the MSMEs WG?

Luciana Mancini: Our focus was on trying to structure the working group. So we started by mapping out who is who, learning which governmental levels within the structure of the BRICS countries work in this area. Then, we worked on structuring the working group itself, establishing terms of reference to describe how we will work from now on, under all presidencies, to ensure a sense of continuity under future presidencies.

The third and most central issue in this structuring strategy, since we are the first country and the first presidency that has assumed the role of structuring the working group, was precisely to propose an action plan to our partners. This action plan is structured around three large pillars.

What are the pillars of the action plan?

Luciana Mancini: The first pillar is information and best practices exchange. We want to know what the BRICS countries and our partners do, what their policies are, what their strategies are, what their initiatives are, and how, in practice, they implement public policies addressed to MSMEs.

The second pillar of this action plan is fostering interaction and synergy among the countries. We are proposing the creation of an MSME forum, with frequent meetings and the participation, for example, of Brazilian MSMEs at events, initiatives, and congresses that are happening in other BRICS countries. There is a big focus on the need to work on training, on business-to-business cooperation, promoting research, joint studies, and support to sustainable business initiatives.

A third area of focus is trade. When you look at the reality of small, micro, and medium enterprises in the BRICS countries, there is a clear imbalance—a significant asymmetry—in their participation in international business and trade volumes.

Which countries can exemplify these international trade issues?

Luciana Mancini: If you take cases like China, for instance: 60% of China’s export volume comes from MSMEs, which is surprising, isn’t it? I mean, the way China can engage the participation of these businesses.

There is a full set of policies to internally bolster and build capacity in these businesses to export. And nonetheless, we have the case of Brazil, in which our volume, or the participation of Brazilian MSMEs in the total volume of exports, is very small, below 1%.

I believe this is a priority for our government—to support, train, and prepare these companies, and to create an environment where Brazilian small enterprises can take a more active role in international trade. This is particularly important as we work toward building truly expanded trade among BRICS countries.

And for this integration of small and medium enterprises into trade, the digital world plays a crucial role.

Luciana Mancini: Especially today, when we are fully immersed in the digital economy. Digital platforms, particularly e-commerce platforms, are central to this process. We know that e-commerce platforms today have an absolutely essential role in driving small businesses forward, both nationally and internationally.

We are also placing strong emphasis on the importance of identifying key sectors that are either ready, nearly ready, or in the process of preparing to engage in this type of trade through e-commerce platforms. This is a crucial concern—pinpointing the sectors and businesses that are equipped to take part in these initiatives and to use digital platforms to sell and export. That includes selling within their own countries, of course, but also expanding their participation in global value chains more proactively.

And, in this sense, artificial intelligence was one of the issues proposed by the Brazilian BRICS presidency. How is this issue being discussed?

Luciana Mancini: We brought to the MSMEs Working Group a deeper discussion on how the digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence technologies can boost productivity and innovation, actually serving as an advantageous tool for small businesses.

How can artificial intelligence be more effectively adopted by small businesses? How are the BRICS countries working to enable small businesses to take ownership of this technology? How can we better promote digital competencies so that these businesses can really participate in these platforms and boost their sales? And our main concern was to try and discuss the challenges faced by small businesses in the context of the digital transformation, particularly in the aspect of training the workforce to adopt artificial intelligence.

One of the key initiatives of the MSME Working Group was the organization of two webinars titled “Digital Transformation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: How to Empower BRICS MSMEs for a Competitive Future.” We invited representatives and experts from all BRICS countries, including officials from the ministries responsible for small enterprises, as well as international organizations—particularly from the United Nations system—to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on BRICS MSMEs and how small businesses can benefit from and better adopt this technology to improve productivity and competitiveness.

We are looking into the possibility of creating programs and projects, and joint initiatives to bolster this agenda within BRICS. Several countries have had very successful experiences in training, technology adoption, and boosting the productivity of small, micro, and medium enterprises through the use of these technologies.

When we talk about BRICS, we are talking about developing countries where inequality remains a major challenge. How do you view the issue of access to artificial intelligence in member countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, and Ethiopia, for example?

Luciana Mancini: That is true. What we have seen in the discussions held within BRICS and in the context of the Working Group on Artificial Intelligence is that none of the countries are disconnected from this conversation. All of them are working internally to develop national strategies and policies—even those with a relatively lower level of development, like the countries you mentioned. They are actively seeking development and forming partnerships because they have already recognized some key issues at stake.

Artificial intelligence technology, every study shows, is an instrument without which it is absolutely impossible to reach the productivity leap and the development leap that these businesses are looking for.

There is also the fact that a large share of these countries have already reached a certain digital maturity. Despite the differences in the levels of advancement and access to digital technologies in each of the BRICS countries, we can observe one common element. Every country today is concerned with and has national digitalization policies and policies to promote access, develop digital competencies and digital talents, and foster the use of technology.

Are there examples of the use of these technologies in BRICS countries?

Luciana Mancini: Indonesia, for instance, is a country where digital technologies are widely spread, and with a very large population. China, too, without a doubt, uses digital payment. These technologies are widely spread throughout all BRICS countries. This in itself ensures a very strong and important foundation. Moreover, we can also see that there are several platforms, especially for e-commerce, in all these countries. Some are more regionalized, others less. These platforms are greatly associated with government action, providing more and more access for small enterprises.
So this is a characteristic that is widely disseminated across various BRICS countries, some of which have gigantic projects. We are talking about India, with millions and millions of small businesses, 170 million small businesses already acting on digital platforms, and with access to artificial intelligence technologies. I believe this is a reality that is also growing more and more in Brasil. It is a reality that is also present in virtually every BRICS country.

It is an investment in the future of these countries.

Luciana Mancini: The fact that artificial intelligence will have a great contribution is very clear, with the injection of trillions of dollars in the global economy by 2030, contributing to the increase of the GDP of every country, and necessarily generating an increase in productivity. This is what the studies we are based on have been showing, and every country is following this direction, moving towards this.

And how can MSMEs, through the use of technology, help reduce inequalities in BRICS countries??

Luciana Mancini: Without a doubt, the discussion around small and medium enterprises is closely linked to the inclusion agenda. It is a fundamental part of any effort to build capacity, promote participation, and include more people in the economy and the marketplace. In that sense, it is a very positive and constructive agenda across all countries.

All BRICS members recognize and approach policies for small enterprises as instruments of inclusion. This is a shared concern among us. What we are aiming for now is to give more structure and direction to this agenda moving forward.

What are the expectations for the next discussions of the WG?

Luciana Mancini: The challenges are immense, but we see them as a great potential and will seek to advance with concrete actions. More than anything, we want to ensure sustainability so that this theme can continue to be discussed under the rotating presidencies to come. BRICS has a mechanism that foresees a succession of presidencies, and our goal is to ensure that the next presidencies can build upon the foundational structure that our Brazilian presidency is building this year.

Brazil
Source: brics.br

Brasil leads final BRICS coordination on connectivity, space, and environmental sustainability
The Ministry of Communications chaired the final virtual meeting of the BRICS Working Group on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and is organizing an in-person session in Brasília to finalize a joint declaration by the member countries.

On Tuesday, May 6, Brasil took an important step in advancing the BRICS digital agenda by leading the third virtual meeting of the Working Group (WG) on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Coordinated by the Ministry of Communications (Ministério das Comunicações), the meeting focused on finalizing the ministerial declaration to be signed in June during the group’s in-person gathering in Brasília.

On May 29 and 30, the federal capital will host representatives from the 11 BRICS member countries for the group’s final technical meeting before the official signing of the declaration by ministers, scheduled for June 2 at the Itamaraty Palace.

“We will have the opportunity to welcome the eleven BRICS countries to Brasília at the end of the month. In this final online meeting, we were able to hear the initial comments from the other members on the draft declaration,” said Jeferson Nacif, Head of the International Affairs Office at the Ministry of Communications.

Currently in its final stages of revision, the draft is expected to consolidate agreements on strategic issues such as universal and meaningful connectivity, space and environmental sustainability, and the strengthening of the digital ecosystem. Member countries have until May 29 to submit their suggestions to the Brazilian presidency of the Working Group.

At a press conference following the meeting, Ronaldo Moura, international advisor at the National Telecommunications Agency (Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações /ANATEL), emphasized Brasil’s leadership in global telecommunications discussions.

“Brasil was among the first countries to bring this topic to the telecommunications arena. We have made significant progress, built strategic alliances, and helped place the issue on the international agenda,” he said.

Another key topic discussed during the meeting was meaningful connectivity—a concept that goes beyond simple internet access to include quality, security, and practical usability. The group proposes adopting the indicators already endorsed in the G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Declaration—also under Brasil’s leadership—as a means to track countries’ progress.

“It is essential to understand local bottlenecks. It’s not enough to be connected—what matters is being well connected, with broad and secure access,” said Alexandre Moraes, also an advisor at ANATEL.

The BRICS ICT Working Group serves as a strategic platform for coordination among member countries, focused on advancing digital inclusion, technological innovation, and digital sovereignty. The upcoming in-person meeting in Brasília is expected to signal a new phase of international cooperation in the communications sector, aligned with the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

Brazil
Source: brics.br

The initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD), strengthens the cultural identity of these communities and upholds their right to communication and information in their native languages. The radio bulletins will be produced in Guarani and Terena.

Recognizing Social Communication not only as a tool for disseminating information but also as a means of shaping reality —with the potential to democratize spaces and themes— the Secretariat of Social Communication of the Presidency of the Republic (Secretaria de Comunicação Social da Presidência da República/SECOM-PR) is celebrating an unprecedented initiative. In partnership with the Federal University of Grande Dourados (Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados/UFGD), in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, radio bulletins will be produced in Indigenous languages—specifically Guarani and Terena—under the scope of BRICS Brasil. The content will be translated and recorded by Indigenous collaborators from the University and broadcast on BRICS Brasil’s official channels, as well as on the Brazilian Communications Company’s (Empresa Brasil de Comunicação/EBC) National Radio Network.

Brasil recognizes over 270 living Indigenous languages, some of which are also spoken in other parts of the Americas. By including and valuing these languages, the cultural identity of these communities is strengthened, along with their right to communication and information in their native languages—a right guaranteed by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“It is very important to create visibility so that these languages reach broader spaces. By providing information, we also strengthen communication among young people, since Guarani is one of the most spoken languages. Being able to translate information into Indigenous languages strengthens Indigenous identity, which carries with it the knowledge of our ancestry,” emphasized Kelly Duarte Vera, a Guarani Indigenous person who is part of the translation team.

Jailson Joaquim, a Terena Indigenous person who also works on the project, agrees with his colleague, emphasizing that valuing Indigenous languages at international events helps preserve and revitalize these languages, many of which are at risk of extinction. “The translation of content into Terena, for example, not only enriches the event with new perspectives but also fosters a commitment to social justice and human rights, recognizing the importance of these languages, and giving them visibility on the global stage,” he stated.

The initiative reflects the success of the partnership between UFGD and the Brazilian presidency of the G20 last year, and extends to content from the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (Conference of the Parties).

Brazil
Source: brics.br

The Evolution of Multilateralism

Understood as a model that guides cooperation among three or more participants based on common and binding principles, multilateralism is nothing new: from the ancient military alliance of the Delian League to the Treaty of Westphalia and the Congress of Vienna, the logic of cooperation among actors has shaped the international order. Its peak came with the founding of the UN in 1945, after World War II, when it was consolidated as the institutional engine of peace and cooperation in various areas.

Since then, multilateralism has faced numerous challenges and transformations. The Cold War polarized decision-making; the oil crises of the 1970s revealed the vulnerability of interdependent economies; the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam called into question the authority of the UN; the 1997 Asian financial crisis exposed the limitations of financial institutions; and the rise of non-state actors reshaped the global political landscape. African decolonization, in turn, multiplied the voices within the international system, demanding new dynamics.

Even so, all of this has shown that although it undergoes crises, multilateralism is always capable of reinventing itself.

The New Crisis of Multilateralism

The current crisis, in turn, has taken on new contours. International institutions tasked with ensuring peace and security face the dilemma of addressing global threats through the principles of international law while remaining bound to outdated dynamics — as evidenced by the failed attempts to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict since 2023 and the stagnation of the UN Security Council.

In the economic realm, the adoption of a unilateralist and protectionist stance by the United States — the world’s largest economy — through the implementation of an aggressive tariff policy, reminiscent of the failed Smoot-Hawley Act of 1930, has global repercussions — reaching even remote regions such as the Heard and McDonald Islands.

According to the Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report by the WTO, published on April 16, the tariffs imposed by the U.S. since March are expected to cause a 0.2% decline in global merchandise trade in 2025. This impact could be deeper — up to 1.5% — if the temporary suspension ends and the escalation continues to fuel uncertainty in global trade policies. North America, the epicenter of the measure, is projected to see significant declines: 12.6% in exports and 9.6% in imports.

For developing countries, the effects are no less severe. The same publication indicates that South America will experience a 0.8% contraction, Asia 1.7%, while Africa and the Middle East — with more fragile productive structures — are expected to post only marginal growth of 0.1%. In regions where foreign trade is a key driver of development, these figures represent more than mere statistics: they are direct threats to economic stability and job creation.

The tariff war initiated by the U.S. has the potential to harm not only the country itself but also the entire world. The construction of a new era of American unilateralism could break the multilateralism that the U.S. itself helped establish in the last century, creating space for fragmentation and global risks.

Together, the fragility of the UN, the inefficiency of the WTO, and unilateral actions create an environment of instability that could lead to both economic ruptures and armed conflicts. When international cooperation fails, the sense of insecurity grows — and with it, the risk of decisions driven by fear or distrust. Multilateralism, as we know it, is under attack — and needs to be urgently renewed.

A Strategic Window of Opportunity

In the face of this scenario of exhaustion, BRICS presents itself as a concrete alternative for the restructuring of international institutions and organizations. The current crisis, though concerning, also opens the door for a fairer reconfiguration of global governance — and BRICS emerges as a central actor in this process of transformation.
According to the Brazilian BRICS Presidency’s Statement, the forum is committed to a fair, just, democratic, and balanced multipolar order. The grouping arrives in Rio de Janeiro in July, under Brasil's presidency, for its XVII Summit. Guided by the slogan “Strengthening Cooperation in the Global South for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” Brasil proposes to focus political attention, among four other areas, on discussions about the Reform of the Multilateral Architecture of Peace and Security, and on Trade, Investment, and Finance.

In the political realm, recent actions reinforce this role. Brasil and China proposed a joint peace initiative for the conflict in Ukraine. The United Arab Emirates acted as mediators in the release of prisoners. Saudi Arabia launched the Global Alliance for a Two-State Solution. And in March, BRICS representatives and those from the Middle East reaffirmed, in Brasilia, their commitment to a peaceful solution based on international law for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These gestures demonstrate a group committed to dialogue and diplomacy.

These examples highlight the group's commitment to promoting international peace and security through diplomacy and cooperation. Despite internal differences, BRICS has shown the ability to converge on key agendas, especially when it comes to defending multilateralism, dialogue, and strengthening the voice of the Global South.

In the economic realm, the group advocates for a review of the governance of the Bretton Woods institutions — such as the IMF, the World Bank, and the International Development Association — in order to ensure greater representativeness for developing countries. At the same time, it seeks to consolidate its own financial instruments created within the bloc: the New Development Bank (NDB), which focuses on financing sustainable and infrastructure projects, and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), designed to offer support to members in times of currency pressure. The Brazilian presidency has also proposed that BRICS advance in building a common position on the role of the World Trade Organization (WTO), strengthening the collective commitment to a more balanced, transparent, and open global trade system, which values economic multilateralism as the foundation for development.

The NDB, founded in 2014, already shows solid results. According to the Evaluation Lens report (December 2024), nearly all of the 11 projects assessed received "strongly satisfactory" ratings in impact, sustainability, and efficiency — demonstrating that creating effective institutions outside traditional power centers is possible.

BRICS as a Proposal for the Future

In light of the global scenario, the Brazilian BRICS presidency proposes concrete pathways for a fairer multilateralism. By aligning its actions with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the group demonstrates that it is not just about defending the Global South but about offering global solutions based on equity, cooperation, and shared responsibility.

The tariff war imposed by the U.S. highlights the limits of a system that, in the face of crises, fails to coordinate solutions. The Security Council remains paralyzed. In this vacuum, BRICS does not position itself as opposition, but as a realistic alternative. Its proposals for UN reform, modernization of economic governance, and institutional strengthening point to a new multilateralism: more inclusive, effective, and connected to the challenges of the 21st century.

While some build walls, BRICS builds bridges. The dispute is ongoing — and its outcome could define the future of the international order. It is up to emerging nations, like BRICS, to lead the transition to a system where everyone has a voice and a place at the table of global decisions.

References

BRASIL. Issue note – Presidência brasileira do BRICS. Brasília: BRICS, 2025. Available at:  https://brics.br/pt-br/documentos/issue-note-presidencia-brasileira-do-brics-portugues.pdf/@@download/file. Accessed on: April 22, 2025.
BRASIL. Declaração conjunta sobre o Oriente Médio e Norte da África – BRICS 2025. Brasília: BRICS, 2025. Available at:  https://brics.br/pt-br/documentos/politica-e-seguranca/joint-statement-mena-brics-2025.pdf/@@download/file. Accessed on: April 22, 2025.
BRASIL. Issue note – Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues (CGETI). Brasília: BRICS, 2025. Available at:  https://brics.br/pt-br/documentos/contact-group-on-economic-and-trade-issues-cgeti-issues-note-brics-2025.pdf/@@download/file. Accessed on: April 22, 2025.
BRASIL. BRICS reforça compromisso com a paz e o multilateralismo no Oriente Médio e Norte da África. Brasília: BRICS, 2025. Available at:  https://brics.br/pt-br/noticias/brics-reforca-compromisso-com-a-paz-e-o-multilateralismo-no-oriente-medio-e-norte-da-africa. Accessed on: April 22, 2025.
BRASIL. Brasil e China apresentam proposta conjunta para negociações de paz com participação de Rússia e Ucrânia. Brasília: Planalto, 2024. Available at:  https://www.gov.br/planalto/pt-br/acompanhe-o-planalto/noticias/2024/05/brasil-e-china-apresentam-proposta-conjunta-para-negociacoes-de-paz-com-participacao-de-russia-e-ucrania. Accessed on: April 22, 2025.
BBC NEWS BRASIL. O que está em proposta de paz apresentada por Brasil e China para guerra na Ucrânia. [S. l.], 2024. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/portuguese/articles/c05n8l1g7z8o. Accessed on: April 22, 2025.
PÚBLICO. Será a aliança global a concretização da solução de dois Estados e a saída para o conflito israelo-palestiniano?. Lisboa: Público, 2024. Available at: https://www.publico.pt/2024/09/28/mundo/noticia/sera-alianca-global-concretizacao-solucao-dois-estados-saida-conflito-israelopalestiniano-2105855. Accessed on: April 22, 2025.
BRASIL. Recomendações do BTTC aos líderes do BRICS 2025. Brasília: BRICS, 2025. Available at: https://brics.br/pt-br/documentos/people-to-people-p2p/bttc-recommendations-to-the-brics-leaders-2025.pdf/@@download/file. Accessed on: April 22, 2025.
WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION. Trade outlook 2025. Geneva: WTO, 2025. Available at: https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/trade_outlook25_e.pdf. Accessed on: April 22, 2025.
WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION. Trade growth to pick up in 2025 following a weak 2024, WTO says. Geneva: WTO, 2025. Available at: https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news25_e/tfore_16apr25_e.htm. Accessed on: April 22, 2025.
G20. Multilateralism can – and must – deliver. [S. l.]: G20, 2025. Available at: https://g20.org/news/multilateralism-can-and-must-deliver/. Accessed on: April 22, 2025.
CÂMARA DOS DEPUTADOS (Brasil). Audiência pública sobre ações para fortalecimento do BRICS. Brasília: Câmara dos Deputados, 2019. Available at:  https://www2.camara.leg.br/atividade-legislativa/comissoes/comissoes-permanentes/credn/arquivos/arquivos-de-apresentacoes-em-eventos/2019-arquivos/29-05-audiencia-publica-sobre-acoes-para-fortalecimento-do-brics. Accessed on: April 22, 2025.
NEW DEVELOPMENT BANK. Relatório de Resultados de Desenvolvimento – 1ª edição. Xangai: NDB, 2025. Available at: https://www.ndb.int/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/First-Edition_-Report-on-NDBs-Development-Results_Lens_PT.pdf. Accessed on: April 22, 2025.
Daniel Henrique DinizRedator-Chefe na CosmopolíticosGraduando em Relações Internacionais - UEPBdanielhenriquediniz2022@gmail.com

Brazil
Source: brics.br

This Thursday, May 8, Brasil’s Ministry of Sports closed the first cycle of online meetings of the BRICS Sports Working Group. The meetings initiated on Wednesday, May 7, focused on the elaboration of a memorandum of understanding that aims to establish a solid foundation for sports cooperation among the bloc’s member countries.

The main goal of the initiative is to strengthen sports cooperation within BRICS, promoting development through sports and physical activity. The strategic proposal is to institutionalize this cooperation among the member countries, including the six new additions to the bloc (Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) and serve as the basis to build concrete guidelines that can bring more cohesion and representativeness to BRICS in the field of sports.

During the first two days of the meeting, Brasil presented the initial draft of the memorandum, which substitutes the version previously signed. The updated version will go through revisions and adaptations to contemplate the contributions of the new members.

“These two days were dedicated to presenting the initial draft and compiling suggestions. We will still have four more meetings before finalizing the document, which will be presented and signed during the BRICS ministers of sports meeting, scheduled for early June,” explained Fábio Araújo, the Brazilian National Secretary for Parathletics of the Ministry of Sports, who is responsible for negotiating the sports agenda within BRICS.

Among the topics covered in the memorandum are the implementation of multilateral sports projects, the promotion of traditional sports, the sharing of research, data, and technologies in the sports field, the creation of technical cooperation mechanisms, joint conferences and training sessions, among other matters.

“We are also going to discuss integrity and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in sports practices within BRICS. We know that sports are a theme of interest to all bloc countries, and the document will serve as the basis to build other specific agreements in the area of sports,” added Araújo.
The next round of meetings of the working group is scheduled for May 22-23, 2025.

Brazil
Source: brics.br

This Thursday, May 8, Brasil’s Ministry of Sports closed the first cycle of online meetings of the BRICS Sports Working Group. The meetings initiated on Wednesday, May 7, focused on the elaboration of a memorandum of understanding that aims to establish a solid foundation for sports cooperation among the bloc’s member countries.

The main goal of the initiative is to strengthen sports cooperation within BRICS, promoting development through sports and physical activity. The strategic proposal is to institutionalize this cooperation among the member countries, including the six new additions to the bloc (Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) and serve as the basis to build concrete guidelines that can bring more cohesion and representativeness to BRICS in the field of sports.

During the first two days of the meeting, Brasil presented the initial draft of the memorandum, which substitutes the version previously signed. The updated version will go through revisions and adaptations to contemplate the contributions of the new members.

“These two days were dedicated to presenting the initial draft and compiling suggestions. We will still have four more meetings before finalizing the document, which will be presented and signed during the BRICS ministers of sports meeting, scheduled for early June,” explained Fábio Araújo, the Brazilian National Secretary for Parathletics of the Ministry of Sports, who is responsible for negotiating the sports agenda within BRICS.

Among the topics covered in the memorandum are the implementation of multilateral sports projects, the promotion of traditional sports, the sharing of research, data, and technologies in the sports field, the creation of technical cooperation mechanisms, joint conferences and training sessions, among other matters.

“We are also going to discuss integrity and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in sports practices within BRICS. We know that sports are a theme of interest to all bloc countries, and the document will serve as the basis to build other specific agreements in the area of sports,” added Araújo.

The next round of meetings of the working group is scheduled for May 22-23, 2025.