BRICS summit opens in Brazil as global tensions rise
ISTANBUL
The 17th BRICS summit opened Sunday in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, bringing together leaders from major emerging economies for talks on global security, governance reform, and strengthening cooperation across the Global South.
The two-day gathering, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, comes as geopolitical tensions mount over the war in Ukraine, the second year of genocide in Gaza, and recent Israeli and US strikes on Iran, a BRICS member since 2024.
The day began with an official arrival ceremony at Rio’s Museum of Modern Art at 12.30 pm (1230GMT), followed by a family photo and a plenary session on “Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance.”
A second plenary session focusing on “Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs, and Artificial Intelligence” is scheduled for 7 pm (1900GMT).
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are not attending in person. Xi is represented by Prime Minister Li Qiang, while Putin is participating via video link due to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov leads Moscow’s delegation in Brazil.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi are also absent from the summit.
Talks will address trade, investment, financial cooperation, artificial intelligence, global health, and climate action under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”
BRICS was formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran later joined, expanding the group to 11 members, alongside 10 strategic partner countries.
The alliance aims to create alternative financial mechanisms, reduce dollar dependency, and increase Global South representation in international institutions, challenging Western-led governance structures.
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