Leaders of the 11-nation BRICS group on Monday called for a more equitable global order and the strengthening of multilateralism, signing a joint declaration at a summit in Rio de Janeiro that also pushed for reforms of global financial institutions. The document, entitled "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance," sets out the group's commitment to defending international law and contains 126 specific commitments. It follows months of coordination involving over 200 meetings and the creation or reinforcement of 200 new cooperation mechanisms in areas including hunger eradication and climate change. "We want to reaffirm our commitment to the BRICS spirit of mutual respect and understanding, sovereign equality, solidarity, democracy, openness, inclusion, collaboration and consensus," the declaration stated. "Building upon the past 17 BRICS Summits, we are now extending our commitment to strengthening cooperation within the expanded BRICS, based on three pillars of cooperation: politics and security, economy and finance, and cultural and people-to-people cooperation. We are also enhancing our strategic partnership to benefit our peoples by promoting peace, a fairer and more representative international order, a revitalized and reformed multilateral system, sustainable development, and inclusive growth." The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and to the principles of the U.N. Charter, and called for the increased participation of developing countries from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean in global decision-making processes. The declaration stated that in light of today's multipolar realities, it is essential for developing countries to strengthen dialogue to pursue more just and equitable global governance. "We recognize that multipolarity can create opportunities for developing countries and emerging markets (DCEMs) to realize their constructive potential and benefit from inclusive and equitable economic globalization and cooperation that is universally advantageous. We want to emphasize the importance of the Global South as a driver of positive change, especially amid significant international challenges—including escalating geopolitical tensions, economic slowdown, accelerated technological transformation, protectionist measures and migration challenges." FINANCE, HEALTH AND TECHNOLOGY In the financial realm, the declaration emphasized the need to increase the IMF quotas and World Bank shareholding of emerging and developing countries. "We want to reiterate that IMF quota realignment should not come at the expense of developing countries, but rather reflect the relative positions of countries in the global economy and increase DCEM quotas," it said. On health, the leaders acknowledged the interconnected nature of global health challenges and committed to strengthening global health governance through international cooperation. "We are committed to actively supporting efforts to strengthen the global health architecture by promoting equality, inclusion, transparency, and responsiveness. This ensures that no country is left behind in achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals," the declaration stated. The statement also announced the launch of the Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases, which aims to promote health equity by addressing root causes such as poverty and social exclusion. Artificial intelligence (AI) governance played a prominent role in the agenda for the first time, with the declaration stating that global AI governance must mitigate risks and meet the needs of all countries, including those in the Global South. "A collective global effort is needed to establish AI governance that upholds our shared values, addresses risks, builds trust, and ensures broad and inclusive international collaboration and access." CLIMATE AND SECURITY In preparation for the COP30 climate summit, also to be hosted by Brazil, the leaders recognised the Tropical Forest Forever Fund (TFFF) as a mechanism to mobilise financing for tropical forest conservation and encouraged donations from potential partners. "Our Climate Framework Declaration charts a roadmap for the next five years to transform our capacity to raise resources for fighting climate change. With the collective scale of the BRICS, we will combat the climate crisis while make our economies stronger and fairer," the document stated. The declaration also addressed ongoing global conflicts, with leaders expressing concern over rising global military expenditures at the expense of development financing. They advocated for a multilateral approach to global issues and expressed deep concern over attempts to link security with the climate agenda. In addition to the main declaration, three other documents reflecting the priorities of the Brazilian presidency were approved: the BRICS Leaders' Framework Declaration on Climate Finance, the BRICS Leaders' Declaration on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence, and the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases.
