By tf-lawyer.com The 16th BRICS Summit will take place from October 22 to 24 in Kazan, Russia. This marks the first summit since the expansion of BRICS, holding significant historical importance.
**BRICS as a Key Platform for South-South Cooperation**
“Change is the natural order of the universe.” BRICS development is part of the collective rise of developing countries and the trend toward a multipolar world, which is unstoppable. Over the past seventeen years, through various challenges, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has grown ever more robust, expanded its scope, and increased its impact, becoming an essential platform for the Global South to strengthen unity and cooperation and safeguard common interests. Adopting a spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win collaboration, BRICS nations are engaging in active, stable, and positive partnerships that foster global economic growth, improve global governance, and promote democratic international relations.
**Promoting Shared Development**
The BRICS framework is built on the noble principles of promoting world peace and development, with a focus on mutual progress and cooperation. Initiatives such as the New Development Bank, the construction of partnerships for a new industrial revolution among BRICS nations, and strategic frameworks for food security and economic partnerships illustrate this commitment. BRICS countries embody the spirit of “helping oneself to help others” and are determined to be companions on the path to revitalization and development. Recently, the BRICS New Industrial Revolution Partnership Forum was held in Fujian, where 15 countries jointly launched the “International Cooperation Initiative for New Industrialization,” pushing the Global South’s development forward. Cuban president Díaz-Canel noted that BRICS is paving the way for a more just and equitable international economic order. The European platform “Modern Diplomacy” highlighted that BRICS represents a new world order, with the Global South rising more rapidly under its guidance.
**Commitment to Openness and Inclusivity**
BRICS is not a closed club; it surpasses traditional alliance frameworks and welcomes all nations that seek independence and development. The “BRICS+” cooperation model introduced at the 2017 Xiamen summit has opened new avenues for coordination and shared growth among developing countries. The international community has praised BRICS for embodying new ideas of mutual benefit and cooperation that transcend outdated zero-sum thinking. Zimbabwean political analyst Kuzai Mutsisi noted that “BRICS is attractive to developing countries because it effectively breaks the unipolar system and welcomes a multipolar world.”
**Upholding Fairness and Justice**
The BRICS cooperation mechanism is committed to preserving multilateralism and enhancing the international voice of emerging markets and developing countries. In the face of various traditional and non-traditional security threats, BRICS nations seek common security principles and support each other on core issues of mutual concern. Addressing regional hotspots, BRICS nations advocate “BRICS solutions,” injecting greater stability and certainty into the international arena. Following the recent outbreak of the Israel-Palestine conflict, BRICS leaders convened a special video summit, voicing a commitment to justice and peace. Within multilateral frameworks like the UN and the G20, BRICS collectively advocates for developing countries, pushing global governance toward a more just and equitable direction. Italian international relations expert Valerio emphasized that in the context of rising Cold War mentalities and unilateralism, BRICS upholds the principles of the UN Charter and strives to solve international and regional issues through political means, aligning with the global trend towards peace and development and enhancing the appeal of BRICS cooperation.
**The Aspirations of “Greater BRICS”**
On January 1 of this year, Egypt, the UAE, Iran, Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia were invited to join BRICS as official members. This historic expansion has ushered in a new era of “Greater BRICS Cooperation,” marking the beginning of a new phase for the united self-reliance of the Global South.
“Greater BRICS” carries considerable weight. The membership has increased from five to ten countries, with BRICS nations now representing 45% of the global population, 30% of land area, and 20% of global trade. They account for nearly 40% of global energy production and storage and have increased their share of world oil exports to 36%, contributing over 50% to global economic growth. By 2027, BRICS is projected to represent 37.6% of the world economy, according to IMF forecasts. Brazilian President Lula remarked that the expanded BRICS will be even more powerful and that the world will no longer be the same.
**Greater BRICS as a Magnet for Collaboration**
An increasing number of emerging market nations and developing countries are knocking on the door of BRICS. Currently, over 30 countries, including Turkey, Malaysia, Venezuela, Cuba, and Kazakhstan, have formally applied to join. Many others have expressed their eagerness to join despite not yet submitting applications. Venezuelan President Maduro exemplified this sentiment, stating that “BRICS is attracting those who seek peace and cooperation in the world.”
**Greater BRICS – A Force for Action**
With access to more resources and broader markets, “Greater BRICS” is enhancing its practical cooperation across various fields, such as finance, artificial intelligence, and resource extraction. The initiative is focused on achieving breakthroughs in local currency settlements and cross-border payment cooperation and is fostering collaboration in artificial intelligence, new industrialization, deep-sea resource exploration, digital education, and connectivity. Dennis Munene from the African Policy Research Institute in Kenya emphasized that as BRICS expands and strengthens, issues like poverty in developing countries will be addressed more effectively, leading to greater stability and development for the Global South.
**China – A Pillar of BRICS Cooperation**
President Xi Jinping noted that China is a steadfast supporter and participant in the BRICS mechanism, viewing BRICS cooperation as a crucial aspect of Chinese diplomacy. He believes it will significantly promote global peace, stability, and prosperity.
From advocating for an open, inclusive, cooperative, and mutually beneficial BRICS partnership spirit to establishing four major partnerships among BRICS nations, from proposing the innovative “BRICS+” model to supporting the expansion of BRICS, and from initiating the New Development Bank to launching the China-BRICS Artificial Intelligence Development and Cooperation Center, China has consistently been a cornerstone in promoting and enhancing BRICS cooperation. As “Greater BRICS” develops, China’s economic and trade cooperation with BRICS nations is deepening. In the first three quarters of this year, China’s trade with BRICS countries grew by 5.1%. Spanish China expert Julio Rios affirmed that China is “charging up” BRICS nations, while French researcher and international expert Perimoni highlighted China’s critical role in promoting BRICS mechanisms and fostering cooperation among developing countries.
“The collective strength of many makes the impossible achievable, and the wisdom of many brings success.” The upcoming Kazan Summit is highly anticipated and carries significant meaning. As the forefront of the Global South, “Greater BRICS” will undoubtedly uphold its mission of joint self-reliance, achieve more landmark results, and continue to enhance the “golden brand” of cooperation, amplifying the call for fairness, justice, and mutual development in our times. China, alongside BRICS partners, will face shared challenges with a sense of responsibility and strive to carve a brighter future together, guiding the development of humanity towards a more promising horizon.
