Representatives of BRICS+ countries put forward proposals to strengthen multilateralism

Representatives of BRICS countries and partner states took part in the 17th summit session of the association, entitled "Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs, and Artificial Intelligence". At the meeting, they presented ideas on strengthening multilateralism, trade, and the development of AI.

Indonesia participated in the summit for the first time as a full member of BRICS. President Prabowo Subianto called on the countries of the group to deepen economic partnership and expand the role of the New Development Bank (NDB) of BRICS.

Russia was represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He emphasised that the countries of the Global South and East are becoming the driving force behind economic growth and the formation of a new architecture of the world economy based on the principles of equality. According to him, BRICS is the driving force behind this transformation.

The Head of the Russian Foreign Ministry drew attention to the strengthening of trade ties within the association.

"The share of BRICS countries in Russian trade is constantly growing and amounted to more than 48 per cent at the end of 2024, with 90 per cent of mutual settlements being carried out in national currencies"

Sergey Lavrov Russian Foreign Minister

The issue of artificial intelligence (AI) management took a special place on the meeting agenda, with the leaders of the group countries adopting a corresponding statement. At the session, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi proposed the creation of a BRICS Centre for AI and New Technologies for knowledge sharing, joint development and support for innovative projects. In turn, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited the group's countries to participate in the "AI Impact Summit", which will be held in the republic next year.

"We will have to work together for Responsible AI. Such global standards will have to be created that can verify the authenticity of digital content so that the source of the content can be known"

Narendra Modi Prime Minister of India

In addition, the Indian Prime Minister proposed the creation of a BRICS Science and Research Repository, a database for the exchange of academic materials common to the countries of the Global South.

Delegates from BRICS partner countries also presented their ideas. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on the group's member states to lead the reform of global institutions, promote trade liberalisation and jointly develop a fair AI governance system in cooperation with other multilateral institutions.

Bolivian President Luis Arce expressed a similar position. In his opinion, the NDB should become an alternative to traditional financial mechanisms. He stated that BRICS countries need to launch joint scientific and technical projects, especially on the use of AI in the fields of healthcare, climate, agriculture and infrastructure.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also shared his views on the development of artificial intelligence.

"As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia is championing the establishment of an ASEAN AI Safety Network, a regional initiative to strengthen governance and capacity in this fast-moving domain"

Anwar Ibrahim Prime Minister of Malaysia

In turn, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhenkov proposed integrating the digital currency platforms of the group's central banks. In addition, he announced the republic's readiness to become a platform for the creation of modern logistics hubs. According to him, Belarus sees BRICS not just as an association, but as a strategic platform for the future.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu invited BRICS countries to explore investment opportunities in the republic.

"Kazakhstan fully supports the noble goals and objectives of this summit, which is aimed at promoting the ideas and values of multilateralism"

Murat Nurtleu Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu stressed that BRICS countries need to give priority to the fight against infectious diseases.

In addition to representatives of BRICS member countries and partners, the summit was attended by leaders of international organisations, including United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He noted that a multipolar world requires multilateral governance.

"Let us rise to this moment – and reform and modernise multilateralism, including the UN and all the systems and institutions to make it work for everyone, everywhere"

Antonio Guterres UN Secretary-General

On the eve of the summit, the leaders of the BRICS countries adopted the final declaration of the summit in Rio de Janeiro. It sets out the views of the group's countries on issues such as reforming the global governance system, deepening trade cooperation, combating the effects of climate change, and cultural development.

Photo: Alexandre Brum, Rafael Pereira, Alex Ferro, Aline Massuca / Brics Brasil ( flickr.com)