Lula urges BRICS reform in global governance
During the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva urged member nations to lead reforms in global governance. Speaking at a session focused on multilateralism and economic affairs, Lula emphasized the need for a more equitable and multipolar world order, advocating for increased voting power for BRICS members at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reflect their economic weight.
The summit also saw leaders condemning military actions in Iran, Gaza, and Kashmir, positioning BRICS as a defender of multilateral diplomacy while indirectly criticizing U.S. military and trade policies. With traditional forums like the G7 and G20 facing divisions, the expansion of BRICS has created new opportunities for diplomatic coordination. Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China, the group has since added South Africa and, more recently, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, with over 30 additional nations expressing interest in joining.
Lula portrayed BRICS as a modern successor to the Non-Aligned Movement, aiming to amplify the voices of developing nations in international decision-making. He criticized Western priorities, particularly the focus on military spending over development aid, and highlighted the importance of multilateralism in addressing global challenges. The summit's joint declaration condemned rising protectionism and unilateral tariffs, particularly in response to U.S. trade policies.
Additionally, BRICS leaders addressed climate change, urging developed nations to fulfill their financial commitments for global climate mitigation efforts and endorsing Brazil's proposed Tropical Forests Forever Facility. Despite the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who participated via videoconference, the summit underscored BRICS's commitment to fostering a more balanced and inclusive global governance framework.
