Brazil Hosts Inaugural BRICS Sherpas Meeting with Expanded Membership
Brazil’s inaugural BRICS Sherpas meeting on February 24-25 focused on multilateralism and cooperation among developing nations. The meeting, which set the stage for the upcoming summit, emphasized key areas such as health, trade, and reforming international governance. Brazil’s presidency aims to strengthen Global South collaboration while enhancing local currency payment options to combat economic vulnerabilities.
Brazil hosted the inaugural BRICS Sherpas meeting under its presidency on February 24-25 in Brasilia, gathering representatives from all 11 member countries at the Itamaraty Palace. This event was foundational for the upcoming summit scheduled in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, emphasizing multilateralism, Global South cooperation, and reforms in international governance to cater to the aspirations of developing nations.
During the opening speech, Brazil’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mauro Vieira, highlighted the significance of the bloc amidst a transformative global landscape. He stated, “It is a great honour to welcome you to this inaugural meeting of the Brazilian BRICS Presidency. We are gathered in a crucial moment — of profound transformations, in which the principles of multilateralism and cooperation are being tested by crises that demand urgent and collective action.”
Vieira argued that the crisis affecting multilateralism necessitates a stronger, more inclusive approach, asserting that BRICS plays a vital role in fostering a fair and sustainable world order. He commented, “In this evolving scenario, BRICS plays a fundamental role in promoting a more just, inclusive and sustainable world order. A multipolar world is not only an emerging reality, but a shared objective.”
This assembly marked the first meeting following last year’s significant expansion of BRICS, now inclusive of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia, alongside the original members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The Brazilian presidency will emphasize collaboration with the Global South, focusing on health, trade, climate change, artificial intelligence, reforming the multilateral security system, and bolstering the bloc’s institutions.
Ambassador Celso Amorim, a senior adviser to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, described BRICS as a crucial platform for developing nations to coordinate efforts in various fields, including energy and monetary policy. Addressing concerns about perceived anti-Western bias, he clarified, “How can anyone say that Brazil is against the West when we have just concluded an agreement with the European Union [Mercosur-EU deal]? There is no point.”
The second day of the Sherpas meeting featured a special session with President Lula, who expressed enthusiasm regarding BRICS’s potential for effecting positive change. He remarked, “I am convinced that BRICS will continue to be a driver of positive change for our nations and the world. Acting in a coordinated manner for the success of the South African presidency of the G20 and the Brazilian presidency of COP30 is defending the shared future of this planet.”
Lula emphasized the need for collective action to facilitate peace and to construct a multilateral security framework, warning that unilateralism undermines global stability. He stated, “We must live up to the chosen motto: strengthening Global South cooperation and reforming international governance structures.”
Moreover, addressing an urgent issue for many member states, Lula supported initiatives to enhance local currency payments to mitigate economic vulnerabilities. He underlined the necessity for greater economic integration in the face of rising protectionism, particularly amid US tariffs threats against BRICS nations. While Lula had previously considered a common BRICS currency, he now favors enhancing existing bilateral payment arrangements, confirming that a shared currency is not prioritized for the immediate future.
In summary, the first BRICS Sherpas meeting under Brazil’s presidency marked a pivotal moment for the bloc, aligning efforts towards strengthened multilateralism, cooperation in the Global South, and the reform of international governance. Brazil’s leadership will focus on significant developmental areas while fostering economic integration and addressing protectionist challenges, underlining the importance of unity and collective action amid global challenges.
Original Source: www.intellinews.com
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