Latest news with #BRICS+
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
TRENDS explores avenues of cooperation, affirms global research presence at BRICS Forum
21 July 2025 11:02 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)As part of its prominent participation in the 7th BRICS Forum for Media and Think Tanks, TRENDS Research & Advisory continued to reinforce its global presence as an influential think tank, through intensive research engagement during the forum's activities held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, under the theme: BRICS United: Forging a New Chapter for the Global forum featured discussions and interactive sessions that showcased TRENDS' vital role—particularly through its Latin America Virtual Office—in promoting dialogue and building knowledge bridges among think tanks across the Global expand its partnership network and deepen cooperation, the TRENDS delegation held several meetings with prestigious research institutions, most notably the BRICS Policy Centre at the Federal University of Rio de team met with the Centre's Director, Marta Fernández, to explore prospects of joint research cooperation in policy analysis and future foresight, contributing to a deeper understanding of global researchers also met with Ariane Costa, Deputy Director Specialist in Geopolitics and International Trade at the Brazilian Centre for International Relations at the Brazilian Centre for International Relations (CEBRI), where they discussed potential partnerships and the exchange of expertise, aiming to build knowledge-based cooperation to interpret complex international delegation also met with Ms. Purnima Anand, President of the BRICS International Forum in India, to discuss opportunities for future research parties emphasised the importance of convergence among think tanks to develop shared visions on Global South TRENDS research delegation—represented by Abdulaziz Al Shehhi, Deputy Head of Research Sector, and Hamad Al-Hosani, Head of the Political Islam Studies Department—engaged with representatives of international research centres and the BRICS News Agency. They discussed topics addressed at the forum and mechanisms for joint work, reflecting TRENDS' approach to knowledge exchange and enhancing international recognition of its influential role, China's Xinhua News Agency honoured TRENDS as a key partner in the forum, acknowledging its active contributions in supporting its messages and global Al Shehhi and Hamad Al-Hosani also attended the forum's opening Shehhi delivered a keynote speech titled 'The Role of BRICS+ in enhancing cooperation among Global South countries through dialogue, exchange, and shared knowledge.'The keynote underscored the importance of cooperation frameworks among Global South countries through platforms like BRICS, and the pivotal role of think tanks in bridging understanding and enhancing knowledge and developmental his address, Al Shehhi stated, 'At TRENDS, we strive to transform dialogue into sustainable research partnerships that contribute to producing credible, impactful knowledge aligned with the aspirations of the Global South's peoples.' TRENDS' participation in the forum reflects its unwavering commitment to its role as a leading intellectual platform addressing international challenges and transformations by promoting dialogue, anticipating the future, and building strategic, globally oriented partnerships.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
BRICS media should leads the charge for an inclusive global narrative
General view during a plenary session of the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With nearly half the world's population represented by BRICS nations, the influence our media outlets hold in shaping narratives, challenging bias, and offering alternative perspectives is vast. Image: Pablo Porciuncula / AFP AS leaders and media representatives from across the BRICS nations gathered in Rio de Janeiro for this year's BRICS Media Forum, we found ourselves at a critical juncture in global media and geopolitics. With the recent expansion of BRICS to include Indonesia and 10 new partner countries under the BRICS+ framework, the forum signalled a deepening of collaboration, not just among governments and economies, but also across our most vital communications platforms. The forum's guiding vision aligns with Brazil's broader BRICS+ priorities for 2025: strengthening inclusion, enhancing South-South cooperation, and reforming global governance. In this context, the media plays an indispensable role in promoting dialogue, building trust, and safeguarding truth. With nearly half the world's population represented by BRICS nations, the influence our media outlets hold in shaping narratives, challenging bias, and offering alternative perspectives is vast. The Rio forum offered us the opportunity to reaffirm our shared values and recalibrate our responsibilities, especially in a world increasingly threatened by disinformation, propaganda, and polarisation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Three central themes guide the forum: Championing Justice – Media's role in shaping a new world order Strengthening Exchanges – Media's recipe for invigorating Africa's growth Fostering Innovation – Media's duty in driving green development Each of these topics presents a roadmap not only for BRICS cooperation but for how the global media landscape could evolve toward greater fairness, accuracy, and ethical responsibility. A key pillar of any functioning democracy, and indeed of sustainable development, is press freedom. Across the world, the media have come under pressure, whether through government censorship, corporate interference, or subtle forms of financial manipulation. As BRICS media leaders, we must be vigilant and vocal in defending the freedom of the press, both within our borders and abroad. Equally important is the fight against fake news and disinformation. One proposal worth serious consideration is the formation of a BRICS joint media task force dedicated to countering misinformation. Through shared technological tools, fact-checking systems, and journalist exchanges, we can collectively elevate the credibility and integrity of news disseminated within and beyond BRICS nations. Diversity and inclusion also deserve a central place in the BRICS media agenda. Our alliance encompasses a wide array of cultures, languages, and lived experiences. This diversity must not only be reflected in our coverage; it must be celebrated as a strategic advantage. Through collaborative reporting, editorial partnerships, and cultural exchanges, we can resist the homogenisation of media that so often accompanies Western dominance in global news flow. Technological innovation is another vital area. The digital age has brought unprecedented challenges and opportunities. As BRICS nations, we must invest in innovation and digital inclusion, especially in underserved regions, so that the full benefits of new media platforms are available to all. From combating digital surveillance to embracing AI responsibly, media innovation must be shaped by ethical and human-centred values. Beyond media collaboration itself, the BRICS bloc also has a historic opportunity to challenge structural inequalities in global governance. One bold proposal is the establishment of a BRICS Ratings Agency, a counterbalance to Western-dominated financial rating institutions that often fail to account for the developmental realities of the Global South. A BRICS-led agency could offer more nuanced, fair, and contextually appropriate assessments, especially for public enterprises and state-led development projects. Similarly, the idea of a common BRICS currency continues to gain traction. While implementation would be complex and gradual, such a currency could help member states reduce dependency on the US dollar, stabilise trade relations, and enhance economic sovereignty. As we look to the future, institutional reforms must remain at the heart of the BRICS project. A permanent secretariat or coordinating body for BRICS media, for example, would help ensure continuity, shared standards, and deeper collaboration. It would also safeguard our momentum beyond rotating presidencies and changing political landscapes. * Adri Senekal de Wet is the editor-in-chief of Independent Media. Get the real story on the go: Follow the Sunday Independent on WhatsApp.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
BRICS: Economic Power, Soft Power or Both?
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attend a plenary session of the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 7, 2025. BRICS leaders at a summit on Sunday took aim at US President Donald Trump's "indiscriminate" import tariffs and recent Israeli-US strikes on Iran. Image: AFP BRICS, more recently, BRICS+ is playing an increasingly prominent role on the global stage through both its economic strength and growing diplomatic influence. Representing nearly half the world's population and a substantial portion of global GDP and trade, the group has demonstrated clear economic power. At the same time, its efforts to promote multilateralism, cultural exchange, and peaceful conflict resolution reflect a deliberate use of soft power. Its core focus areas—political cooperation, financial development, and people-to-people engagement—showcase a blend of hard and soft influence. From launching the New Development Bank to encouraging trade in local currencies and hosting youth and academic forums, BRICS is a formidable force in a shifting global order. BRICS upholds three main pillars: (1) political and security; (2) economic and financial; and (3) cultural and people to people cooperation. Regarding pillar (1) the grouping addresses global security issues and aims to improve global governance through the promotion of multilateralism. For example: BRICS foreign ministers convene routinely on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Their cooperation also extends to areas such as counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and broader security issues. (2) It enhances trade, investment, financial stability, and promotes sustainable development. For example, Finance ministers from BRICS countries hold frequent meetings, often in parallel with gatherings of the G20 and the IMF/World Bank. Their joint efforts focus on boosting trade among member states, improving the resilience of supply chains, and enhancing financial collaboration in areas like digital innovation and sustainable finance. (3) The grouping intentionally cultivates cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and the overall strengthening of people-to-people connections. For example, BRICS hosts a range of activities and programmes, such as scholarly forums, cultural celebrations, and youth exchange initiatives. If this makes the reader think that the grouping is just a talkshop, recent developments have proven the opposite. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading BRICS is seen as an economic power due to its aforementioned global standings in terms of GDP and resources. It is supported by the world's second-largest economy, China, and others like India; Brazil; and Russia. The grouping holds 24% of total global exchanges in international trade. This allows it to have a formidable global economic influence. It owns approximately 72% of the globe's reserves of rare earth metals; 43.6% of global oil production; 36% of the world's natural gas production; and 78.2% of the global production of mineral coal. It has, through its economic and financial pillar emphasised intra-BRICS trade and equitable global economic development, where BRICS+ countries are provided increased sovereignty regarding its conduct, particularly in trade. The grouping has established its own bank, known today as the New Development Bank (NDB), discussed in 2014 and established officially in 2015, showed the core BRICS member countries pool finances to form the bank. This allowed for countries to be given loans with fairer loan terms that does not impede on a countries economic sovereignty. This issue was brought to the BRICS Summit in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, where this 'fairer' financial model was discussed as a major step in global transformation regarding multilateral financial institutions like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). The NDB, however, has to think carefully if it wants to be increasingly efficient in this 'fairer' model as it is still institutionally tied to the US dollar and concomitant US sanctions against other BRICS members. In the spheres of finance and currency at the BRICS summit, there was a realistic atmosphere seeing the replacement of the United States (US) dollar with a coordinated system, not dominated but shared by many currencies as an unrealistic endeavour in the near future. Here it is important to note that the grouping does not wish to destroy the US dollar but rather create a fairer global financial system. The grouping is thus of the opinion that BRICS countries should increase trade in their own currencies as a mitigating force regarding US dollar dominance. In alignment with BRICS' mission to address global issues and insecurity through the promotion of multilateralism, BRICS has signed the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) agreement, where it pledged no formal alliance with any major power bloc. The grouping believes in a non-violent approach to conflict through dialogue. This, however, does not mean that the grouping will be mum to wrongs committed by one country/countries toward another. The BRICS summit received global attention, particularly when calling out the US for its attack and Iran–during its confrontation with Israel–arguably exacerbating conflict within the region–Iran attacked the US base in Qatar soon after. In the Russia and Ukraine conflict, the grouping has continued to facilitate a peaceful settlement of conflict between the two countries. BRICS is neither solely an economic powerhouse nor purely a soft power bloc; it is a strategic blend of both. Its significant share of global GDP, abundant natural resources, and strong presence in international trade demonstrate clear economic strength. At the same time, its emphasis on multilateralism, cultural exchange, and peaceful conflict resolution reflects a conscious use of soft power. Through its three interconnected pillars: political and security cooperation; economic and financial collaboration; and people-to-people engagement, BRICS promotes a global model based on fairness, sovereignty, and inclusive development. Whether through the NDB's efforts to increase trade in local currencies, or cultural and academic initiatives, BRICS is using economic leverage to build credibility while advancing soft power to influence global norms and foster cooperation. By: Cole Jackson Lead Associate Chinese & South American Specialist * MORE ARTICLES ON OUR WEBSITE ** Follow @brics_daily on X/Twitter & @brics_daily on Instagram for daily BRICS+ updates
New Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
BRICS to buttress Global South
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent five-nation diplomatic tour spanning Brazil, Ghana, Namibia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina was a demonstration of India's strategic vision for the Global South. Centred around the BRICS summit in Brazil, these visits reinforced India's position as a pivotal voice among emerging economies in a rapidly-evolving multipolar world. It showcased India's intent to shape global governance by empowering the Global South, deepening regional cooperation and counterbalancing the hegemonic influences in multilateral platforms. India's efforts to amplify the voice of the Global South have gained momentum in recent years, culminating in the inclusion of the African Union into the G20 during India's presidency in 2023. This precedent is now mirrored in BRICS, which is undergoing significant expansion. With India's proactive involvement, countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the UAE have joined the bloc, now termed BRICS+. Several more nations from West Asia, Africa and Latin America have expressed interest, viewing BRICS as a credible platform to champion their interests. India's current standing can be better appreciated by revisiting the origins of BRICS in the early 2000s and the foundational RIC or Russia-India-China framework. At that time, the global order was markedly different. Russia was a member of the G8, China was seamlessly integrating into West-led institutions, and India-China relations were relatively cordial. The inclusion of Brazil and South Africa expanded the group into BRICS, bound by a shared vision for a new multipolar world. Over the past two decades, the BRICS economies have surged. In purchasing power parity terms, the bloc's collective economy now stands at $60 trillion, surpassing the G7's $45 trillion, driven largely by the dynamism of Asian and other Global South countries. However, BRICS is not without contradictions. Border tensions in 2013, 2017 and 2020 have significantly altered India-China relations. While the bloc continues to espouse unity, there are heavy undercurrents of mistrust and apprehension. India's actions reflect an acute awareness of these realities.
Gulf Insider
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
What Just Happened In Rio Should Terrify The West
A few days ago, the city of Rio de Janeiro hosted the 17th BRICS summit, marking a significant step forward for the organization amid the accelerating transformation of the global political and economic landscape. Represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Russia played an active role in the summit's proceedings, while President Vladimir Putin addressed the plenary session via video link. In his remarks, the Russian leader offered a comprehensive analysis of current global trends, emphasizing that the liberal model of globalization is losing viability as the center of economic and political activity shifts decisively toward the Global South – developing countries with rising demographic, resource, and technological potential. The Rio summit reaffirmed BRICS' growing political weight and its ambition to become a key force in shaping the emerging multipolar order. High-level meetings drew global attention not only because of their scale but also due to the substantive outcomes they produced. A total of 126 joint commitments were adopted, spanning critical areas such as global governance reform, the restructuring of international financial institutions, healthcare, climate initiatives, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development. The declaration adopted at the summit, titled 'Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance', underscored BRICS' commitment to multilateralism, respect for international law, and the promotion of a fair and equitable world order. But beyond the formal language, the summit revealed a deeper shift: BRICS is no longer limiting itself to cautious technocratic dialogue. The bloc is increasingly positioning itself as a cohesive international actor – capable of proposing new frameworks for economic integration, political solidarity, and global coordination. Crucially, this political reorientation did not begin in Rio. It builds directly on the strategic groundwork laid during the 2024 summit in Kazan, Russia – the largest BRICS gathering to date – which brought together not only member states but also dozens of partners under the BRICS+ umbrella. The Kazan summit established a new level of cooperation and ambition, and Rio served as a continuation of that trajectory. It became the arena where aspirations evolved into policy, and where the Global South began to more clearly articulate its place in the world. Among the most consequential developments at the Rio summit was the firm commitment to advancing financial sovereignty among member states. Particular emphasis was placed on transitioning to transactions in national currencies – a long-standing initiative championed by Russia and several other BRICS countries. The leaders endorsed this direction, recognizing the need to reduce dependence on dominant reserve currencies. President Putin underscored that this was not merely an economic measure, but a geopolitical move aimed at strengthening the sovereignty of participating nations and insulating them from external pressure. In support of this goal, the summit produced agreements to boost mutual investment volumes and accelerate the development of independent payment and settlement mechanisms. These initiatives are designed to lay the groundwork for a more resilient financial architecture – one that bypasses traditional Western-controlled institutions and empowers countries to determine the terms of their own economic cooperation. Increasingly, BRICS views economic autonomy as a precondition for long-term political independence in a world marked by volatility and polarization. But the Rio summit did more than solidify the BRICS financial agenda. For the first time in its history, the organization made a strong, collective political statement on an issue directly related to international security. The final declaration included a specific condemnation of Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructure in Russia's Bryansk, Kursk, and Voronezh regions. Referring to the bombings of bridges and railway lines on May 31, June 1, and June 5, 2025, the text reads: 'We condemn in the strongest terms the attacks against bridges and railways infrastructure deliberately targeting civilians.' This passage carries substantial symbolic and strategic weight. Despite the ideological and political diversity of BRICS members, the bloc united in denouncing attacks that threaten the internal security of one of its founding members. This is a marked departure from the organization's previously cautious diplomatic tone on sensitive geopolitical issues. BRICS, once defined by its reluctance to address matters of military conflict or security, is now building a normative foundation for solidarity and shared responsibility. The inclusion of this clause suggests that BRICS is beginning to embrace a collective role in shaping norms related to international conflict and security. It signals that the alliance is willing to defend the principle of territorial integrity not just rhetorically, but through coordinated diplomatic action. This is more than a gesture – it is the foundation of a future in which BRICS may serve not only as an economic bloc, but as a political and moral anchor in a divided world. Just 48 hours after the release of the Rio declaration – particularly the section denouncing unilateral tariffs and non-tariff measures – US President Donald Trump issued a sharp response. From the White House lawn, he threatened to impose a 10% tariff on all imports from BRICS countries and accused the bloc of attempting to 'degenerate the dollar.' In characteristically blunt terms, he remarked: 'If you have a smart president, you will never lose the standard. If you have a stupid president like the last one, you would lose the standard.' While Trump's words may have been wrapped in personal bravado, the underlying message was clear: Washington sees BRICS not as a neutral economic club, but as a mounting strategic threat. Despite the bloc's repeated assertions that its cooperation is not aimed against any third party, the West views efforts to establish alternative economic frameworks – particularly those bypassing the dollar and Western-controlled institutions – as an existential challenge to US hegemony. The nature of the response underscores a deeper anxiety in Washington. BRICS initiatives once dismissed as symbolic or impractical are now materializing into real structures: trade in local currencies, independent payment systems, and new investment platforms with global reach. These are not just alternatives – they are systemic innovations that call into question the foundations of the current world order. Trump's outburst, then, is not just a political sideshow. It is evidence that BRICS is crossing a threshold – from peripheral relevance to central influence in global affairs. For years, Western analysts argued that the bloc would collapse under the weight of its internal contradictions. Yet BRICS has not only endured – it has expanded, institutionalized, and begun to assert itself in domains once considered off-limits. The American reaction confirms what many in the Global South already perceive: that BRICS is no longer a passive forum for South-South dialogue. It is becoming an active agent in reshaping the architecture of international power. The Rio summit left little doubt that BRICS is evolving beyond its original mandate. Once focused primarily on economic coordination, the bloc is now laying the institutional groundwork for an alternative system of global governance – one rooted in sovereignty, equality, and resistance to unilateral pressure. This transformation is not driven by ideology but by the lived experience of its member states, many of which have faced the political and economic consequences of a Western-dominated order. Three strategic vectors are propelling BRICS forward. First, its geo-economic advantage: the bloc is consolidating control over key global trade routes and resource markets. With the accession of new members in 2024-2025 – including Egypt, Iran, and Ethiopia – BRICS now spans critical logistical corridors across Eurasia, Africa, and Latin America. The bloc also commands a significant share of the world's reserves in energy, rare earth elements, and agricultural commodities, granting it considerable influence over global supply chains and commodity pricing. Second, BRICS possesses an increasingly potent force of attraction. Despite mounting external pressure and efforts to isolate its members, more than 30 countries have applied for membership or partnership status. This groundswell reflects a growing desire among Global South nations for a platform free from ideological gatekeeping, conditional loans, or weaponized sanctions. BRICS, in their eyes, is not just a bloc – it is a symbol of multipolarity, mutual respect, and strategic independence. Third, BRICS is beginning to serve as a functional alternative to gridlocked institutions like the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. Without explicitly seeking to replace them, BRICS offers a more agile and consensus-based model – one that prioritizes non-interference, sovereignty, and pragmatic cooperation over rigid norms or selective enforcement. Its representation of the world's demographic and economic majority lends it moral and political weight, especially in a context where trust in traditional global structures is in sharp decline. In this light, the anxiety emanating from Washington is not simply reactive – it is anticipatory. The US and its allies understand that what BRICS is building is more than a set of alternative institutions. It is a rival paradigm: one that challenges the monopoly of the dollar, rejects coercive diplomacy, and proposes a new vocabulary for international legitimacy. The Rio summit demonstrated that BRICS is not content to remain a forum of dialogue. It is becoming a vehicle for action. The question is no longer whether BRICS will shape the future of global governance, but how – and how fast. What began in Kazan, and accelerated in Rio, is a project with momentum. And in the shifting landscape of 2025, that momentum now appears irreversible.
