BRICS leaders pose for a photo at the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6. Photo: Dado Galdieri/Bloomberg.
In their final declaration issued in Rio de Janeiro, the BRICS leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral reform, sustainable development, and global justice.
At the 17th BRICS Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7, 2025, the bloc’s leaders issued a declaration reaffirming the bloc’s central role as a representative voice of the Global South.
However, the declaration does not mention the word “genocide” when referring to the Israeli massacre of the Palestinian population, and despite condemning unilateral sanctions, it fails to mention one of the countries that has suffered the greatest impact from them: Venezuela, a strategic ally of China and Russia, two of the founding countries of the BRICS.
In this regard, the final declaration condemns “the imposition of unilateral coercive measures contrary to international law” and denounces that such measures “have far-reaching negative implications for human rights, including the rights to development, health and food security of the general population of the affected states.”
With a focus on economic cooperation, climate justice, technological innovation, and strengthening multilateralism, the document seeks to consolidate BRICS as an effective alternative to the traditional, Western-dominated international order.
The declaration underscores the group’s commitment to values such as sovereign equality, democracy, inclusion, and consensus. It also highlights the importance of the Global South as a driver of positive change in the face of global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, economic slowdown, and accelerated technological transformation.
One of the central points of the text is the promotion of reform of multilateral institutions, especially the United Nations and its Security Council, to increase the representation of developing countries.
Regarding the conflict in Palestine, the statement refers to the humanitarian situation and reiterates support for a two-state solution but avoids using terms like “genocide” to describe the crisis in Gaza, something that activists and international organizations have pointed out as necessary to fully recognize the gravity of current Israeli atrocities against Palestinians.
In the economic sphere, the BRICS took important steps toward greater financial and trade integration. Significant progress has been made in cross-border payment systems based on local currencies, which reduce dependence on the US dollar. A Framework on Trade and Sustainable Development was also presented, aiming to promote inclusive growth aligned with the principles of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Another significant milestone was the adoption of the Framework Declaration on Climate Finance, which seeks to facilitate access to financial resources for sustainable projects in developing countries. This instrument reinforces the BRICS’ commitment to combating climate change, including specific actions in mitigation, adaptation, and energy transition.
The promotion of scientific and technological cooperation also played a prominent role. The launch of the BRICS Innovation Action Plan 2025–2030, along with new joint calls for research and innovation projects, demonstrates the bloc’s interest in becoming a key player in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and Industry 4.0.
Furthermore, the creation of the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC), in collaboration with UNIDO, was highlighted. This initiative, aimed at developing talent in advanced technologies, not only strengthens the technical capabilities of members but also contributes to building independent regional value chains.
In the cultural and social sphere, the declaration recognizes the transformative power of culture as a tool for sustainable development, peace, and mutual understanding. It highlighted the work of the Academic Forum, the Trade Union Forum, and the Youth Council, spaces that enable exchanges between citizens and strengthen ties between the bloc’s peoples.
Although the expansion of the BRICS is raising expectations, with new strategic partners such as Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Iran, Cuba, and Uganda, the document does not directly address how the diversity of interests will be managed in this ever-expanding group. However, it reaffirms the commitment to an expansion process guided by consensus, full consultation, and inclusive participation.
Absences
The two-day meeting was marked by significant absences. Russian President Vladimir Putin was represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, while Chinese president Xi Jinping delegated his participation to Prime Minister Li Qiang. Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian was also absent.
17th BRICS Summit Calls to Strengthen Global South and Cooperation
Among the leaders present were Brazilian host Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. High-level representatives from Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia also participated.
In their declaration, the BRICS leaders reaffirmed their vision of an alternative international order based on reformed multilateral principles. “We further commit to strengthening cooperation within the enlarged BRICS and enhancing our strategic partnership for the benefit of our peoples by promoting peace, a more representative, and just international order,” the declaration states.
(Telesur)
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JRE/JB
