By outdoor-nature-child.com On October 23, the 16th BRICS Leaders’ Summit successfully took place in Kazan, Russia, where leaders from various countries gathered to discuss cooperation opportunities and release the “Kazan Declaration.” This summit marked the first assembly following BRICS’ expansion, during which Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a significant speech. He emphasized that BRICS should serve as a primary channel for fostering unity and cooperation among the Global South while also leading reform efforts in global governance. President Xi proposed a collaborative agenda centered around building a “Peaceful BRICS,” “Innovative BRICS,” “Green BRICS,” “Fair BRICS,” and “Cultural BRICS,” accompanied by detailed implementation measures that sparked discussions in the international arena.
International reactions have been largely positive, highlighting points such as, “President Xi’s five initiatives will elevate BRICS cooperation to new heights,” and, “China is a key player driving ‘Big BRICS cooperation’ and development.” Ding Xiaoxing, the director of the Eurasian Research Institute at the Chinese Academy of Modern International Relations, commented for International Review, stating that addressing contemporary changes and adapting to the evolving BRICS framework necessitates a strategic vision and coordination for “Big BRICS cooperation.” He noted that President Xi’s remarks clarify the global positioning and development trajectory of BRICS, reflecting China’s continued leadership role and contributing a Chinese solution for enhancing the quality of BRICS cooperation.
Currently, the “BRICS family” accounts for approximately 30% of the global economy, nearly half of the world’s population, and one-fifth of international trade. As BRICS solidifies its stature, its representativeness and influence expand, raising global expectations that it will play a stronger role in promoting peace and development.
Examining the outcomes of the summit, China’s advocacy for the “Five BRICS” initiative focuses on areas such as security, development, global governance, and cultural exchange. This initiative marries China’s proposed global strategies and development experiences with the aspirations of the BRICS bloc and the international community, enhancing the sovereignty and self-reliance of BRICS nations while responding to the challenges of our time.
As the world enters a new period of upheaval and transformation, regional conflicts are rampant, and security deficits are high. In response to the crisis in Ukraine, China and Brazil jointly issued a “Six-Point Consensus” and initiated a “Friends of Peace” group with other Global South nations. Last year, BRICS leaders even held a special video summit regarding the Israel-Palestine issue. The call for a “Peaceful BRICS” signifies that these nations aim to exemplify a new security paradigm and play a more crucial role in maintaining global peace—a goal that resonates with widespread international expectations.
The push for an “Innovative BRICS” and “Green BRICS” aims to enhance the development capabilities and collaborative efforts among member states. As global economic recovery remains shaky and developing countries face critical challenges, a new wave of technological revolutions and industry transformations presents fresh development opportunities. Against this backdrop, China has proposed numerous forward-looking initiatives to facilitate high-quality development among BRICS nations and contribute to global low-carbon transition efforts. From establishing a China-BRICS AI Development and Cooperation Center to advocating for international research centers focused on deep-sea resources and digital industry ecology, the goal is to upgrade BRICS cooperation to foster an environment conducive to shared development.
As one of the most vital platforms for cooperation among emerging market economies and developing countries, BRICS not only advances its members’ interests but also bears the responsibility to contribute to improved global governance. Despite the significant rise of emerging markets and developing countries, global governance reforms have lagged behind, failing to reflect profound shifts in the international landscape. China’s call for a “Fair BRICS” seeks to ensure these nations take a leading role and fully participate in international economic decision-making and rule-setting processes, thereby enhancing their representation and voice and promoting a more equitable and orderly multipolar world and inclusive globalization. Ahmed Khalil, a professor of International Relations at the University of the UAE, believes that President Xi’s advocacy for enhanced global governance distinctly characterizes BRICS cooperation, significantly amplifying developing countries’ influence in international affairs.
BRICS’ diversity, represented by members from various regions with rich historical and cultural backgrounds, further underlines the importance of building a “Cultural BRICS.” This initiative encourages the coexistence of different civilizations and includes plans to establish ten overseas study centers in BRICS countries within the next five years, as well as provide training opportunities for 1,000 education administrators and students, thereby fostering mutual understanding and long-term collaboration among member nations.
Notably, over 30 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS cooperation. With China’s support, the summit announced the establishment of BRICS partner countries, a development recognized as significant by international observers. Vitaly Mankevich, president of the Russian-Asian Alliance of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, stated that the expansion of BRICS and the increasing interest from other countries to join reflect the cooperation mechanism’s alignment with global development trends. It is anticipated that as the BRICS family grows, its capacity to support global peace, stability, and development will strengthen.
Having evolved over 18 years, BRICS has established itself as a leading force among the Global South, reflecting the collective aspirations of developing countries for peace, progress, and collaboration. Looking ahead, in the face of a new multipolar global landscape and the specter of a “new Cold War,” BRICS nations must seek common ground while respecting differences, uniting for mutual strength, and forging a new chapter of high-quality “Big BRICS cooperation” to lead the revitalization of the Global South and become a cornerstone for building a better world.