Brazil Hosts First BRICS Sherpas Meeting Amidst Expanded Membership

The first BRICS Sherpas meeting under Brazil’s presidency was held on February 24-25 in Brasilia, focusing on enhancing multilateralism and cooperation among Global South nations. Brazil emphasized the need for reform in international governance and addressed key areas for development. The meeting featured statements from key figures regarding the bloc’s role in a changing global landscape, including an agenda aimed at reinforcing BRICS’s influence.

Brazil hosted the inaugural BRICS Sherpas meeting under its presidency on February 24-25, gathering representatives from all 11 member countries at the Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia. This meeting set the stage for the upcoming summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7 and addressed an agenda centered around strengthening multilateralism, enhancing cooperation among Global South nations, and reforming international governance to better serve developing countries’ needs.

In his opening address, Brazil’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira highlighted the bloc’s significance amid global transformations. 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 emphasized that the response to the crisis of multilateralism must be more inclusive collaboration across all sectors.

This meeting marked the first gathering since BRICS expanded to include new members—Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia—complementing the current members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The Brazilian presidency aims to foster cooperation with the Global South and push an agenda focused on social, economic, and environmental development, emphasizing six key areas: health, trade, climate change, artificial intelligence, reforming multilateral security, and strengthening the BRICS institution itself.

Ambassador Celso Amorim, Head Adviser to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, articulated the importance of BRICS during an interview, presenting it as a platform for developing nations to coordinate on essential issues, such as energy and security. He countered any assertions of anti-Western sentiment by stating, “How can anyone say that Brazil is against the West when we have just concluded an agreement with the European Union?”

The BRICS Sherpas meeting underscored the bloc’s dedication to enhancing multilateral cooperation while prioritizing the needs of developing countries. Under Brazil’s presidency, the group aims to strengthen its agenda focusing on crucial global challenges and economic integration, including discussions on local currencies and the evolving role of BRICS in a multipolar world. Brazil seeks to facilitate change for the Global South while navigating complex international dynamics.

Original Source: www.intellinews.com