In a significant move towards reshaping global governance, BRICS leaders gathered in Kazan, Russia, on Wednesday to adopt a comprehensive joint declaration. The summit, a pivotal event for the association, saw leaders address pressing issues ranging from the reform of the United Nations (UN) to ongoing global conflicts.
The declaration, encompassing 134 provisions, emphasized the need for a democratic and efficient UN Security Council. \"We reaffirm our support for a comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient,\" the document stated. This initiative aims to enhance the representation of developing countries in addressing global challenges.
Addressing the menace of terrorism, BRICS leaders condemned all forms of terrorism and urged the swift adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework. Additionally, the declaration highlighted the importance of the UN in governing artificial intelligence, underscoring the need for global collaboration in this rapidly evolving field.
Global conflicts were also a focal point of the summit. Leaders expressed deep concern over violence and armed conflicts in regions like the Middle East and Ukraine, advocating for peaceful resolutions through diplomacy. Specifically, they called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and supported the establishment of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine within the 1967 borders.
Economic stability was another critical agenda item. The BRICS nations voiced their apprehension over the adverse effects of illegal unilateral sanctions on the global economy, highlighting issues such as reduced economic growth, energy shortages, and exacerbated poverty. They also stressed the importance of preventing an arms race in space, proposing the creation of a document to ensure space security.
In a bid to strengthen the role of developing countries in the global economy, BRICS members introduced various economic initiatives. These include the reform of Bretton Woods institutions to better reflect the contributions of developing nations and the creation of a new BRICS investment platform. This platform, leveraging the infrastructure of the New Development Bank, aims to boost investment flows into BRICS countries and the Global South.
Supporting Russia's proposal, the leaders endorsed the establishment of a BRICS grain exchange, with plans to potentially expand into other agricultural sectors in the future. This initiative is expected to enhance food security and promote equitable economic conditions globally.
The Kazan summit marks a critical step for BRICS in advocating for a more inclusive and just international financial architecture, aiming to meet global financial challenges head-on.
Reference(s):
BRICS leaders adopt joint declaration following summit in Kazan
cgtn.com
