BRICS in 2025: Greater strength, greater expectations

By Jose Ricardo dos Santos Luz Junior

The 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil could not be more appropriate, especially now that war has, sadly, become the watchword.

The Brazilian presidency aims to contribute to the progress of BRICS dialogue and consultation on political, security, economic, and financial issues, as well as civil society issues. Themed "Strengthening global south cooperation for more inclusive and sustainable governance," Brazil's 2025 BRICS presidency focuses on two key issues: Global South cooperation and BRICS partnerships for social, economic and environmental development.

Cooperation in global health and wellness, trade, investment and finance, addressing climate change and limits to the implementation of artificial intelligence are the framework of the BRICS presidency, as well as the global security system as a new world order needs to be implemented urgently, reshaping power, trade and influence.

But how can a new world order be implemented? The 11 BRICS members are all Global South countries who together account for more than 40 percent of the global population and 40 percent of global GDP, gaining significant geopolitical and economic power. They have the voice and muscle for challenging the Western dominance and building a shared future community for all.

IMF data shows that the BRICS member countries are becoming more relevant in the global economy than the Group of Seven countries, which hold only 28 percent of the global GDP, based on purchasing power parity.

And BRICS could expand further, with 44 countries willing to join the bloc. This year, 10 countries became BRICS partner countries and some of them are expected to become formal members.

BRICS should now step up its political and economic diplomacy to promote a fairer and more sustainable planet through a multipolar world order and raise a greater voice for the Global South countries.

Undoubtedly, BRICS faces several challenges, including the economic disparities among its members, but it is still a unique platform for the Global South to promote a fairer global economic order based on win-win, reciprocity, mutual benefits, equity and justice.

Moreover, through the BRICS New Development Bank, emerging countries have been able to receive investments in infrastructure, clean energy and sustainable development, reinforcing sustainable social and economic development and promoting social inclusion.

BRICS countries are promoting partnership and win-win cooperation based on reciprocity, mutual benefits and peaceful coexistence, highlighting the strengthening of multilateralism, a fairer international trade, a new global economic order based on equity and cooperation, sustainable development, and responsible, constructive and balanced dialogue.

Technology and sustainability are its new pillars, boosting energy transition and digitalization, as well as developing infrastructure, healthcare, people-to-people's exchange and the acceleration of the economic integration of its member countries.

Its long-term strategic vision, respectful dialogue and the construction of a firm relationship of trust have made BRICS relations evolve, amplifying the voice and influence of these countries, promoting a wider dissemination of information in the political, economic, cultural and social spheres, and bringing greater attention to the issues of the Global South, driven by a common vision and shared objectives.

This will also contribute to the improvement of the BRICS trade relationship. Mutual trade among members has already surpassed $1 trillion. The use of local currencies has boosted intra-BRICS trade and discussions on de-dollarization have been started.

BRICS countries offer food security, mineral security and energy security, paramount for emerging artificial intelligence expansion. Harmony in technology and sustainability are the new foundations of this fruitful BRICS countries relationship that is now beginning to define its next chapter.

BRICS countries are developing alternative markets, fostering regional economic partnerships, and enhancing financial sovereignty. What they need now is to promote high-quality partnerships, ushering in a new era of global development, inclusion and openness, with fluidity in technology and connectivity.

It is crucial they step forward, improving dialogue and proposing positive measures to prevent the wars that are preventing us from living freely as human beings were born to be.

Jose Ricardo dos Santos Luz Junior, a special commentator for CGTN, is the co-chairman and CEO of LIDE China, a Brazilian business development service.