Brazil’s BRICS Sherpas Meeting: A New Era for Global Cooperation

The first BRICS Sherpas meeting under Brazil’s leadership was held in Brasilia on February 24-25, gathering all 11 member countries to prepare for the July summit. Key topics included strengthening multilateralism, cooperation among Global South countries, and reforming global governance. Brazil’s presidency will prioritize social, economic, and environmental development, while discussions unveiled different economic strategies concerning currency use among member states.

On February 24-25, Brasilia hosted the inaugural BRICS Sherpas meeting, convened under Brazilian leadership at the Itamaraty Palace. Representatives from all 11 member countries participated, marking an important step towards the forthcoming summit scheduled for July 6-7 in Rio de Janeiro. The meeting aimed to enhance multilateralism, foster cooperation among Global South nations, and advocate for reforms in international governance to align more closely with the aspirations of developing countries.

During the opening address, Brazilian Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira emphasized the bloc’s significance amid global change. “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,” he stated. Vieira also pointed out the need for a more robust form of multilateralism that is inclusive and addresses the emerging challenges faced by the international community.

The event marked the first gathering since the significant expansion of BRICS to include new members: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia, alongside the original countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The Brazilian presidency is committed to enhancing collaboration with the Global South and setting an agenda focused on social, economic, and environmental advancement in six key areas: health, trade, climate change, artificial intelligence, reforming multilateral security, and strengthening the BRICS institution itself.

Ambassador Celso Amorim, Chief Adviser to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, articulated his views on the importance of BRICS, highlighting the platform’s potential for developing nations. He stated, “How can anyone say that Brazil is against the West when we have just concluded an agreement with the European Union [Mercosur-EU deal]? There is no point. Being subordinated to a particular leading country, we don’t want that.”

The second day of the Sherpas meeting featured a session with President Lula, who expressed optimism regarding the bloc’s future. He asserted, “I am convinced that BRICS will continue to be a driver of positive change for our nations and the world… We must live up to the chosen motto: strengthening Global South cooperation and reforming international governance structures.” Lula advocated for collective peace efforts and warned against unilateralism, which he claimed undermines global stability.

Further addressing economic issues, Lula endorsed expanding local currency payment mechanisms among BRICS nations to alleviate economic vulnerabilities amid rising protectionism. While he previously considered the establishment of a common BRICS currency, he has now shifted focus to enhancing bilateral payment systems, clarifying that the idea of abandoning the dollar entirely is not presently on the table. This stance places Brazil at odds with members like Iran and Russia, who are experiencing pressure to reduce dollar reliance due to sanctions.

The BRICS Sherpas meeting in Brasilia marked a significant step in fostering cooperation among the bloc’s member countries and addressing pressing global issues. With a strong focus on enhancing multilateralism, reforming international governance, and promoting development in the Global South, Brazil’s leadership during this transition period is aimed at building a more equitable world order. The discussions also reflected differing economic strategies among members, notably concerning currency usage amid external pressures.

Original Source: www.intellinews.com