Brics declaration calls for UN reform and projects multipolar world order

The countries of the 16th BRICS summit meeting released this Wednesday (23) the Kazan Declaration, the name of the Russian city where the meeting that ends this Thursday (24) takes place. The manifesto highlights the projection of a new multipolar world order and the call for reform of the UN and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The meeting of the bloc, formed by the founding countries Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, will include the participation of the new members: Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia.

“We note the emergence of new centers of power, political decision-making and economic growth that can pave the way for a more equitable, fair, democratic and balanced multipolar world order”, says an excerpt from the 43-page, 134-item document .

It is considered that multipolarity can expand opportunities for emerging markets and developing countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East to “release their constructive potential and enjoy universally beneficial, inclusive globalization and economic cooperation and equitable”.

Read more: Lula defends new currency to strengthen transactions between Brics countries

The manifesto recognizes the 2023 Johannesburg II Declaration, in which countries reaffirm support for a comprehensive reform of the UN, encompassing the Security Council. Changes are also requested at the IMF and World Trade Organization (WTO).

To increase the power and voice of least developed countries, the document reiterates the commitment to improving global governance through the promotion of a “more agile, effective, efficient, responsive, representative, legitimate, democratic and responsible international and multilateral system ”.

“As a positive step in this direction, we recognize the G20 Call to Action on Global Governance Reform launched by Brazil during its G20 presidency”, says another excerpt from the document.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke at the event virtually and defended a common currency for transactions between the bloc’s countries as a way of getting rid of dependence on the dollar.

In the statement, the subject gained relevance: “We welcome the use of local currencies in financial transactions between the Brics countries and their trading partners. We encourage the strengthening of banking correspondent networks within Brics and the permission of settlements in local currencies.”

Middle East

Regarding the conflict in the Middle East, the text condemns the Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and southern Lebanon.

The bloc calls for an immediate, comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and detainees on both sides. In southern Lebanon, the group condemns the loss of civilian life and immense damage to civilian infrastructure resulting from Israeli attacks on residential areas.

In relation to the conflict in Ukraine, Brics highlights the mediation proposals that have already been made “aiming at a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy”.

Science and Technology

The document also highlights the area of ​​science, technology and innovation (STI), considered a fundamental catalyst for economic development and improving the quality of life of people in the bloc’s nations.

“We also note the progress made in advancing research, development and innovation programs in critical cross-cutting sectors, including biomedical fields, renewable energy, space and astronomical sciences, ocean and polar sciences, through joint research and innovation projects and promotion of joint institutional exchanges”, says another excerpt.

Fake news

“We express serious concern about the spread and exponential proliferation of disinformation, false information, including the spread of false narratives and fake news, as well as hate speech, especially on digital platforms that fuel radicalization and conflicts”, he highlights.

The manifesto emphasizes that connectivity needs to be in accordance with national and international laws for the smooth flow of information and freedom of opinion.

Banco do Brics

BRICS also recognizes the fundamental role of the New Development Bank (NDB) in promoting infrastructure and sustainable development in its member countries. “We support the development of the NDB and the improvement of corporate governance and operational effectiveness to fulfill the NDB General Strategy for 2022-2026”, says the manifesto about the bank currently chaired by former president Dilma Rousseff.