Rio de Janeiro Declaration: Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance

Introduction

The XVII BRICS Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro from 6–7 July 2025 under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” The Summit emphasized multilateral reforms, climate finance, Artificial Intelligence governance, Global South representation, international trade reforms, energy security, sustainable development, terrorism, and global peace architecture.The Declaration reflects the expanding geopolitical and economic role of BRICS in shaping a multipolar world order and strengthening the voice of developing countries in global governance.

ANALYSIS

Expansion of BRICS and Rise of the Global South

The Declaration welcomed Indonesia as a BRICS member and several nations such as Belarus, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Thailand, Vietnam and others as BRICS partner countries. This demonstrates the increasing attractiveness of BRICS as an alternative platform to Western-dominated institutions.The grouping emphasized that the Global South must receive greater representation in global decision-making institutions such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), IMF, World Bank, and WTO. The declaration highlighted the need for a fair, representative, democratic and accountable international order.

Demand for Reform of Global Governance Institutions

A major focus of the Declaration was reform of institutions created after the Second World War. BRICS countries argued that the current governance architecture does not adequately represent emerging economies and developing countries.The Declaration:

• Reiterated support for UNSC reforms.
• Supported greater representation of developing countries in the IMF and World Bank.
• Called for governance reforms in the Bretton Woods Institutions.
• Emphasized equitable geographical representation and women’s participation in international organizations.

Importantly, China and Russia reiterated support for the aspirations of India and Brazil for a greater role in the United Nations, including the UNSC.

BRICS Position on Climate Change and Climate Finance

The Summit adopted the BRICS Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Finance and endorsed the BRICS Climate Leadership Agenda.The Declaration stressed:

• Full implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
• The principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR-RC).
• Developed countries’ responsibility to provide climate finance to developing nations.
• Opposition to unilateral environmental trade barriers like Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAMs).

BRICS nations also supported:

• Sustainable energy transitions.
• Climate-resilient infrastructure.
• Carbon market cooperation.
• Conservation of biodiversity and tropical forests.

The grouping welcomed India’s candidature to host COP-33 in 2028.

Artificial Intelligence Governance and Digital Cooperation

The Declaration recognized Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative technology with developmental potential. BRICS leaders adopted the BRICS Leaders’ Statement on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence.The statement emphasized:

• Inclusive AI governance.
• Capacity-building for developing countries.
• Respect for national sovereignty and domestic regulatory systems.
• Reducing the digital divide.
• Responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.

The Declaration also stressed cooperation in:

• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
• Cybersecurity
• Data governance
• ICT security
• Cross-border digital connectivity

This highlights BRICS’ attempt to shape global digital governance frameworks independent of Western technology dominance.

International Trade and Opposition to Protectionism

The Declaration strongly criticized:

• Rising unilateral tariffs.
• Non-tariff barriers.
• Protectionist measures.
• Trade restrictions under environmental pretexts.

BRICS reaffirmed support for:

• A rules-based multilateral trading system.
• Reform of the World Trade Organization.
• Restoration of the WTO dispute settlement mechanism.

The grouping also opposed unilateral sanctions not authorized by the UNSC, arguing that such measures negatively impact development, food security, and economic stability in developing countries.

Security, Terrorism and Geopolitical Conflicts

The Declaration addressed several global conflicts including:

• Iran–Israel tensions.
• The Ukraine conflict.
• The humanitarian crisis in Gaza Strip.
• Conflicts in Sudan and Syria.

BRICS condemned:

• Military strikes against Iran.
• Attacks on civilian infrastructure.
• Violations of international humanitarian law.
• Terrorism in all forms.

The Declaration specifically condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir on 22 April 2025 in which 26 people were killed. It reiterated support for combating terrorism, terror financing, safe havens, and cross-border terrorism.

Focus on Sustainable Development and Food Security

The Declaration highlighted:

• Global food security.
• Agricultural sustainability.
• Resilient supply chains.
• Access to fertilizers and agricultural inputs.
• Support for small farmers.

BRICS also proposed:

• A BRICS Grain Exchange.
• Cooperation on sustainable agriculture.
• Climate-resilient farming systems.
• Land restoration initiatives.

The grouping stressed that food security is essential for poverty eradication and sustainable development.

Financial Cooperation and Role of New Development Bank

The Declaration strongly supported the expanding role of the New Development Bank (NDB).The NDB was recognized as:

• A major development finance institution for the Global South.
• A platform for infrastructure financing.
• A promoter of local currency financing.
• An institution supporting sustainable development and reducing inequalities.

The BRICS countries also discussed:

• BRICS Cross-Border Payments System.
• Financial resilience mechanisms.
• BRICS Multilateral Guarantees initiative.
• Local currency trade settlement systems.

These measures aim to reduce excessive dependence on Western-dominated financial systems.

Necessary Static Part

BRICS

Important Institutions Mentioned

Updated – 07 July 2025 ; 06:30 AM | PIB