The leaders of the BRICS countries met in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 6-7 July 2025 for the XVII BRICS Summit held under the theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”. Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) signed a joint document in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro and called for a rules-based global system, multi-lateralism, respect for sovereignty, and the need to work through consensus instead of coercion.
The following are key points from the Rio de Janeiro Joint Declaration:
- Strengthening Multilateralism and Reforming Global Governance
The declaration underscores BRICS’ commitment to mutual respect, sovereign equality, solidarity, inclusiveness, collaboration, and consensus. It pledges to deepen cooperation politically, economically, and socially through an expanded membership and reinforced partnerships aimed at a “fairer, more representative international order” and revitalized multilateral system.
- Promoting Peace, Security, and International Stability
BRICS called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, condemning attacks on Iran and Israel’s strikes, while affirming support for two-state solutions. The group denounced rising tariffs and EU border taxes as protectionist, and encouraged trade in national currencies. It advocates for a multilateral approach that respects diverse national viewpoints and positions on crucial global issues, including sustainable development, the eradication of hunger and poverty, and contributing to the global response to climate change, while expressing deep concern over attempts to link security with the climate change agenda.
- Deepening International Economic, Trade, and Financial Cooperation
The BRICS countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic ties under the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2025 and look forward to the new 2030 strategy to guide cooperation on multilateral trade, digital economy, finance, and sustainable development. They adopted the BRICS Trade and Sustainable Development Framework to ensure that trade policies support inclusive growth and are aligned with WTO rules. New initiatives include better infrastructure financing through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and building resilience against currency risks and climate impacts.
- Combating Climate Change and Promoting Sustainable, Fair, and Inclusive Development
The BRICS nations reaffirmed their unwavering support for multilateralism and the Paris Agreement, stressing fair and collective climate action that respects the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. They fully back COP30 in Brazil and India’s bid for COP33, aiming to strengthen global cooperation to tackle climate change while balancing development priorities. The BRICS Climate Leadership Agenda demonstrates their resolve to lead with solutions tailored to the Global South’s development needs.
- Partnerships for the Promotion of Human, Social and Cultural Development
BRICS nations commit to addressing demographic changes and promoting human rights, equality, and inclusion for all, especially women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities. They pledge to fight racism, discrimination, and hate speech while advancing women’s empowerment, gender equality, and leadership across all sectors, including STEM and the digital economy. They aim to strengthen resilient health systems, boost vaccine R&D, tackle socially determined diseases, and expand cooperation in education, culture, sports, and vocational training. BRICS members value people-to-people exchanges, youth engagement, affordable housing, urban resilience, disaster risk reduction, and fair labor markets amid digital and AI transformations. Finally, they stress solidarity, expansion, and institutional reform to keep BRICS effective, inclusive, and a strong platform for Global South cooperation and sustainable development.
