Representatives of BRICS+ Countries Put Forward Proposals to Strengthen Multilateralism

Representatives of BRICS countries and partner states took part in the 17th summit session of the association, entitled "Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs, and Artificial Intelligence". At the meeting, they presented ideas on strengthening multilateralism, trade, and the development of AI, according to TV BRICS.

Indonesia participated in the summit for the first time as a full member of BRICS. President Prabowo Subianto called on the countries of the group to deepen economic partnership and expand the role of the New Development Bank (NDB) of BRICS.

Russia was represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He emphasised that the countries of the Global South and East are becoming the driving force behind economic growth and the formation of a new architecture of the world economy based on the principles of equality. According to him, BRICS is the driving force behind this transformation.

The issue of artificial intelligence (AI) management took a special place on the meeting agenda, with the leaders of the group countries adopting a corresponding statement. At the session, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi proposed the creation of a BRICS Centre for AI and New Technologies for knowledge sharing, joint development and support for innovative projects. In turn, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited the group's countries to participate in the "AI Impact Summit", which will be held in the republic next year.

In addition, the Indian Prime Minister proposed the creation of a BRICS Science and Research Repository, a database for the exchange of academic materials common to the countries of the Global South.

Delegates from BRICS partner countries also presented their ideas. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on the group's member states to lead the reform of global institutions, promote trade liberalisation and jointly develop a fair AI governance system in cooperation with other multilateral institutions.

Bolivian President Luis Arce expressed a similar position. In his opinion, the NDB should become an alternative to traditional financial mechanisms. He stated that BRICS countries need to launch joint scientific and technical projects, especially on the use of AI in the fields of healthcare, climate, agriculture and infrastructure.

In turn, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhenkov proposed integrating the digital currency platforms of the group's central banks. In addition, he announced the republic's readiness to become a platform for the creation of modern logistics hubs. According to him, Belarus sees BRICS not just as an association, but as a strategic platform for the future.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu stressed that BRICS countries need to give priority to the fight against infectious diseases.

In addition to representatives of BRICS member countries and partners, the summit was attended by leaders of international organisations, including United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He noted that a multipolar world requires multilateral governance.

On the eve of the summit, the leaders of the BRICS countries adopted the final declaration of the summit in Rio de Janeiro. It sets out the views of the group's countries on issues such as reforming the global governance system, deepening trade cooperation, combating the effects of climate change, and cultural development.