Foreign Ministers attended the BRICS+ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo: Itamaraty.
Guacamaya, May 2, 2025. The BRICS nations are speaking out against unilateral decisions and calling for urgent reform of the global order. The latest meeting of Foreign Ministers took place this week in Rio de Janeiro, where members of the group—now expanded to 11 countries—made it clear that deep changes are needed in the institutions governing the world. They also discussed strategies to counter the trade war initiated by the United States, advocating for a more balanced approach and alternatives to the use of the dollar.
During the meeting, the ministers emphasized their desire for a fairer and more equitable world order. The discussions were overshadowed by trade tensions with the U.S., particularly after President Donald Trump threatened to impose high tariffs on goods from the bloc. Although the idea of a common currency was set aside due to a lack of agreement among key nations like China and India, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that trade in local currencies already accounts for 90% of transactions between Russia and other BRICS countries.
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira reiterated that BRICS does not seek confrontation but aims to be a “force for peace,” supporting the reform of international institutions like the UN and defending respect for international law. They stressed the need to democratize the Security Council and increase representation for Global South countries. Celso Amorim, Chief Advisor to the Brazilian Presidency, has proposed urgent reforms to the multilateral system in his book Bonds of Trust II, emphasizing the inclusion of Latin American, African, and Asian representatives in the UN Security Council—a proposal that has become a cornerstone of Brazil’s foreign policy under President Lula da Silva.
Amorim argues that the current world order is outdated and excludes many nations. His proposal includes expanding the Security Council to include Brazil, India, and South Africa as permanent members while limiting the veto power in cases of serious crimes. The Brazilian presidency seeks to position BRICS as a platform to advance these UN reforms.
BRICS also welcomed Indonesia as a new full member and nine other countries as partners. They expressed support for peace in the Ukraine conflict and backed mediation efforts. Regarding the Middle East, they condemned Israeli attacks in Gaza and called for a permanent ceasefire and a two-state solution.
On economic matters, the ministers criticized developed nations’ carbon adjustment policies and proposed a more equitable approach to climate change, including the creation of a BRICS Laboratory for Trade and Sustainable Development. They also discussed AI governance, advocating for international management that incorporates voices from the Global South.
Additionally, representatives from BRICS space agencies met to strengthen cooperation in science and technology, considering the establishment of a BRICS Space Council to focus on sustainability and innovation. Discussions also covered security concerns and the growing militarization of outer space.
In summary, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the bloc, with the next meeting to be held in India when it assumes the rotating presidency in 2026.
