Brazil
Source: brics.br

Brasil’s Chamber of Deputies and Federal Senate will host the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum from June 3 to 5 at the National Congress Palace in Brasilia. Speakers of Parliaments, their representatives, and legislators from BRICS member countries will gather to discuss “The Role of BRICS Parliaments in Building More Inclusive and Sustainable Global Governance.” The first day of the event will be dedicated to the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians and the Meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee Chairs of BRICS Parliaments. The official opening session will take place on June 4 at 10:30 a.m.

Confirmed BRICS participants include South Africa, Brasil, China, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, India, Iran, and Russia. Only Saudi Arabia has yet to confirm attendance. Among the nine partner countries, Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, and Nigeria will take part. Given that some countries have bicameral legislatures, the forum has 22 confirmed delegations so far, including the New Development Bank, which will join virtually, as well as Brazilian delegations. Four other partner countries—Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan—have also been invited.

The forum aims to strengthen interparliamentary cooperation in areas such as healthcare, emerging technologies, environment, trade and investment; encourage exchanges in science and technology; promote technology transfer for innovation; and address topics such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy. It also seeks to foster a more inclusive and participatory BRICS, particularly through engagement with parliaments, civil society, and women.

At the close of the 11th Parliamentary Forum, participants are expected to endorse a final document by consensus. This document will be submitted to the BRICS Leaders’ Summit, scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro on July 6 and 7, 2025.

11th Parliamentary Forum Website

The organizers of the 11th Parliamentary Forum have launched a website with more information on the topics to be discussed, the event’s history, and the schedule of working sessions. The six priority themes of this year’s BRICS presidency, under Brasil’s leadership, will guide the Forum’s working sessions: global health cooperation; trade, investment, and finance; climate change; artificial intelligence governance; multilateral peace and security architecture; and institutional development of the bloc.

Since first convening in Moscow in 2015, the BRICS Parliamentary Forum has established itself as a mechanism to enhance dialogue and interparliamentary cooperation among member countries. In the face of global challenges—such as the rise of protectionist policies and the weakening of multilateralism—the Forum seeks to strengthen parliamentary proposals to address issues that impact the global order and affect bloc members.


11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum Program

Tuesday, June 3

Meeting of BRICS Women Parliamentarians
Opening Session
10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
1st Working Session
Women in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Between Rights Protection and Female Inclusion in the Digital Economy
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
2nd Working Session
Empowering Women to Face the Climate Crisis: BRICS Perspectives
2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
3rd Working Session
Building the Future: Women Parliamentarians and the BRICS 2025 Agenda
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Location: Plenário 2 da Ala Deputado Antônio Mariz – Anexo II da Câmara

Meeting of the Chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees of BRICS Parliaments
Opening Session
10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
1st Working Session
Strengthening BRICS Trade in the Current International Context
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
2nd Working Session
Promoting Investment and Technology Transfer for Sustainable Development
2:00 to 3:30 p.m
3rd Working Session
Financial Instruments for a More Resilient and Sustainable BRICS
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Location: Plenário 1 da Ala Deputado Antônio Mariz - Anexo II da Câmara
Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Opening Ceremony of the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
1st Working Session
BRICS Interparliamentary Alliance for Global Health
2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
2nd Working Session
BRICS Parliamentary Action in Pursuit of New Paths for Economic Development
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Location: Plenário do Senado Federal
Thursday, June 5, 2025
3rd Working Session
BRICS Interparliamentary Dialogue on Climate and Sustainability
9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
4th Working Session
Interparliamentary Cooperation for Responsible and Inclusive Artificial Intelligence
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
5th Working Session
BRICS Parliaments United for the Reform of the Multilateral Peace and Security Architecture
2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
6th Working Session
Toward Stronger and Lasting Interparliamentary Cooperation within BRICS
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Closing Session
Adoption of the Final Document
5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Plenário do Senado Federal

Official Broadcast

BRICS Playlist (with credits):

• https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLLnytnGoqibjuF_9NCUUTx9YNibIMXBi&si=Ce4XfqNRojb1nHUH
• In Portuguese: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLitz1J-q25kPO_Meggmjw7X21_tSK8AdM
• In English: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLitz1J-q25kMEqICyiPH_tP4rkhfi8twD

BRICS Playlist (without credits):

1. cd.leg.br/brics – speeches without credit in the speaker’s original language, organized by speaker; or
2. Requests for videos in the original language: seacer@senado.leg.br (please include speaker’s name, session, date, and time).

Photo Gallery:

• https://www.flickr.com/photos/agenciasenado
• fotos.camara.leg.br

News Coverage of the Forum (Agency, Radio, and TV):

• https://www.congressonacional.leg.br/brics
• cd.leg.br/brics

Press Releases on the Parliamentary Forum:

1. https://www2.camara.leg.br/comunicacao/assessoria-de-imprensa/releases
2. https://www12.senado.leg.br/assessoria-de-imprensa/notas

Media Contact – 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum

• press.brics@cn.leg.br
• +55 61 3216.1800 / +55 61 99649.0161 / +55 61 99924.9560 / +55 61 3303.3966 / +55 61 99837.4366 / +55 61 99695.3941

English version: Judas Tadeu de Azevedo Neto - UFC/POET
Proofreading by Kelvis Santiago Nascimento - UFC/POET

USA
Source: www.project-syndicate.org

This week in Say More, PS talks with Jorge Heine, a research professor at the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University.

Project Syndicate: Last year, you warned that Latin America would be the region most affected by a second Donald Trump presidency. What must Latin American governments do to cope with the effects of Trump’s policies on the regional and global economy, and, more broadly, to escape the “deepest economic downturn” the region has faced in 120 years?

Jorge Heine: Trump’s actions – including mass deportations, unpredictable tariffs, and the threat of a US “takeover” of the Panama Canal – pose monumental challenges to Latin America.

1. Economics2
2. Trump’s Unworkable Trade Formula
3. Stephen S. Roach thinks pursuing a global minimum tariff while also penalizing China increases the risk of a global recession.

How leaders approach bilateral engagement is clearly important. Contrast Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s measured yet firm response to Trump’s tariffs with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino’s capitulation to Trump’s demands, including that the country accept deportation flights carrying nationals from other countries and reduce China’s “influence” regarding the Panama Canal.

Latin America would be better off, however, if it devised a collective response. The region remains deeply fragmented, as shown by the cancellation of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit in January. But Albert Ramdin’s election this month as secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS) offers reason for hope that some measure of regional coordination may be in the offing, though the form it takes remains to be seen.

More broadly, US protectionism and economic coercion underscores the need for Latin America to continue to support multilateralism, diversify its trade and investment links, and embrace a foreign policy based on active non-alignment (ANA).

PS: A top priority for Ramdin – your preferred candidate in the OAS election – should be “restoring internal morale and dealing effectively with all the challenges posed by a US administration that is openly hostile to multilateralism.” What steps should be at the top of his agenda?

JH: The past few years have not been kind to the OAS. This is a pity, since the organization – one of the oldest and most established of the Pan-American institutions – has, at times, played an important role in inter-American relations. Ensuring that it can fulfill its potential in the age of Trump will require Ramdin to confront at least three key challenges.

The first is budgetary: the Trump administration’s suspension of US funding for specific activities, together with the refusal of other member states to increase their contributions, has put the chronically underfunded OAS under intense pressure, which Ramdin will have to find ways to ease – and adapt to. This will make overcoming the second challenge – reviving staff morale, which has reached an all-time low – all the more difficult.

Finally, and most fundamentally, the OAS must reconnect with its sense of purpose. To this end, the OAS should look to Haiti, which is facing a catastrophic security and humanitarian crisis. The OAS has exercised considerable leadership during past crises in Haiti, and should do the same today.

PS: As you note, Trump’s return to the White House appears to confirm the wisdom of ANA. Resisting pressure to “take sides in great-power conflicts” is presumably easier for larger countries like Brazil than for their smaller counterparts. What would an active non-aligned foreign policy look like in smaller Latin American countries?

JH: ANA arose during Trump’s first presidency, as the US and China pressured Latin American countries to toe their respective lines. Just two months into Trump’s second presidency, the wisdom of ANA has been decisively reaffirmed.

The belief that ANA is available only to larger countries is widespread. But while a smaller country might have less leverage in negotiations with superpowers than a large one, that does not mean that they cannot apply ANA. After all, ANA is not a policy prescription or an ideology, but rather a kind of compass, which can guide the foreign policy of any country, large or small. This much was clear when the government of Honduras – a country of just ten million – threatened to expel American troops from the Soto Cano air base in response to the possibility of aggressive deportations by the US.

Conservative governments in Ecuador and Uruguay – two more relatively small countries – have also applied ANA. Ecuador negotiated a free-trade agreement with China when the US refused, and Uruguay joined the New Development Bank – dubbed the “BRICS bank” – headquartered in Shanghai. These examples bring us to the crux of ANA: seizing the opportunities created by great-power competition, on a case-by-case basis, rather than picking a side.

BY THE WAY . . .

PS: At a time when the US is “weaponizing the dollar” for geopolitical objectives, you make the case for “monetary pluralism.” In The Non-Aligned World: Striking Out in an Era of Great Power Competition, you and your co-authors, Carlos Fortin and Carlos Ominami, advocate “crafting a more diversified system,” in which “the currencies of other relevant economies also play a role.” What might such a system look like, in terms of its composition and governance?

JH: The US dollar’s unquestioned dominance was built into the post-World War II international financial architecture. But as America’s global economic role has declined – the US now represents less than 15% of world trade – this dominance has become incongruous with reality. With the Trump administration embracing protectionism and weaponizing the dollar, and with the divide between the US and Europe on trade and investment policy widening, the dollar-based system has become downright dysfunctional.

That is why I call for a more balanced and pluralistic system, in which other currencies – particularly the euro and the renminbi – play a more significant role, both as means of payment and in countries’ foreign-exchange reserves. If Europe and China set their minds to it, a system that reflects twenty-first-century realities can be established.

PS: You point out that today’s active non-alignment relies on “smaller but more effective bodies” like the BRICS, rather than large, unwieldy institutions like the United Nations. Can such bodies really replace broad-based multilateralism in advancing the fight against climate change, and how might they bolster progress in this area?

JH: We argue that ANA is suited to countries from the Global South, as they contend with the dilemmas posed by great-power competition in today’s world. But China and Russia – leading members of the BRICS – are themselves great powers, not part of the Global South. While the BRICS grouping cannot be said to represent only the Global South, however, there is little doubt that it considers and advances developing economies’ interests to a far greater extent than, say, the G7. Simply put, while the BRICS are not of the Global South, they are for it.

Informal groups like the BRICS cannot replace broad-based multilateralism or the entities, like the UN, that embody it. Instead, they are part of what the political scientist Andrew F. Cooper has referred to as “the concertation impulse in world politics,” in which less-structured entities (the G20 is another example) facilitate collective action where more rigid ones (like the UN) cannot. Whether these groups will be able to channel that energy into the fight against climate change – especially now that the US has once again abandoned the Paris climate agreement – remains to be seen.

PS: At a time when the transatlantic relationship is fracturing, Europe is rethinking its approaches to trade, diplomacy, energy, and security. How should countries that refuse to choose between the US and China respond to this process?

JH: Much like ANA, the concept of European “strategic autonomy” gained considerable traction during the first Trump administration, with French President Emmanuel Macron and Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, emerging as key proponents. Since Trump’s return to the White House – which is fracturing the transatlantic alliance and raising questions about the very idea of the “West” – even countries that initially treated the concept’s resurgence with some skepticism, such as such as Germany and the United Kingdom, have embraced it. Germany’s incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, is already preparing decisive moves to advance this vision.

Strategic autonomy gives Europe more leeway to pursue a kind of ANA of its own. Already, Europe has recognized that mimicking America’s knee-jerk anti-China stance is inappropriate if the continent can no longer count on the US security guarantee. For developing economies, this opens new avenues for collaboration with Europe, without the kinds of broad “allegiances” that were demanded in the past.

Brazil
Source: brics.br

Against the tide of protectionism, BRICS raises the banner of inclusive trade: the group’s trade ministers reach agreement on WTO reform, the digital economy, and the 2030 Economic Partnership

Emphasizing the importance of economic cooperation and multilateralism, the Ministers of the BRICS Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues approved a Joint Declaration this Wednesday, April 21. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, the declaration outlines three priority areas: strengthening the multilateral trading system and reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO), renewing the BRICS 2030 Economic Partnership Strategy, and the digital economy.

Geraldo Alckmin, Vice President of Brasil and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, stated that the topics discussed among BRICS countries promote a fairer, more inclusive, and more effective global trade system, especially in a moment marked by the rise of restrictive and protectionist economic measures. According to Alckmin, such measures create tensions and disruptions in global trade, exacerbating economic disparities between countries. He reaffirmed the commitment of Brasil and the BRICS member states to the multilateral trade system as a means of resolving these issues.

“Today, we are not just gathered around negotiation tables, but around the possibility of a more prosperous future. I am fully confident that our discussions, guided by cooperation and a commitment to the common good, will yield significant advances for global trade and investment,” the Vice President stated.

Maria Laura da Rocha, Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs of Brasil, highlighted the unique position of the group to respond to global challenges, with a focus on the development of the Global South. “Our priorities include topics that can have a direct impact on the lives of our citizens, such as greater integration of our economies, facilitating trade and investment among BRICS countries,” Rocha affirmed.

WTO reform

The ministers approved the BRICS Declaration on WTO Reform and Strengthening the Multilateral Trading System. According to the group, reform is necessary to reflect the transformations of the global economy, as Brasil, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, China, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, and Russia represent 39% of the global economy and 24% of international trade, according to the declaration.

Yashvir Singh, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that the declaration underlines the importance of promoting an inclusive, equitable, transparent, and non-discriminatory rules-based multilateral trading system. “Since major reforms are not being easily implemented — especially the restoration of the WTO Appellate Body — we have proposed some incremental reforms to improve the functioning of the organization, its committees, and councils,” said the minister.

In the declaration, the BRICS trade ministers expressed concern over the increase in unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures, as they distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules. Alckmin explained that the rise in trade-restrictive actions reduces global trade, disrupts global supply chains, and introduces uncertainty into international economic and commercial activities. “This reform must also address the development issues we defend here,” he emphasized.

The reform of international financial institutions, such as the WTO, is mentioned both in the group’s Joint Declaration and in the first BRICS declaration of 2009 — the Yekaterinburg Declaration — evincing the topic’s longstanding relevance for the group. According to the Indian minister, the issue will continue to be addressed in 2026, during India’s presidency of BRICS, with an emphasis on the reform of The Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization.

BRICS 2030 Economic Partnership Strategy

First adopted under Russia’s presidency in 2020, the strategy aims to guide the group’s economic cooperation. Its renewal includes five priorities for cooperation among BRICS members over the next five years: the multilateral trading system, digital economy, international trade and investment, financial cooperation, and sustainable trade and development.

“The update and renewal of this strategy represent a significant advance in BRICS cooperation, as it strengthens and develops mechanisms that reduce transaction costs and facilitate investment and trade flows among the group’s countries,” emphasized the Secretary-General.

Adjusted to the current global context, the strategy underscores the importance of trade facilitation as a concrete BRICS response to the current fragmentation of international trade, encouraging cooperation, and boosting intra-bloc trade, added the Vice President.

Another key element of the BRICS 2030 Economic Partnership Strategy is the connection between trade and the environment. “In the year when Brasil will host COP30, we affirm that there can be no development without ecological integrity, nor social progress without a green economy,” Alckmin emphasized. Discussions on sustainable trade and development offer BRICS a strategic roadmap for engaging on shared interests, exchanging experiences, and identifying opportunities for joint action, concluded the minister.

Digital governance

To tackle the dual challenge of bridging digital and data divides in the Global South, the Joint Declaration proposes mechanisms to improve data flows among BRICS countries, recognizing that data exchange is essential for the socioeconomic development of nations. Alckmin reiterated that “the digital economy has become a strategic pillar of global development, with data as its key asset.”

He added that regulatory fragmentation and the lack of consensus on data flows limit the full participation of developing countries. In this regard, “the Brazilian presidency proposed a BRICS understanding on data economy governance with an open, fair, and active framework that promotes digital inclusion, sovereignty, and security,” he stated. The aim is to support digital transformation among BRICS nations, increase innovation, and ensure that the benefits of the data economy are within everyone’s reach, the Vice President concluded.
Translation Luana Ferreira de Freitas UFC/POET
Proofreading Judas Tadeu de Azevedo Neto UFC/POET

Brazil
Source: brics.br

BRICS Brasil Bulletin #09 - BRICS approves Joint Declaration for fairer, more inclusive global trade
Against the tide of protectionism, BRICS raises the banner of inclusive trade: the group’s trade ministers reach agreement on WTO reform, the digital economy, and the 2030 Economic Partnership

Reporter: The Ministers of the BRICS Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues approved a Joint Declaration, which outlines three priority areas: strengthening the multilateral trading system and reforming the World Trade Organization, renewing the BRICS 2030 Economic Partnership Strategy, and the digital economy.

Geraldo Alckmin, Vice President of Brasil and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, stated that the topics discussed among BRICS countries promote a fairer, more inclusive, and effective global trade system, especially in a moment marked by the rise of restrictive and protectionist economic measures.

Geraldo Alckmin: Today, we are not just gathered around negotiation tables, but around the possibility of a more prosperous future. I’m fully confident that their discussions, guided by cooperation and a commitment to the common good, will yield significant advances for global trade and investment.

Maria Laura da Rocha, Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs of Brasil, highlighted the unique position of the group to respond to global challenges, with a focus on the development of the Global South.
Maria Laura da Rocha: Our priorities include topics that can have a direct impact on the lives of our citizens, such as greater integration of our economies, facilitating trade and investment among BRICS countries.

Reporter: The ministers approved the BRICS Declaration on the World Trade Organization Reform and Strengthening the Multilateral Trading System. According to the group, the reform is necessary to reflect the transformations of the global economy, as Brasil, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, China, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, and Russia represent 39% of the global economy and 24% of international trade.

Yashvir Singh, India’s Secretary of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that the declaration underlines the importance of promoting an inclusive, equitable, and transparent trade.

Yashvir Singh: Since major reforms are not being easily implemented — especially the restoration of the WTO Appellate Body — we have proposed some incremental reforms to improve the functioning of the organization, its committees, and councils.

Brazil
Source: brics.br

Finance Ministry sees citizen engagement as “transformative force” in BRICS economic and financial discussions

The event “BRICS: Transformative Force,” held at the University of Brasilia, brought together civil society representatives, government officials, and national and international experts, reinforcing the importance of multilateralism and representation in global economic decision-making


In a year when Brasil holds the BRICS presidency, various national institutions have seized the opportunity to deepen discussions around the group, which brings together 20 nations from the Global South, including member states and partner countries. BRICS continues to strengthen its role as an emerging force in safeguarding multilateralism within the current geopolitical landscape. Among these institutions is the University of Brasília (UnB), located just minutes from the BRICS Brasil headquarters in the same city.

As part of "BRICS Week," organized by the capital's public university, the event "BRICS: Transformative Force" was held this Tuesday (27) and Wednesday (28), fostering exchanges among the academic community, federal government officials, national and international experts, and civil society representatives. Topics discussed over the two-day meeting included tax justice, reform of the international monetary and financial systems, and financing for equitable and sustainable social protection. The event was coordinated by the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the University’s Institute of International Relations (Irel).

During the opening session, Ambassador Tatiana Rosito, Secretary for International Affairs at the Ministry, emphasized that the event builds on the successful experience of the previous year. Under Brasil’s G20 presidency, the Ministry strengthened citizen participation in shaping international priorities. "This continues the effort we made last year during the G20 presidency. We felt it was essential to carry that work over into BRICS,' she stated. In a 'world of challenges and transition," the ambassador underscored the dual role of BRICS coordination. "BRICS serves as both a force for transformation and stabilization—particularly in defending multilateralism while highlighting the asymmetry between developed and developing nations," she concluded.

"BRICS serves as both a force for transformation and stabilization—particularly in defending multilateralism while highlighting the asymmetry between developed and developing nations"

André Roncaglia, Brasil’s Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who participated in the closing session, pointed out that the global economy is undergoing a full restructuring — and in this context, BRICS has the potential to become more than just a forum for discussion. "BRICS plays a role within the IMF. Since Brasil holds the BRICS presidency this year, I’m chairing the BRICS directors at the Fund, and our goal is to address the IMF's limitations in responding to the most pressing needs of the Global South — countries in conflict, facing deep instability, or small island nations, for example," he explained, in reference to his work representing the Global South at the IMF.

The panel discussions held in the Darcy Ribeiro Auditorium featured participants such as Adrien Fabre (President of Global Redistribution Advocates), Leandro Ferreira (President of the Brazilian Basic Income Network – RBRB), Marco Fernandes (Landless Workers’ Movement – MST), Penélope Hawkins (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development – UNCTAD), Rozana Naves (Rector of the University of Brasilia), Luciana Servo (President of the Institute for Applied Economic Research – IPEA), and Vinicius Pinheiro (International Labour Organization – ILO).

Citizen participation

In line with the objective of Brazil’s BRICS presidency to promote more democratic and transparent global governance, the Ministry of Finance advances its broader effort to expand dialogue with civil society through this event. The initiative is based on the principle that public engagement is a fundamental pillar in shaping inclusive and representative public policies. In March, the Ministry had already convened two meetings — in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo — to present the priorities of the BRICS economic and financial track.

These initiatives are expected to contribute to shaping the proposals to be discussed by BRICS Finance Ministers during their meeting on July 4 and 5, ahead of the Leaders' Summit scheduled for July 6 and 7.

English version by Judas Tadeu de A. Neto (UFC/POET)
Proofreading by Michel Emmanuel F. François (UFC/POET)

Russia
Source: russiancouncil.ru

Right now the Brazilian city of Marica is hosting the General Assembly of the BRICS+ Association of Cities and Municipalities. Representatives from more than 10 countries and 30 cities, municipalities and public organisations related to various aspects of urban and municipal development are gathering in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro. We will prepare proposals for the agenda of the upcoming BRICS summit in Brasil.

Kazan is traditionally at the centre of international municipal cooperation. The Eurasian Regional Office of the United Cities and Local Governments has been working in the capital of Tatarstan since 2006, and in 2024 we hosted the BRICS summit. It was on the margins of this forum that we agreed to create the Association, which I had the honour to chair. Within a year, representatives of more than 20 countries have joined it. Our main goal is to give practical meaning to urban diplomacy, to help mayors, heads of municipalities, chief architects and all those involved in the creation of a comfortable urban environment to get access to the most advanced experience of urban management. To participate as equals, in the spirit of openness and co-operation, in the formulation of the global urban development agenda.

Of course, it is not participation in international forums per se that is important, but concrete results that improve the lives of citizens. At the municipal level, the results, or lack thereof, are particularly noticeable, as it is the municipal authorities that create the environment with which city dwellers come into contact on a daily basis. Cities around the world today face common challenges, the solution to which requires constant dialogue and full inclusion in the global development agenda.

At the same time, the challenges faced by the cities of the world's majority countries are particularly acute. For example, urbanisation. By 2050, according to UN estimates, more than 70% of the world's population will live in cities, which is more than 5 billion people. The rapid growth of urban population in the BRICS+ countries leads to a sharp increase in demand for housing. According to the UN, more than 30% of urban dwellers in developing countries live in slums lacking basic services such as clean water and sanitation.

BRICS+ cities often fail to keep pace with population growth in terms of infrastructure development. Underdeveloped transport systems, energy and water supplies significantly hamper economic growth. For example, in South Africa and Nigeria, congestion and frequent power cuts have become a major constraint to growth. In addition, BRICS+ cities are often located in areas of high risk to natural disasters. Coastal megacities such as Mumbai and Shanghai face the threat of sea level rise, while African cities face droughts. The UN estimates that 90 per cent of the world's major cities are vulnerable to climate disasters. They are unlikely to benefit from the often-imposed prescriptions for combating climate change, which suggest limiting economic growth and adopting environmental standards that are likely to make their economies uncompetitive. We need new solutions based on an engaged, open, and equitable dialogue.

I have no doubt that every city has accumulated years of experience in solving specific problems and has built links with experts and universities that help in this work. We will save a lot of effort, time and money if we make a mechanism of consultations on the most pressing issues of municipal governance more effective, if we can share our experience, receive practical assistance in real time, rather than formulate recipes from scratch.

Many cities have already established ties between them - somewhere twin-cities relations are several decades old, somewhere communication has only recently begun. In recent years, ties between the BRICS+ cities have been developing particularly actively, which today are in the greatest need of neutral platforms for the exchange of experience. In my opinion, this is the role that the Association of Cities and Municipalities, established during the Russian presidency and at the initiative of our country, is called upon to play.

Under the auspices of the Association, the Shared City platform is already working, where specific cases are collected to solve the most acute urban problems in the sphere of ecology, transport infrastructure, digitalisation and many others. At the Kazanish architectural and construction forum held in Kazan, which gathered more than 11,000 participants from 23 countries, sessions were held with mayors and chief architects of some of the world's largest cities. They exchanged experience, agreed to expand cooperation, and special attention was paid to projects on sustainable use of water resources. We are also actively exploring the idea of establishing the BRICS+ International Coordination Centre for Municipal Governance within the Association. It should become both a ‘rapid response team’ and a centre of expertise and best practices for solving the most pressing and common urban development problems.

The viability of any organisation depends on the interest of its participants in it. Our Brazilian friends, who have taken over the BRICS chairmanship, not only supported the initiatives voiced in Kazan, but also proposed to significantly expand our agenda. For example, in Marica we will discuss the inclusion of municipalities in global chains of financing infrastructure and logistics projects. The New Development Bank, which is now headed by former Brazilian President Dilma Roussef, is already financing advanced projects in BRICS cities. We expect that our proposals will be included in the programme of the upcoming BRICS summit and presented to the leaders of the countries that will gather in Rio de Janeiro in early July.

We are only at the beginning of our journey to create an effective mechanism for intermunicipal cooperation within BRICS+. We manage to find common ground with mayors from all over the world, primarily due to our focus on practical solutions to common and most pressing urban problems. In an increasingly urbanized world, the importance of urban diplomacy will only grow, and I would like to call on everyone - leaders, academic and expert communities, residents of our cities - to actively engage in our dialogue and together create a comfortable, sustainable and safe urban environment.

Brazil
Source: brics.br

On May 21 and 22, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation hosted the 7th Meeting of the BRICS Working Group on Polar and Ocean Science and Technology, bringing together representatives from India, Russia, South Africa, China, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. The event featured a dynamic exchange of experiences and knowledge, reaffirming the countries’ shared commitment to science as a key tool for tackling climate challenges and advancing sustainable development.

On the first day of the meeting, participating countries shared key initiatives related to monitoring oceanic and polar regions, with a focus on meteorology, biology, flux measurements, climate forecasting, and disaster prevention. Participants described the discussions as productive and highlighted a strong mutual interest in the solutions being developed across the member nations.
"It was a day of many exchanges. It became clear how interested the countries are in each other’s work. The level of interest each country showed in the others’ work was evident—it was a true moment of scientific and technological collaboration," emphasized Leandro Pedron, Director of the Department of Thematic Programs at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Science as a collective solution

The BRICS Working Group on Polar and Ocean Science and Technology serves as a strategic platform to strengthen multilateral cooperation in research, technological development, capacity building, and data sharing. The common agenda becomes even more urgent in the face of growing challenges posed by climate change and the degradation of marine and polar ecosystems.
Pedron explained that since 2018, the group has been advancing discussions in five key areas: oceanic and atmospheric modeling for disaster forecasting, polar research in high-latitude regions including Antarctica, marine biodiversity, seabed processes, and coastal and estuarine ecosystems.
In addition to advancing scientific understanding, the group seeks to develop cooperative frameworks capable of anticipating extreme events—like the recent disasters that struck Rio Grande do Sul in Brasil and affected other BRICS countries.

"When we understand that our connection with the ocean is the foundation for sustaining life on Earth, it becomes evident how essential it is to invest in science. And this can only be done through a great deal of cooperation, because it's costly, extremely complex research that requires large infrastructures and highly qualified professionals," Pedron stressed.

Shared challenges, joint solutions

The challenges faced by the countries are similar: lack of real-time data collection, the need to improve forecasting and modeling systems, and the strengthening of technical capacities. India, China, and Russia, for example, reported limitations in their ocean monitoring networks, underscoring the importance of enhancing partnerships within the BRICS framework.

"Scientific cooperation is not just desirable, it is essential. Science as a means, science as a solution. Brasil has played a very important leadership role, leading this agenda and working closely with other countries to deliver solutions that benefit not only our societies but the planet as a whole," Pedron pointed out.

Ocean research is, by nature, an extremely complex and high-cost activity. Major investments are required in maritime transport, both for installing and maintaining equipment, which is expensive and technically challenging. The constant exposure to salinity and the harsh conditions of the marine environment accelerate material wear, demanding highly skilled labor and rigorous planning.
In addition to operational costs, conducting research in ocean environments requires specialized technical teams dedicated to both data collection and analysis. These are processes that demand time, deep understanding of marine systems, and the development of specific technological solutions.
Given these challenges, international cooperation is essential. In this context, science emerges not only as a tool but as a key solution for tackling shared problems faced by multiple countries. Building joint responses through scientific collaboration is critical to addressing global issues like climate change, changes in marine systems, and species migration—all of which can directly affect the exclusive economic zones of individual nations.

Ocean modeling systems are one practical example of this joint effort, but there are many other challenges that require collaboration. In this sense, cooperation in science and technology applied to oceans goes beyond the private sector. It strategically involves public institutions that share data, methodologies, and knowledge to enhance monitoring capabilities, forecast impacts, and propose sustainable solutions for ocean conservation and the protection of populations that depend on them.
The gathering was also the stage for an intense debate on the newly launched BRICS Deep-sea Resources International Research Center, inaugurated in April in China. The initiative aims to bring together the best scientific resources from BRICS countries to develop innovative solutions in strategic areas. More than advancing research and technological innovation, the center's mission is to foster talent development, promote technology transfer, and strengthen the joint presence of BRICS countries in global ocean governance, increasing their influence on decisions that directly affect the future of the seas and marine resources.

Visit to the Navy and the Brazilian Antarctic Program

The last day of the meeting included a technical visit to the Interministerial Commission for Marine Resources of the Brazilian Navy, where participants learned about the Brazilian Antarctic Program, active since 1982. Through a real-time virtual tour, the country representatives explored the facilities of the Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station, an international reference in research and sustainability.
Rear Admiral Ricardo Jaques Ferreira highlighted the importance of cooperation between civilians and the military in developing activities in Antarctica and presented innovations in the station’s energy efficiency and sustainability.

"We are very proud to have been working together for over 50 years to understand and protect the oceans and the Antarctic environment. Today, our station features cutting-edge technology, including solar power, generators, and 14 internal laboratories, plus three external ones, enabling advanced research under extreme conditions," said the Rear Admiral.

Participants were impressed by the structure of the Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station. The virtual tour sparked surprise and awe by revealing a modern, high-tech infrastructure prepared to face the extreme conditions of the frozen continent.

The experience left a strong impression, highlighting the scale and sophistication of the facilities, which reflect Brasil’s commitment to scientific research in Antarctica. The realism of the virtual tour prompted numerous questions about researchers’ routines, operational challenges, and the technologies used to ensure the safety and continuity of studies in one of the planet’s most inhospitable environments.

Renewed commitments

The countries reaffirmed their commitment to continue promoting scientific cooperation in oceanic and polar areas, strengthening joint actions among governments, universities, research institutions, and the productive sector.
The meeting also reinforced the importance of raising public awareness about the relevance of oceans and polar regions to global sustainability and life on the planet.

English version: Kelvis Santiago do Nascimento/ UFC/ POET
Proofreading by Judas Tadeu de Azevedo Neto/ UFC/ POET

Brazil
Source: brics.br

BRICS ministers advance cultural alliances as a pillar of sustainable development, advocating for the repatriation of cultural assets, creative economies, and cultural efforts in response to the climate crisis

The 10th Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Culture, held on Monday (May 26) at the Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia, marked a new chapter in cultural cooperation among member states with the approval of a joint declaration reaffirming culture as the foundation for more inclusive, sustainable, and multipolar global governance. The document, titled the "Brasilia Declaration", reflects the consensus reached by BRICS members — alongside newly incorporated Indonesia — and lays out ambitious guidelines for the coming years, ranging from creative economy strategies to cultural heritage protection in the face of climate change.

Brazil’s Minister of Culture, Margareth Menezes, opened the event by highlighting the symbolism of holding the meeting in Brasilia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and emphasized the importance of the current geopolitical moment. “BRICS is not just an economic group, but a dialogue platform that values cultural diversity as a driving force for fairer and more balanced development,” she stated. Menezes recalled that under the leadership of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brasil has been working to strengthen multilateralism, citing the country’s recent leadership of the G20, its presidency of BRICS in 2025, and preparations to host COP30 in November.

The meeting reiterated the BRICS spirit of consensus, mutual respect, and solidarity, in line with commitments made since the signing of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Culture in 2015, renewed through the 2022–2026 Action Plan. The document underscores the need for ongoing, inclusive dialogue between BRICS members and other Global South countries, aimed at strengthening cultural diversity as a foundation for sustainable development. The ministers reiterated the role of culture as a driver of economic growth, innovation, and social cohesion. They also emphasized the intrinsic value of culture in the face of the challenges and opportunities posed by information and communication technologies (ICTs), particularly with the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

Among the commitments made was the creation of a BRICS platform for cultural and creative industries under the bloc’s Working Group on Culture. This initiative aims to promote the exchange of artists, joint projects, and the dissemination of cultural content, with support from the New Development Bank (NDB). The declaration acknowledges the cultural and creative sector as a strategic component for job creation, income generation, and the development of innovative skills — key drivers of the member countries' economies.

The document underscores the need for ongoing, inclusive dialogue between BRICS members and other Global South countries, aimed at strengthening cultural diversity as a foundation for sustainable development. The ministers reiterated the role of culture as a driver of economic growth, innovation, and social cohesion

AI governance was another central topic. The document reaffirms the need for AI to be ethical, safe, inclusive, and development-oriented, in full compliance with national and international laws, human rights, and cultural and linguistic diversity. The ministers stressed the importance of ensuring that the datasets used to train AI models — including language models — reflect and preserve this diversity. They also advocated for a fair digital environment that properly compensates creators, artists, and rights holders, ensuring the protection of intellectual property and artistic freedom.

The repatriation of cultural property stolen or removed from their countries of origin in colonial or conflict scenarios also took center stage in the declaration. The ministers reaffirmed that returning such collections is a moral imperative and a prerequisite for historical justice. Brasil announced it would host an international seminar on the topic later in 2025, bringing together experts, governments, and civil society to advance common guidelines. “Restitution is not merely symbolic; it is a fundamental step toward rebuilding the collective memory of peoples whose heritage was plundered,” said Minister Margareth.

Amid the discussions on cultural cooperation within BRICS, South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, emphasized the significance of returning cultural artifacts. He argued that the repatriation of looted objects from colonial periods goes beyond monetary value—it is a matter of dignity and historical justice. His remarks reflect a growing alliance among Global South countries in defending their cultural heritage and strengthening their creative economies, which are becoming key priorities on the BRICS agenda. “The reason this matters to us is not just the financial value of bringing back the artifacts and items stolen from our country. It’s about dignity,” he said.

Another important aspect of the declaration is the recognition of culture as a core element of the global sustainable development agenda. The ministers pledged to advocate for the inclusion of culture as a standalone goal in the future Post-2030 Development Agenda, in line with the principles of the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development (MONDIACULT 2022). The connection between culture and climate change was also highlighted. BRICS countries committed to protecting cultural heritage from climate-related risks, developing adaptive strategies that incorporate traditional knowledge and local systems of understanding. In this context, ministers urged developed countries to fulfill their climate financing commitments, particularly regarding the preservation of cultural heritage in developing nations.

The protection of traditional knowledge and cultural expressions also received special attention. Participants called for stronger international legal frameworks to safeguard this knowledge and highlighted the importance of ongoing discussions at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on the subject.

Efforts to strengthen cultural ties among BRICS countries will also materialize through festivals and cultural alliances. Brasil announced that it will host the BRICS Film Festival in the second half of 2025, showcasing national film productions from member countries and promoting cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and business opportunities in the audiovisual sector. The ministers also encouraged the creation of a permanent calendar of cultural and heritage events to deepen connections among BRICS peoples.

Lastly, the declaration reaffirms a shared vision of culture not only as essential to strengthening national identities but also as a tool for economic development, environmental sustainability, and the construction of a fairer, more inclusive world. In this spirit, the BRICS Ministers of Culture renewed their commitment to deepening cultural cooperation and coordinating common positions in multilateral forums, always highlighting perspectives from the Global South and the diversity of paths toward sustainable development.

During the meeting, Ambassador Laudemar Gonçalves de Aguiar Neto, Secretary for Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Culture at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reinforced the vision of BRICS as a transformative force in the global order. “We are not here merely to integrate into the international system, but to help shape new governance—one that is more representative of the Global South,” he said. He emphasized the creative economy as a driver of social inclusion and argued that culture should be recognized as the “fourth pillar” of sustainable development, alongside the economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

As concrete outcomes, in addition to the BRICS Film Festival planned for the second half of 2025, the participating countries agreed to develop a best practices guide for copyright protection in digital environments and to expand existing departmental alliances, such as museum, library, and film school networks within the group. The declaration will be formally presented at the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in July, where heads of state and government are expected to endorse the cultural guidelines approved by the ministers.

In her final remarks, Minister Margareth Menezes celebrated the spirit of collaboration that shaped the discussions. “This declaration is proof that when we raise our voices together, culture can be a powerful force for peace, justice, and social transformation,” she concluded. The gathering made clear that in a world marked by overlapping crises, BRICS sees cultural diversity not as a difference to be overcome, but as a foundation for a shared future.

Brazil
Source: brics.br

BRICS seminar discusses future of cooperation in sustainable public procurement
Representatives from member countries discussed strategies to promote the exchange of experiences and expand international cooperation around the strategic use of public procurement for sustainable development


The in-person BRICS Seminar on Sustainable Public Procurement, held this Tuesday (May 27) in Brasilia, centered on discussions about cooperation in sustainable public procurement. The event, organized by the Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services under the auspices of Brasil’s 2025 BRICS presidency, brought together representatives from member states to foster the exchange of experiences and strengthen international cooperation around the strategic use of public procurement to drive sustainable development. The morning session was led by Esther Dweck, Minister of Management and Innovation in Public Services.

Opening the discussions, the minister underscored the purpose of the meeting, which frames public procurement as a driver of economic development. “Since the beginning of our presidency, the aim of this seminar has been to promote a technical and substantive dialogue among countries that, while following different paths and systems, share a common interest in using the State’s purchasing power as a tool for transformation. Sustainability and innovation are not empty words—they are being embedded in regulations, electronic systems, procurement criteria, and political decisions, aligning State action with social and environmental demands.”

Dweck also underscored the relevance of the event to the shared agenda of participating countries. “The shared experiences reinforce the importance of international cooperation in advancing more sustainable and innovative public policies that respond to today’s challenges and strengthen the strategic role of the State.”

Among the multilateral institutions in attendance, the New Development Bank (NDB) contributed with perspectives focused on infrastructure and innovation initiatives.

Representing the bank, Anand Kumar Srivastava emphasized that while each country faces distinct challenges, they share a common goal: “To promote public procurement systems that are more sustainable, efficient, and aligned with the social and environmental needs of our populations. In our case, we’ve been advancing projects with medium- and long-term targets, including plans extending to 2050 and 2060, aimed at developing green infrastructure and urban modernization,” he said. Srivastava also highlighted NDB’s efforts in creating digital platforms and solutions that promote equity, innovation, and transparency.

In a presentation on industrial development policies, Natasha Galotta, manager at the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), emphasized the role of public procurement as a tool to promote domestic production. “BNDES is more than a financier—it is a public policy instrument. Our role includes supporting large-scale projects and strengthening the national industry, including through local content policies and incentives for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. These initiatives align directly with the public procurement agenda, which has the potential to boost the country’s economic and social development,” she explained.

According to her, coordinated initiatives between government and industry have helped increase the participation of Brazilian companies in major government purchases, particularly in strategic sectors. “We began supporting public procurement and financing precisely through these development-oriented plans. We have solid experience in measuring local content in machinery and equipment, with methodologies that guide the inclusion of national production in government acquisitions. The goal is to create jobs, strengthen industry, and bring new technologies into the country,” she added.

Training public servants as a foundation for change

Natália Teles da Mota, Executive Director of the National School of Public Administration (Enap), also took part in the discussions and highlighted the strategic role the institution plays in training and qualifying public servants in Brasil. “In 2024, we certified over 1.8 million individuals in online, in-person, and hybrid courses. Our catalog includes more than 800 open and free courses in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, and we currently have more than 9,000 international students on our virtual platform. These numbers reflect our commitment to building public sector capacity across various fields, including public procurement, innovation, and sustainability.”

Addressing the main challenges in implementing sustainable procurement policies, she emphasized the need for cultural change within the public sector. “A policy only becomes real when it is put into practice on a daily basis. We need to support those on the front lines so this transformation can happen effectively.”

International experiences

Mendoe Ntswahlan, representing South Africa’s National Treasury, emphasized the strategic relevance of public procurement by combining two central functions: economic and social. According to her, this dual role turns the public sector into a true engine of transformation. “Public procurement involves two essential aspects: the process of acquiring goods and services by public authorities, and a strong requirement that these purchases contribute to sustainable development. When we combine these two factors—the economic function and the social function—we are able to transform the public sector into a driver of change. In South Africa, we use government procurement as a constitutional tool for economic inclusion. It’s not just a legal norm—it is embedded in our Constitution. It is one of the highest expressions of public interest and is directly tied to our broader socioeconomic priorities.”
"Public procurement involves two essential aspects: the process of acquiring goods and services by public authorities, and a strong requirement that these purchases contribute to sustainable development. When we combine these two factors—the economic function and the social function—we are able to transform the public sector into a driver of change"

She also drew attention to the economic weight of government procurement and its potential impact on the private sector and employment. “In South Africa, public procurement currently accounts for 16.5% of GDP. This shows how much the public sector can influence the economy by prioritizing sustainable goods and services, as well as green infrastructure. When procurement is guided by these criteria, it can boost private sector activity, generate jobs, and transform entire production chains. This is a real area of development—especially crucial in countries where unemployment remains a major challenge.”

Representing Uganda, Mercy Agaba Kyoshabire emphasized the central role of public procurement in the country’s budget management, noting that most national resources are channeled through this mechanism. “Our national budget for this fiscal year is approximately 22.1 trillion, and between 60% to 70% of that is executed through public procurement. This shows how strategic the procurement sector is to the country. Our legislation sets out fundamental principles such as non-discrimination—based on gender, religion, or any other criterion—and maximizing competition. Even when direct contracting is allowed, the supplier must be selected from a pre-qualified list. The goal is always to ensure the best value for public money. We have a standardized system across all institutions, with regulations that guide planning, requests, document preparation, evaluation criteria, and contract management. All of this must incorporate sustainability at every stage of the process.”

Aleksei Lavrov, Deputy Minister of Finance of Russia, spoke about BRICS countries’ efforts to modernize public procurement with a focus on efficiency and oversight. “We are discussing procedures, digital technologies, and control mechanisms to ensure we are truly achieving the goals set out in our procurement policies. Each country has its own approach, but it’s clear there is a shared effort to enhance transparency, traceability, and efficiency in government procurement.”
On the economic relevance and coordination across government levels, he noted that public procurement represents a significant share of the GDP, highlighting how strategic the sector is for any country. “In countries with a federative structure, like Russia, regional and local authorities have a degree of autonomy, but they all operate within the same federal framework. This coordination is essential to ensure that principles of efficiency, equity, and transparency are upheld across the entire territory.”

Next steps and the legacy of the Brazilian presidency

At the close of the seminar, participating countries highlighted the importance of keeping sustainable public procurement on the international agenda. As part of the follow-up actions, the Brazilian presidency is drafting a paragraph about the event to be included in the final BRICS declaration, recognizing the discussions held and signaling support for maintaining the topic within the group.
In addition, a Final Report will be produced, compiling the main insights, experiences, and proposals shared during the event. The document will be circulated to the delegations for comments before the final version is completed and may serve as a basis for future decisions within BRICS—leaving a meaningful legacy from the Brazilian presidency to its successor, India.

For Rodrigo Estrela, head of the Special Advisory Office for International Affairs at the Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services, the seminar demonstrated the value of exchange among BRICS countries. “This seminar experience was very meaningful. The diversity of BRICS countries shows us different paths and solutions to similar problems. Sharing these approaches is essential, because we face common challenges in our public procurement systems. What matters is understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all model. We create systems tailored to solve local problems, respecting our regional contexts. I call this a collective construction of solutions. Over the three sessions, it became clear that there is much to learn and adapt. It was a unique opportunity for exchange, allowing us to move forward with greater intelligence and collaboration.”

In that same spirit of cooperation, India’s representative also emphasized the collective recognition of the seminar’s importance. “Regardless of the format it may take moving forward, the value of this seminar over the past few months was evident, as was the shared interest in keeping this strategic agenda alive. We remain fully committed to supporting continued dialogue and cooperation.”

English version: Judas Tadeu de A. Neto (UFC/POET)
Proofreading: Michel Emmanuel F. François (UFC/POET)

Brazil
Source: brics.br

One of the key topics shaping the future of the BRICS is the development of smart cities supported by emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to implement solutions for urban mobility, waste management, basic sanitation, energy efficiency, and disaster risk prevention. The smart city concept is evolving to incorporate sustainability, accessibility, and resilience principles.

With the recent expansion of the BRICS to include countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Iran, the bloc is establishing itself as a leading platform for Global South cooperation. This expansion enhances the group’s diversity while introducing new challenges and opportunities, particularly in the realm of sustainable urbanization driven by technologies such as AI.

In Brasil, approximately 86% of the population resides in urban areas, whereas India’s urban population is just above 35%, with projections of over 40% by 2030 (UN-Habitat, 2023). China, meanwhile, has become a predominantly urban society, with around 67% of its population living in urban centers as of 2024 and a projection of more than 75% by 2035 (World Bank, 2024). The diversity of urbanization stages among BRICS countries requires context-specific solutions and creates opportunities for the exchanges of public policy in a scenario shaped by technological, energy, climate, and demographic transitions.

BRICS and the urban agenda

In 2025, various meetings and forums will focus on strengthening cooperation and exchanging best practices among BRICS cities.

The BRICS International Municipal Forum (IMBRICS), for example, will be held in Rio de Janeiro on May 27–28, 2025. The forum will serve as a platform for local and regional government representatives from BRICS countries to share experiences and promote international cooperation at the municipal level.

As the host city for the forum and the BRICS Summit, scheduled for July 6–7, 2025, Rio de Janeiro is advancing initiatives to integrate artificial intelligence into its urban development strategy.

One such initiative is the “Rio AI City” project, launched at the Web Summit Rio 2025 in April. This project aims to transform the Olympic Park into the largest data processing hub in Latin America. With an initial capacity of 1.8 gigawatts by 2027, expanding to 3 gigawatts by 2032, the project relies on clean energy and abundant water supply. In collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the SENSEable Rio Lab will use visual AI to map and analyze informal settlements, contributing to urban planning and sustainable urban development.

Initiatives like Knowledge Vessels, which are collaborative and creative environments offering high-tech equipment to users, promote digital inclusion and training in emerging technologies. These actions underscore the city’s commitment to becoming a global hub for innovation and technology that uses AI to foster sustainable development and social inclusion.

Meanwhile, the BRICS+ General Assembly of Cities and Municipalities, to be held from May to July 2025 in Maricá, Rio de Janeiro, will bring together representatives from member states and partner countries to discuss strategies for sustainable urban development and inter-municipal cooperation.

In September 2025, the BRICS Urban Future Forum will be held in Moscow to address priorities established during Brasil’s presidency. The event will promote dialogue about the harmonious development of BRICS megacities with focus on green infrastructure, urban technology, resilient architecture, and sustainability, highlighting solutions based on decarbonization and job creation amid intensifying climate change.

AI and smart cities in the BRICS: ongoing experiences

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being adopted in major BRICS cities, notably impacting urban planning, public service management, and civic engagement.

China is at the forefront of developing AI-powered smart cities, particularly in Shanghai and Shenzhen. Shanghai uses an urban governance platform called "City Brain" that integrates data from transportation, health, public safety, and environmental systems for real-time decision-making. Shenzhen uses AI to monitor air quality and predict energy demand, thereby enhancing power grid efficiency.

In India, Pune is developing intelligent mobility solutions supported by AI, including a public transportation system based on passenger flow analysis to optimize routes and schedules.

In South Africa, Johannesburg and Cape Town have invested in AI-based urban surveillance systems for crime prevention and emergency response. AI is also used to forecast waste generation and manage collection logistics, minimizing environmental impact and improving urban living conditions.

Moscow uses AI to manage traffic, regulate energy use in public buildings, and foster a more connected urban environment. In Siberian cities such as Novosibirsk, AI improves access to sanitation and manages decentralized power networks.

Building on the success of the Rio de Janeiro Operations Center, Brasil is implementing AI-based systems at São Paulo’s Traffic Management Center. These systems are designed to ease congestion and reduce commute times by optimizing traffic light operations in real time.

Meanwhile, Curitiba uses smart sensors and predictive to optimize energy consumption in public buildings. The city has also developed pilot projects for intelligent solid waste collection using algorithm-optimized routes, earning it the 2023 Global Smart City Award.

Smart and resilient cities amid climate change

As extreme weather events, such as torrential rain and flooding, become more frequent, BRICS cities are increasingly leveraging AI to mitigate flood risks and enhance resilient infrastructure. In India, cities such as Chennai and Mumbai use AI-driven algorithms to forecast flood-prone areas based on rainfall patterns and soil data, enabling more timely and effective preventive measures

In Brasil, cities such as Recife and Rio de Janeiro integrate real-time sensor networks with flood risk maps to issue alerts and coordinate evacuations in vulnerable areas. China's "sponge city" model, which involves redesigning urban architecture to absorb and retain rainwater through floodable parks, permeable pavement, and green roofs, has gained traction in cities like Wuhan and Chongqing.

These approaches combine engineering, urban planning, and artificial intelligence to build climate-adaptive cities with resilient infrastructure and enhanced public safety.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia — futuristic cities and context-sensitive solutions

Projects such as NEOM in Saudi Arabia and Masdar City in the UAE are icons of AI-based sustainable urbanization. NEOM aims to be a fully intelligent, integrated city that uses AI to manage autonomous mobility, water systems, and renewable energy generation. Masdar uses smart sensors to minimize energy use and AI to forecast demand surges.

Egypt is planning new cities like the New Administrative Capital with digital technologies and AI, including smart lighting and urban surveillance systems. In Ethiopia, pilot projects in Addis Ababa use AI to map high-risk sanitation areas, enabling public health initiatives to prevent sanitation-related diseases.

Cooperation and best practices: The Role of the BRICS and the NDB

The diversity of experiences across the BRICS countries provides a unique opportunity to exchange best practices. Brasil’s BRICS presidency in 2025 will provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen cooperation on urban technologies, bringing together experts, public officials and civil society representatives to discuss smart cities in thematic forums.

The New Development Bank (NDB, also known as the BRICS Bank) plays a central role in this endeavor. Established to finance sustainable infrastructure in its member countries, the NDB could increase lending for AI-driven public service projects, thereby ensuring wider access to digital technologies in major urban centres. Smart city development in BRICS countries must go beyond merely showcasing high-tech capabilities. AI must be used to reduce urban inequalities, promote digital inclusion, and improve the efficiency and accessibility of public services.

South-South cooperation through the BRICS creates active dialogue spaces, and the bloc can establish a joint urban agenda based on sustainability, social justice, and digital sovereignty.

Opinion articles published in this space are the sole responsibility of their respective authors and do not reflect the official position of the Brazilian BRICS presidency or the Brazilian government. The views expressed are independent and intended to foster pluralistic debate on issues relevant to the Global South agenda.

Translation: Luana Ferreira de Freitas (UFC/POET)
Proofreading: Michel Emmanuel F. François (UFC/ POET)

Brazil
Source: brics.br

BRICS ministers advance cultural alliances as a pillar of sustainable development, call for the repatriation of cultural assets, promote creative economies, and advocate for cultural responses to the climate crisis. Listen to the report to learn more.

Reporter: The 10th Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Culture, held at the Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia, marked a new chapter in cultural cooperation among the group’s member countries with the approval of a joint declaration. The document, titled the Brasilia Declaration, reflects the consensus reached among BRICS member states and sets out ambitious guidelines for the coming years. The ministers reaffirmed the role of culture as a driver of economic growth, innovation, and social cohesion, as highlighted by Brasil’s Minister of Culture, Margareth Menezes.

Margareth Menezes: The motto of Brasil’s BRICS presidency, Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance, calls on us to position culture as a vector for economic, social, and sustainable development. President Lula has consistently emphasized his vision of BRICS as a space for diversity, dialogue, and joint action to meet today’s challenges.

Reporter: The declaration acknowledges the cultural and creative sectors as strategic components in generating employment, income, and innovative skills. The repatriation of cultural assets stolen or removed from their countries of origin during colonial times or in conflict scenarios also took center stage. Ministers stressed that returning these items is a matter of historical justice, as underscored by South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie.

Gayton McKenzie: Well, BRICS has given all partner countries the opportunity to give their voice back in many aspects — in the financial, cultural, and even sports world. Why is it important for us? Because it is not only the financial aspect of bringing back the artifacts and stolen properties of our country. It has to do with dignity. It is related to three fundamental points: the financial and dignity aspects and a healing process.

Reporter: During the meeting, Ambassador Laudemar Aguiar Neto, Secretary for Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Culture at the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reinforced BRICS’ role as a transformative force in the global order.

Laudemar Gonçalves de Aguiar Neto: BRICS countries share not only a strategic position in the international system but also a common aspiration: to reform global structures and make them fairer, more representative, and inclusive. BRICS has the legitimacy, diversity, and political weight to act as a catalyst for a new global order—more balanced, less exclusionary, and truly multilateral.

Reporter: The declaration will be formally presented at the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in July, where the presidents and prime ministers of member countries are expected to endorse the cultural guidelines approved by the ministers

English version: Kelvis Santiago do Nascimento - UFC/POET
Proofreading by Judas Tadeu de Azevedo Neto - UFC/POET