At the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called on BRICS nations to take the lead in reforming global governance. Speaking at the plenary session titled “Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance,” Li emphasized the need for a system that reflects the interests of all countries, especially those in the Global South.
“China stands ready to join hands with other BRICS countries to promote global governance in a more just, equitable, efficient and orderly direction, working collectively to build a better world,” Li said.
BRICS, composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents over half of the world’s population and contributes 40 percent of global economic output. With the world undergoing profound changes, these nations are pushing for a multipolar world order that moves away from unilateralism and embraces multilateral cooperation based on equality and mutual respect.
This year’s summit marked a milestone with the expansion of BRICS membership, welcoming Indonesia as a full member and engaging ten additional countries as partners. The enlargement enhances the bloc’s demographic and economic weight on the global stage.
“If international governance does not reflect the new multipolar reality of the 21st century, it is up to BRICS to help bring it up to date,” said Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Li urged BRICS countries to uphold independence and self-reliance, demonstrating responsibility in building consensus and synergy. He called on the group to seek fundamental solutions based on the merits of each issue.
For China, BRICS is a platform to advance a more just and inclusive global order. Li’s call for “broad consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits” encapsulates China’s approach to international cooperation.
Amid rising protectionism and global turbulence, BRICS nations are strengthening unity and cooperation. They aim to uphold the goals outlined in the UN Charter, support multilateralism, and play a significant role in promoting shared development, enhancing global governance, and fostering peace and prosperity worldwide.
