Meeting of BRICS Leaders in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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BRICS leaders met in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, today Sunday, calling for reform of traditional Western institutions while presenting the group as a defender of multilateral diplomacy in a world increasingly divided.
The expansion of the BRICS grouping has provided a new space for diplomatic coordination at a time when divisions loom over economic groups like the G7 and G20, which also suffer from the repercussions of the 'America First' approach followed by US President Donald Trump.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva likened the gathering to the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War, a group of developing countries that resisted formally aligning with either side of the divided world order.
Lula told the BRICS leaders, 'BRICS is the heir of the Non-Aligned Movement. With pluralism under attack, our independence is threatened once again.'
Lula also stated on Saturday that BRICS countries now represent over half of the world's population and 40% of the economic output, while warning of increasing protectionist policies.
The expansion of the BRICS grouping has provided a new space for diplomatic coordination at a time when divisions loom over economic groups like the G7 and G20, which also suffer from the repercussions of the 'America First' approach followed by US President Donald Trump.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva likened the gathering to the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War, a group of developing countries that resisted formally aligning with either side of the divided world order.
Lula told the BRICS leaders, 'BRICS is the heir of the Non-Aligned Movement. With pluralism under attack, our independence is threatened once again.'
Lula also stated on Saturday that BRICS countries now represent over half of the world's population and 40% of the economic output, while warning of increasing protectionist policies.
