BRICS Summit 2025: A Defining Moment for Global South Cooperation

The BRICS Summit 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal event for global economic and political cooperation, especially for developing nations. Scheduled for July 6-7 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this summit marks Brazil’s turn to lead the bloc, emphasizing collaboration among Global South countries. With recent expansions and a focus on inclusive governance, it’s set to tackle pressing issues like climate change and AI, while navigating internal and external challenges.

Background and Significance

BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has grown to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Indonesia by early 2025, representing over 40% of the world’s population and nearly 37% of global GDP. Brazil’s presidency, starting January 1, 2025, aims to foster sustainable and inclusive governance, building on its role as host of COP30 later in the year. This summit could solidify BRICS as a counterweight to Western-led institutions, amplifying the Global South’s voice on global issues.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of the BRICS Summit 2025

The BRICS Summit 2025, set for July 6-7 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, under Brazil’s presidency, is poised to be a defining moment for global South cooperation. This detailed analysis covers the summit’s background, key themes, agenda, expected outcomes, and challenges, drawing from recent developments as of March 14, 2025.

Background and Evolution

BRICS, initially coined by economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 as BRIC, formalized in 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China, and expanded to include South Africa in 2010, becoming BRICS. The bloc has seen significant growth, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates joining in 2024, and Indonesia officially becoming a member in early 2025, bringing the total to 10 members. This expansion reflects BRICS’s ambition to represent emerging economies, now accounting for over 40% of the global population and nearly 37% of global GDP, as noted in recent analyses.

Brazil assumed the rotating presidency on January 1, 2025, and will host the 17th BRICS summit, with the motto “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”. The summit’s location, Rio de Janeiro, was confirmed in February 2025, aligning with Brazil’s broader international agenda, including hosting COP30 in November 2025.

Membership and Partnerships

As of March 14, 2025, the current BRICS members are Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia, with Indonesia’s membership effective from early 2025. Notably, Saudi Arabia, invited in 2023, has not yet formalized its membership, remaining a potential partner rather than a full member, as per recent updates.

A new category of partner states was introduced in 2024 at the Kazan summit, with 13 countries invited: Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. By January 2025, nine confirmed their partnership status, though Indonesia transitioned to full membership, leaving partners like Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, and Turkey as key observers.

Key Themes and Priorities

Brazil has outlined six priorities for its presidency, reflecting the summit’s focus on global challenges:

Cooperation for Global Health: This priority emphasizes collaboration in healthcare, including pandemic preparedness and medical research, aiming for equitable access to health services.
Trade, Investments, and Finance: The agenda includes boosting intra-BRICS trade, attracting investments, and exploring alternatives to the US dollar, such as expanding the use of local currencies, building on discussions from previous summits.
Climate Change: Given Brazil’s hosting of COP30, this priority focuses on mobilizing financing for climate action, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing environmental cooperation, potentially aligning with global climate goals.
Artificial Intelligence Governance: A newer focus, this involves establishing inclusive frameworks for ethical AI development and use, reflecting the bloc’s interest in technological advancement.
Multilateral Architecture for Peace and Security: This priority addresses reforming global governance, particularly the UN Security Council, to give greater representation to developing nations and tackle global conflicts.
Strengthening the Institutional Framework of the BRICS: This involves enhancing the organization’s structure, potentially establishing a permanent secretariat, and defining clearer membership criteria and procedures, crucial for managing the expanded bloc.

Agenda and Schedule

The summit’s preparations include over 100 ministerial and technical meetings in Brasilia from February to July 2025, culminating in the leaders’ plenary sessions on July 6-7 in Rio de Janeiro. The agenda will likely feature the adoption of the Rio Declaration and bilateral meetings, with expected attendees including heads of state from the 10 member countries and representatives from partner nations like Nigeria and Algeria. There’s also potential for international figures, such as the UN Secretary-General, to attend, based on past practices.

Major Discussion Points and Potential Outcomes

The discussions will likely center on the six priorities, with potential outcomes including:

Economic Integration: Announcements on increasing local currency use in trade or progress on BRICS Pay, aiming to reduce reliance on the US dollar.
Climate Action: Commitments to joint green energy projects or funding, possibly feeding into COP30 discussions.
AI Governance: Proposals for ethical AI frameworks, reflecting Brazil’s interest in technological leadership.
Global Governance Reform: A joint statement calling for UN Security Council reform, amplifying Global South voices.
Institutional Strengthening: Discussions on a permanent secretariat or clearer membership roles, crucial for managing the expanded bloc.

Significance for the Global Order

The summit’s significance lies in its potential to reshape global governance. BRICS is increasingly seen as a counterweight to Western institutions like the G7, with its expansion reflecting a push for a multipolar world order. For the Global South, it offers a platform to address issues like climate justice and economic equity, potentially amplifying their influence in international forums. Brazil’s leadership, especially with COP30 on the horizon, positions it as a key player, possibly influencing its 2026 election dynamics.

Controversies and Challenges

Despite its potential, BRICS faces several challenges. Geopolitical tensions, particularly Russia’s role amid the Ukraine conflict, may strain unity, with members like India and China having differing stances. Economic disparities, with intra-BRICS trade at only 2.2% of global trade in 2022, pose another hurdle, alongside the need to balance anti-Western rhetoric with members’ ties to the West. Cohesion risks are heightened by internal rivalries, such as India-China tensions, which could complicate consensus-building.

Frequently asked questions

1. Where is the BRICS Summit 2025 taking place?

The BRICS Summit 2025 will be hosted in Brazil, as the country has taken over the chairmanship for this year.

2. Which countries have joined BRICS in 2025?

As of January 1, 2025, nine new partner countries have officially joined BRICS:

Belarus
Bolivia
Cuba
Indonesia
Kazakhstan
Malaysia
Thailand
Uganda
Uzbekistan

Other invited countries, including Algeria, Nigeria, Türkiye, and Vietnam, have not yet responded.

3. What is the theme of the BRICS 2025 Summit?

Brazil has set the theme as "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance."

4. What are the key priorities of BRICS in 2025?

Brazil’s agenda focuses on:

Facilitating Trade and Investment (developing efficient payment systems)
Regulating Artificial Intelligence (promoting responsible AI governance)
Addressing Climate Change (enhancing global financing mechanisms)
Public Health Collaboration (improving healthcare cooperation)
Institutional Development (strengthening BRICS governance structures).

5. Will BRICS introduce a common currency in 2025?

There have been ongoing discussions about reducing dependence on the US dollar in international trade, but no official announcement has been made regarding a BRICS common currency at the 2025 summit.

6. How does BRICS plan to address AI regulations?

One of the key topics for 2025 is inclusive and responsible AI governance, aiming to create global standards that ensure ethical and developmental benefits.

7. What role will BRICS play in global climate change policies?

BRICS nations will coordinate with COP30 to develop enhanced financing mechanisms for global climate initiatives.

8. How can countries join BRICS in the future?

New members are invited based on strategic economic, political, and regional partnerships. Future expansions will depend on BRICS’ internal framework and ongoing diplomatic discussions.