Milestone of Multipolar Cooperation Celebrating 15 Years of the BRICS Summit:
A Decade and a Half of Growth and Expansion
In 2006, the first BRICS meeting was held, laying the foundation for a new era of cooperation among Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Since then, the association has grown, with South Africa joining in 2011 and the latest expansion in 2024, welcoming Egypt, the UAE, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia. As we mark 15 years since the first full-scale BRICS Summit in 2009, we reflect on the progress made and the milestones achieved.
The First BRICS Summit: A New Era of Cooperation
The leaders of four founding nations attended the first BRICS Summit. It took place on June 16, 2009, in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The summit aimed to develop multipolar cooperation among member countries. It focused on issues like international financial structures, energy development, climate change, and food security. Furthermore, the leaders adopted a joint statement during this milestone event. In the statement, they expressed their desire to cooperate in multilateral arenas. Additionally, they aimed to promote common interests and goals through this multipolar cooperation.
Landmark Summits and Expansions
The association celebrated milestones through numerous summits. For instance, the 6th summit established the BRICS New Development Bank. This marked a significant step toward strengthening financial stability and infrastructure development. Moreover, the 7th summit led to signing the Ufa Declaration. Consequently, it paved the way for multipolar cooperation through trade in national currencies within BRICS. The summits facilitated progress and cooperation among member countries. Each summit achieved a milestone in the development of BRICS. For example, the Fortaleza summit enabled the establishment of a development bank. Additionally, the Ufa summit resulted in the Ufa Declaration. This declaration allowed trade using national currencies within the group.
Overcoming Challenges and Adapting to Change
In 2020, the BRICS leaders held their first virtual summit, a testament to the association’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The virtual summit resulted in the adoption of the Moscow Declaration, which took into account the consolidated approaches of the group’s states to further development. The declaration also formulated the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership for the period until 2025 and the BRICS counter-terrorism strategy.
The 15th BRICS Summit and Beyond
The 2023 Johannesburg Summit celebrated the 15th BRICS Summit. During this event, the association announced its expansion. Specifically, Argentina, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE joined the group. This latest expansion marked a significant milestone in BRICS’ growth. It demonstrated the association’s commitment to multipolar cooperation. Moreover, it highlighted their aspirations for a more equitable, multipolar world order.
The expansion announcement at the Johannesburg Summit was momentous. It signified BRICS’ growth as an association. Additionally, it showcased their dedication to multilateral cooperation among nations. Consequently, this milestone underscored their pursuit of a more balanced, multipolar global landscape.
Looking Ahead to the Future
As the association continues to grow, more than 40 countries are applying to join BRICS, including Colombia, Turkey, Belarus, Thailand, Venezuela, and Sri Lanka. The upcoming BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, is expected to mark a new era of cooperation among the member nations. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov expressed optimism about the summit, saying, “I think that the summit in Kazan this October will mark the achievement of new heights in the interaction between the BRICS countries.” The future of BRICS looks bright, with the association poised to continue playing a significant role in shaping the global economy and promoting multilateral cooperation.
In conclusion, the BRICS Summit has come a long way since its inception in 2006. From its humble beginnings to its current expansion, the association has demonstrated its commitment to multilateral cooperation and its aspirations for a more equitable, multipolar world. As we celebrate 15 years of the BRICS Summit, we look forward to the future, confident that the association will continue to play a significant role in shaping the global economy and promoting cooperation among nations.