The ninth BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting took place on June 28, 2023, in a virtual format. The meeting included the Environment Ministers from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The primary focus was on advancing environmental cooperation among BRICS nations to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development across its economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Key points from the meeting include:

• 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda in a balanced and integrated manner. They highlighted the upcoming SDGs Summit in New York as a critical opportunity to renew international commitment to the agenda.
• Climate Change and Biodiversity: The ministers emphasized the importance of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, advocating for enhanced technology transfer and financial resources for sustainable projects. They also recognized the significance of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted in December 2022 and committed to its swift implementation.
• Water and Sanitation: The meeting underscored the need for sustainable and equitable water management, acknowledging the potential for BRICS countries to share best practices through the Clean Rivers of BRICS program. They also noted the vulnerability of BRICS countries to water scarcity exacerbated by climate change.
• International Cooperation: The ministers reiterated the importance of international cooperation and multilateralism in addressing global environmental challenges. They reaffirmed the role of BRICS in advancing international environmental governance within the UN system.
• BRICS Environmental Initiatives: The meeting acknowledged the progress made since the first BRICS Environment Ministers meeting in 2015 and called for the consolidation of existing initiatives to enhance synergies. They also discussed the development of the BRICS Environmentally Sound Technology (BEST) Platform and the need for resource mobilization to support environmental projects.

The meeting concluded with an appreciation for South Africa’s organization of the event and an announcement that Russia will host the tenth BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting in 2024.