The 2017 Xiamen Summit was the ninth BRICS annual summit, taking place from September 3 to 5, in the coastal city of Xiamen, located in the southeastern province of Fujian, China. This event brought together the heads of state and government from the BRICS countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – showcasing China’s rising prominence and its role as a host in fostering greater cooperation among the world’s leading emerging economies.

Under the theme “BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future,” the summit sought to emphasize deepening the BRICS cooperation and fulfilling the key role of BRICS countries in international affairs, amid a complex global political and economic landscape marked by increased uncertainties and challenges to globalization.

The summit was presided over by China’s President Xi Jinping, and attended by the other BRICS leaders: President Michel Temer of Brazil, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, and President Jacob Zuma of South Africa. The leaders convened with a vision to work collaboratively towards fostering global economic growth, ensuring peace and security, and promoting people-to-people exchanges.

A range of topics took center stage as part of the summit’s agenda. Discussions covered the promotion of economic cooperation and the exploration of innovation as a key driving force for development. Leaders discussed measures to enhance the efficiency of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), reflecting an ongoing commitment to build financial stability and support projects beneficial to member countries.

The leaders also engaged in dialogue on issues related to global governance reforms, and the importance of an open and inclusive international economy that allows for equitable growth and the sustainable development of all nations. Another focus was on enhancing the resilience against economic downturns, resist protectionism, and accelerate the pace of the BRICS’ contributions to global governance.

In alignment with the summit’s theme and its spirit of partnership, the “BRICS Plus” approach was introduced. This initiative sought to extend dialogue and cooperation with non-BRICS emerging markets and developing countries, which was a significant step demonstrating BRICS’ commitment to fostering broad partnerships and supporting the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

The “Xiamen Declaration,” adopted at the end of the summit, encapsulated the agreements reached by the member countries and laid a blueprint for future collaboration, with specific emphasis on economic, political, and security cooperation, as well as people-to-people exchanges. It addressed several pressing international challenges, including the need for peaceful resolution of disputes, the fight against terrorism, and the importance of strengthening the global financial safety net.

The successful conclusion of the 2017 Xiamen Summit reinforced the significance of the BRICS partnership in the global arena and highlighted the alliance’s dynamic role in promoting an international order that champions multilateralism, diversity, and mutual benefit. It also symbolized BRICS nations’ commitment to building open economies, bolstering and protecting the multilateral trade system, and driving sustainable development across the globe.