The 2023 BRICS Summit, held from August 22 to 24, took place in Johannesburg, specifically in the upmarket district of Sandton at the Sandton Convention Centre, Gauteng, South Africa. This prominent international gathering marked the 15th meeting of the BRICS group, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

The 2023 summit continued the tradition of facilitating discussions on a wide range of issues that affect not only the BRICS countries but also the global community. As part of the agenda, the member nations aimed to reaffirm their commitment to mutual respect, understanding, solidarity, and shared goals as outlined in the spirit of the BRICS community. The importance of sovereign equality and democracy was emphasized, highlighting the coalition’s dedication to operating in an inclusive and cooperative manner.

In the context of South Africa’s presidency of the 2023 summit, special focus was likely directed on developing partnerships geared toward an equitable and just transition, managing risks associated with economic changes, and addressing sustainable development goals. The inclusion of such topics aligns BRICS nations with urgent global priorities, particularly those concerning environmental sustainability and climate change.

Moreover, the summit presented an opportunity for BRICS nations to build sustained momentum for change, especially considering that India, Brazil, and South Africa were set to preside over the G20 from 2023 to 2025. This sequence of presidencies signaled a period during which the collective views of these emerging economies could significantly influence global economic policies and practices.

As the summit venue, Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre provided a prestigious setting for the high-level meetings and interactions. The choice of South Africa as the host nation reiterated the BRICS commitment to rotating the summit’s location amongst member countries, providing visibility and engagement opportunities for each nation within the group.

One of the outcomes of the summit was the “Johannesburg II Declaration,” a document delineating the collective stand of the BRICS nations on various international issues and detailing their approach toward a more equitable global order. These outcomes were set against the backdrop of a statue of Nelson Mandela- a nod to South Africa’s democratic legacy and the values prized by BRICS nations.