By Gloria Nosa
The heads of state from the rapidly expanding BRICS alliance—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—have gathered in Rio de Janeiro for a pivotal summit aimed at redefining global power structures and accelerating the group’s vision for a multipolar world. With the inclusion of new members and increased interest from dozens of countries across the Global South, the 2025 BRICS Summit has taken on a new level of geopolitical importance.
Held under the theme “Unity in Diversity: A New Vision for Global Cooperation,” the summit seeks to challenge Western-dominated institutions and promote alternative frameworks for trade, diplomacy, finance, and development. The gathering comes at a time of deepening global divisions, with BRICS presenting itself as a counterweight to long-standing Western alliances like the G7 and NATO.
An Expanding Bloc with Growing Influence
Since its inception in 2009, BRICS has grown from a loose economic coalition into a political force with global aspirations. The Rio summit marks a significant milestone as the group officially welcomes several new members, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Ethiopia—part of a historic expansion drive announced in 2024.
With the inclusion of these nations, BRICS now represents:
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Over 45% of the world’s population
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More than 30% of global GDP (PPP-adjusted)
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A powerful bloc of energy producers, emerging markets, and regional influencers
Priorities on the Table
Among the key items on the summit’s agenda are:
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De-dollarization and the establishment of alternative payment systems to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar
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Expansion of the New Development Bank (NDB) to fund infrastructure and social projects in member and observer countries
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Reform of global governance institutions like the United Nations, IMF, and World Bank
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Food and energy security cooperation, especially in light of global supply chain disruptions
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Technology partnerships and digital sovereignty for the Global South
China’s President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for “fairer global rules and more inclusive leadership,” while India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for “strengthening south-south cooperation to address inequality and climate change.”
A Challenge to the West?
While BRICS leaders insist the bloc is not anti-Western, analysts say its growing influence is reshaping the global order. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, attending virtually due to international travel constraints, used his address to criticize Western sanctions and praise the unity of BRICS in promoting “sovereign development paths.”
The United States and European Union are closely monitoring BRICS’ rise, particularly its push to develop an alternative international financial system and its growing sway among emerging economies in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Brazil’s Moment to Shine
As host, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has taken center stage, using the opportunity to promote dialogue, peace, and deeper Latin American engagement with BRICS. “We are at a turning point in history,” Lula said in his opening speech. “The Global South can no longer be sidelined—we are ready to lead.”
Looking Ahead
With a roadmap for BRICS+, continued dialogue on currency cooperation, and growing interest from countries like Indonesia, Nigeria, and Argentina to join the alliance, the Rio summit may well be remembered as a defining moment in the evolution of a new global order.
As the summit concludes, one message rings loud and clear: BRICS is no longer just a club of emerging economies—it is a coalition with ambition, strategy, and growing influence on the world stage.
