South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted the expanding influence of the BRICS bloc, emphasizing its role as a key voice for the Global South.
Speaking at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, on Wednesday, Ramaphosa underscored the importance of cooperation among member nations, urging them to prioritize collaboration over competition.
“BRICS is now a significantly influential group,” Cyril Ramaphosa stated, “and we must ensure the success of this expanded group.” He emphasized that the expansion of BRICS reflects a growing recognition of the benefits of unity and partnership between emerging economies.
According to World Bank data, BRICS’ share of global GDP has increased from 18% in 2010 to approximately 26% in 2021.
A key milestone for the bloc was the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB), headquartered in Shanghai, which has approved 105 projects across member countries with a total investment of about $35 billion by the end of 2023.
The expansion of BRICS, set to take effect in January 2024, is attracting interest from other developing nations eager to deepen their ties with the group.
Ramaphosa emphasized that peace and global security depend on a cooperative international community, calling for a more inclusive and representative United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
He pointed out that the current UNSC has struggled to fulfil its mission of maintaining global stability.
“The UNSC does not reflect the true interests of the global community and lacks the necessary means to address the collective aspiration for peace,” Ramaphosa told Kremlin.
He urged BRICS to leverage its influence to push for a reformed, multipolar global order that prioritizes the needs of all nations.
Security cooperation within BRICS, Ramaphosa noted, should foster mutual trust and encourage collaboration in tackling emerging challenges such as terrorism, cybercrime, and the implications of new technologies like artificial intelligence.
“Our goal is to address complex security threats while enhancing our collective security,” he said.
As the summit unfolded, Ramaphosa stressed the necessity of solidarity in an interconnected world, where challenges faced by one nation inevitably impact others.
He called for an equitable international system that offers fair treatment, opportunities, and advancement to all nations.
“This summit is a chance to harness our collective strength,” Ramaphosa concluded, “to create a safer, more prosperous, and equitable world.”
The 16th BRICS Summit is seen as a pivotal moment for the bloc, marking a renewed commitment to multilateralism amid global challenges and geopolitical shifts.
Read Also: Nigeria Joins BRICS as Partner Country, Enhancing Economic Ties
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