2025 BRICS Summit: Prospects for the Bloc as Leaders Gather in Brazil
Leaders and senior representatives from the BRICS alliance are scheduled to meet on Sunday and Monday in Rio de Janeiro for their 17th annual summit.
This event takes place amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly highlighted by recent military actions by Israel and the United States against Iran—a member of BRICS since 2024—as well as the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the conflict in Ukraine.
There are also internal concerns regarding Donald Trump’s possible return to presidential office and his renewed threats related to tariffs.
Hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the two-day conference will address a variety of issues including trade and investment, financial cooperation, artificial intelligence and technology, global health initiatives, and climate action.
Overview of the BRICS Alliance
Founded in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China—with South Africa joining in 2010—BRICS has grown to encompass 11 countries. This current membership includes Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia—the latest addition to the group.
Furthermore, ten additional nations—including Vietnam, Nigeria, and Malaysia—have achieved official “partner country” status following its introduction at last year’s summit in Russia.
The alliance positions itself as a voice for the Global South. It represents about 44% of global GDP and over 56% of the world’s population while advocating for a multipolar world order aimed at reducing Western influence on international matters.
Attendance Details: Who’s Present and Who’s Not?
Noteworthy absences from this summit include two founding leaders: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reports suggest that Putin will participate virtually due to an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.
The Russian delegation will instead be headed by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Xi’s absence is significant as it marks his first missed summit since he took office twelve years ago.
Beijing has informed Brazilian officials that Xi cannot attend due to scheduling conflicts; however, Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang is expected to represent him at the summit.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also likely not attending.
Confirmed attendees include Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Agenda Highlights
The primary objective of this meeting is to strengthen collaboration among Global South nations by creating alternative financial systems designed to lessen dependence on the dollar while enhancing representation within global institutions.
Titled “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” this year’s summit will feature discussions on various topics. Brazil aims to highlight six key areas: global health collaboration; trade; investment; finance; climate change; alongside artificial intelligence; governance; multilateral peace efforts; security frameworks; and institutional development.
