THE 15TH BRICS SUMMIT OF HEADS OF STATE:
A partnership for mutually accelerated growth
By Ghulam Hoosein Asmal
Ambassador of South Africa
August 24, 2023 | 12:03 AM
(From left) Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, China’s President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov pose for a picture at the Brics Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, yesterday (Reuters)
Among the vexing question preoccupying diplomats and geopolitical observers in the Developing Countries of the Global South is whether global institutional vehicles developed in the post-World War II era are suited to meet the challenging global concerns of the current era.They contend that an impartial and frank examination of the current global landscape shows that the Global South is growing increasingly frustrated with its marginalisation, despite its expanding influence in various crucial areas, such as good governance, socio-economic justice, economic growth, technological advancement and honouring their responsibilities concerning climate change.Furthermore, the current multilateral structures appear to be exclusive and serve predominantly select few nations at the expense of the Developing South. Moreover, these structures have demonstrated their susceptibility to be manipulated to advance the narrative and interest of a few states, which is unacceptable. The Developing South resent being abused as pawns and being pressured into supporting issues often contrary to their national interest and socio-economic development.Living in a polarised and fractured world, there is a justifiable frustration among developing countries who feel that the current global order needs to be reevaluated.Consider the United Nations, for instance. Although the UN was created to be all-inclusive, it displays unfair geographic representation and power dynamics in the higher decision-making echelons. Paradoxically, no African, Latin American, or Middle Eastern country is a permanent UN Security Council, even though issues from these regions dominate the deliberations of this august body. The tragic import of this exclusion is that the institution entrusted to effectively guarantee global peace and security as mandated by the UN charter is ineffective, especially in issues of conflict where the permanent Security Council members or their allies are involved. Consequently, this multilateral institution is straining to respond to the growing number of international security, economic, social and health crises.The Global South aspires to a world where it is recognised that there are various poles of power, and all of them work collectively in creating a better global community that is multi-cultural, multi-civilisational and a world that all countries have a stake in determining the shape of this world and how we function within it.Importantly, in an ideal multilateral global environment, the United Nations should be at the centre, upholding the principles and purposes of its Charter in a reformed multilateral order that reflects the realities of the modern era. Modern challenges require current approaches and solutions.Within the context of this geopolitical anomaly, Brics has set its agenda to preserve and focus on promoting multilateralism, the UN system and solid reforms of global finance, trade, and investment. It seeks a more inclusive and perhaps alternative order of priorities and a better deal for the Global South.Brics, which currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is a partnership of five leading emerging economies and developing countries founded on historical bonds of friendship, solidarity, and shared interests. Together, Brics represent over 42% of the global population, 30% of the world’s territory, 23% of GDP and 18% of international trade.One of the founding values of Brics is the shared commitment to restructuring the global political, economic, and financial architecture to be fair, balanced, and representative, resting on the essential pillars of multilateralism and international law.South Africa assumed the Chair of Brics on January 1, 2023 under the theme: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism".The 15th Brics Summit of Heads of State is being held from August 22-24, 2023 at the Sandton Convention Centre (SCC) in Johannesburg, South Africa.Reflective of the principles of inclusivity, invitations to attend the Brics Summit have been extended to 70 countries for the Brics summit, including the UN secretary-general, the African Union Chair, and the secretary-general of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).The attendance of at least 40 presidents has been confirmed. At the same time, other countries will be represented at the deputy president and/or foreign ministers’ level, making the event a highly anticipated gathering of global leaders.Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Honduras, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Morocco, Nigeria, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Thailand, UAE, Venezuela, and Vietnam have expressed an interest to join Brics.The main focus of the Chair’s (South Africa) agenda for 2023 is centred around the theme: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism".The following thematic issue will be addressed:• Strengthening multilateralism, including working towards fundamental reform of global governance institutions and strengthening the meaningful participation of women in peace processes:Brics unequivocally advocates for a fair, balanced, and just global system. With its recent reforms, Brics possesses the power to effect real change through its collective voice. Brics has identified women’s inclusion in peace processes as a key focus to achieve sustainable development, security, and lasting peace.• Developing a partnership towards an equitable, just transition:The world is feeling the dramatic changes in climate and extreme weather events. Tackling climate change requires urgent, significant, and transformational changes across all sectors of the economy. Opportunities need to be explored to manage the risks associated with climate change while still improving the lives and futures of people. It is essential to recognise that the pathway to transition is not fixed, and different countries must devise their own plans according to their commitments and respective capacities and capabilities.• Transforming education and skills development for the future:Prioritising education and continuous skills enhancement is crucial for effectively combating poverty in the long term. It is essential to strengthen current efforts in knowledge acquisition and sharing to unlock boundless possibilities for the future.• Unlocking opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area:The African Continental Free Trade Area should prioritise infrastructure development and promote trade and investment in co-operation with Brics members. This will unlock mutually beneficial opportunities for increased trade, investment, and infrastructure development, aligning with its priorities and objectives.• Strengthening post-pandemic socio-economic recovery and the attainment of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development:The Brics economies are committed to implementing effective economic plans prioritising sustainable global growth, with a strong focus on promoting equity, fairness, and differentiated responsibilities and capacities.The Brics partnership has grown in scope and depth, with Brics members exploring practical co-operation in a spirit of openness and solidarity to find mutual interests and shared values.Approximately 150 meetings are held annually across the three pillars of Brics co-operation: political and security collaboration, financial and economic co-operation, and cultural and people-to-people co-operation. Over thirty agreements and memoranda of understanding provide a legal foundation for co-operation in areas as diverse as the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, customs, tax, interbank collaboration, culture, science, technology and innovation, agricultural research, energy efficiency, competition policy and diplomatic academies.