BRICS leaders have called for stronger multilateral action, greater representation for developing countries and deeper economic co-operation, while stressing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing conflicts in West Asia and other global hotspots. The call was made in the New Delhi Declaration issued on Saturday at the 18th BRICS Summit in the Indian capital. The declaration reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to a fairer, more inclusive and representative international order, with greater participation by emerging and developing economies in global decision-making. BRICS also backed reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council, and called for a stronger voice for developing countries in international institutions. China and Russia reiterated their support for Brazil and India playing a greater role in the United Nations, including the Security Council. The bloc called for more equitable geographical representation in the UN Secretariat and other international organisations, noting the continued under-representation of developing countries, particularly in senior positions and decision-making bodies. It also called for greater participation by women, especially from emerging markets and developing countries, in leadership positions. The declaration said the appointment of UN executive heads and senior officials should be based on transparency, inclusiveness and broad geographical representation, in line with Article 101 of the UN Charter. BRICS stressed that no single country or group of countries should monopolise senior positions within the UN system. It also highlighted the lack of regional diversity in the post of UN secretary-general, noting that no woman has ever held the position and that representation from Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa and Asia has remained limited. Gaza and West Asia On global conflicts, BRICS expressed deep concern over the escalation in West Asia and called for the utmost restraint, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and reliance on dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace. The bloc also stressed the importance of maintaining the flow of global trade, supply chains and energy supplies. On Gaza, BRICS called for adherence to the ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access and an end to forced displacement. It reaffirmed its support for the two-state solution and Palestine’s full membership of the United Nations. The declaration strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and specifically condemned the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam in India’s Jammu and Kashmir region, which killed 26 people. BRICS called for stronger measures to combat cross-border terrorism, terrorist financing and terrorist safe havens. It also urged accountability for those involved in terrorist activities and their support networks. The bloc further called for greater co-operation to counter extremism and extremist ideologies, organised crime, money laundering and transnational fraud networks. Economic, technological co-operation On the economic front, BRICS reaffirmed its commitment to deepening economic co-operation and advancing work on cross-border payments. The declaration called for greater interoperability between payment and financial messaging systems, as well as wider use of local currencies in trade and investment settlements. BRICS also backed efforts to make cross-border payments faster, cheaper, more accessible, transparent and secure, while advancing implementation of the BRICS Economic Partnership 2030. Technology, innovation, health, agriculture and climate resilience also featured prominently in the declaration. The bloc recognised artificial intelligence as a major opportunity for economic growth and sustainable development, while calling for AI systems that are safe, secure, inclusive and trustworthy. The declaration also promoted co-operation on public digital infrastructure, agriculture and food security, resilient energy systems, critical-mineral supply chains and disaster preparedness. The priorities reflect the broader theme of the summit: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Co-operation and Sustainability.” The post BRICS backs multilateralism, peace, deeper economic co-operation appeared first on Egyptian Gazette.
