The fifteenth summit of the BRICS leaders, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is scheduled to be held in Johannesburg from August 22 to 24, at the Sandton Convention Centre.
The summit is expected to be attended by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor extended invitations to 67 prominent figures to attend the summit. These include leaders from Africa, Latin America, Asia, the Caribbean region, and invitations to twenty other prominent personalities, including the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Chairman of the African Union Commission, and the President of the New Development Bank, to participate in the conference.
It is worth mentioning that the BRICS alliance, representing over 40% of the world’s population and around 26% of the global economy, serves as an alternative platform for countries outside the traditional diplomatic channels dominated by the West.
The BRICS summit is an annual gathering of the leaders of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group was originally known as “BRIC” before South Africa joined in 2010, leading to the adoption of the acronym “BRICS.”
One of the significant initiatives that emerged from BRICS is the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB), also known as the BRICS Bank. The NDB aims to provide funding for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies. It serves as an alternative to traditional international financial institutions and is seen as a way for BRICS countries to have greater influence on global economic matters.
Over the years, BRICS has expanded its focus beyond economic issues to include discussions on global governance, security, and geopolitical challenges. The member countries often advocate for a more equitable and multipolar world order, with a greater role for emerging economies in international decision-making.
The choice of Johannesburg as the host city for the fifteenth summit highlights South Africa’s role within BRICS and its commitment to fostering cooperation among emerging economies. Johannesburg, as one of South Africa’s largest cities and a major economic hub, offers a suitable venue for discussions on a wide range of topics.
