September 9, 2025

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is lighting a fire under the BRICS group! During a virtual meeting on Monday, which Brazil organized, Lula asked the five BRICS countries to come together as a strong force against the "growing international instability" and the tricky "divide-and-conquer strategy" used by some countries through unilateral actions. Why should we care? Because BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—make up 40% of the world’s economy! Lula stressed the group’s strong right to "lead the reform of the multilateral system," meaning they should lead the way in changing how the world works together on key issues. Lula didn’t hold back. He slammed "tariff blackmail," where some countries use trade taxes unfairly to control markets or meddle in others’ affairs. "It is up to BRICS to demonstrate that cooperation prevails over any form of rivalry," he said boldly. Looking forward, Lula invited BRICS members to stand firm at the upcoming 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon next year. This meeting aims to shape global trade rules amid today’s growing conflicts. The virtual discussion came just two months after the lively Rio de Janeiro Summit, where these leaders promised to support multilateralism—working together through international rules—and to reform global governing bodies. Lula turned the spotlight on the environment. He called COP30, to be held in Belém next year, "a moment of truth and science." He said developing countries hit hardest by climate change must lead a new path of development that includes protecting nature and growing economies together. Adding spice to his ideas, Lula proposed creating a United Nations Climate Change Council. Right now, climate decisions are scattered across many groups. A single council would bring power and focus to fight climate problems. "We need stronger climate governance, capable of exercising effective oversight," he declared. He also talked about the Tropical Forests Forever Fund, which would reward countries and communities that save vital forests and ecosystems. Lula suggested using money from fossil fuel profits to fuel this green transformation. And there’s more! Lula warned that the way to avoid a dangerous new Cold War is for the Global South countries to cooperate on a new model of growth that respects both the planet and people. Looking at global politics, Lula sees the upcoming 80th United Nations General Assembly as a golden chance for BRICS to "speak with one voice in defense of revitalized multilateralism." He wants the UN Security Council expanded to add new permanent and non-permanent members from Latin America, Africa, and Asia. "Unilateralism will never lead to the fulfillment of the goals of peace, justice, and prosperity that our predecessors envisioned in 1945," he added firmly. "BRICS is already the new name for the defense of multilateralism." With Lula’s spirited call, BRICS might just take the global stage by storm, aiming to reshape the rules of the game for a fairer, greener, and more united world.

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Tags: Brics, Lula da silva, Multilateralism, Climate governance, Un reform, Cop30,