Photo: gov.br

By Brasil 247 - Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Monday (September 8) that the BRICS has become "the new name for defending multilateralism." He made the remarks during a virtual leaders' meeting of the group, which brought together representatives from China, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, and South Africa, as well as the crown prince of the United Arab Emirates, India's foreign minister, and Ethiopia's deputy foreign minister.

Over an hour and a half of discussions, member states voiced concern over the rise of unilateral trade measures and stressed the need to strengthen solidarity and economic coordination across the Global South.

"It is up to the BRICS to show that cooperation overcomes rivalry. Mutually agreed rules and norms are essential for development. Trade and financial integration among our countries provide a safe option to mitigate protectionism. BRICS is already the new name for defending multilateralism," Lula said.

Criticism of unilateralism

In his speech, Lula warned about the weakening of global governance since the post-World War II order, pointing to the paralysis of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the normalization of unilateral practices.

"The pillars of the international order created in 1945 are being undermined in an accelerated and irresponsible way," he said.

The Brazilian leader recalled decisions from the most recent BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, including commitments on climate change, global health, artificial intelligence governance, and trade integration. He noted that the bloc now represents 40% of global GDP, 26% of international trade, and nearly half of the world's population, with major potential in green industrialization and agriculture.

Lula also highlighted the role of the New Development Bank (the BRICS Bank) in supporting economic diversification and financing a just energy transition.

Looking ahead

The meeting served as preparation for a busy multilateral calendar, including the 80th UN General Assembly, COP30 in Belém, and the G20 Summit in South Africa.

Lula announced that Brazil will launch the Tropical Forests Forever Fund (TFFF) during COP30, a mechanism designed to remunerate countries for the environmental services provided by their vast forests.

"COP30 in Belém will be the moment of truth and of science. We need stronger climate governance capable of exercising real oversight," Lula said.

(Reported by Brasil 247 on September 8, 2025)