The BRICS countries endorsed the Kazan Declaration, which aims to strengthen multilateralism, and pledged to reform global governance, increase financial cooperation, and resolve conflicts through diplomacy. They also called for a ceasefire in Gaza and supported Palestine’s full membership in the UN.
The BRICS leaders adopted the declaration “Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security” at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan.
The document was published on the official website of the Kremlin. The Kazan Declaration expresses the BRICS member states’ commitment to deepening cooperation in three main areas: political and security, economic and financial, and cultural and humanitarian ties.
Towards a fairer and more democratic world order
The declaration noted the emergence of new centers of power, political decision-making mechanisms, and economic growth that would lay the foundations for a “more equitable, democratic, and balanced multipolar world order.”
It called for greater participation by emerging economies, developing countries, and least-developed countries, particularly from Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, to improve global governance. It also advocated for reform of the Bretton Woods institutions and for greater representation of developing countries in leadership positions.
Additionally, it called for an end to coercive measures, including unilateral economic sanctions and secondary sanctions.
The summit also emphasized the need to establish a two-tier dispute settlement mechanism within the World Trade Organization (WTO) and to expedite the appointment of new members to the Appellate Body.
Strengthening security
The BRICS countries expressed concern over ongoing armed conflicts around the world and called for the peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomacy.
In particular, they condemned Israel’s military operations in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. They called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages and detainees on both sides, and the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to the region.
The BRICS leaders also expressed support for Palestine’s admission as a full member of the United Nations (UN).
The Russia-Ukraine conflict was also addressed in the declaration. Recalling the national positions of the BRICS countries in the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly on this issue, the declaration underlined the importance of a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
Additionally, the BRICS countries agreed to cooperate within the BRICS framework to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and cybercrime.
Financial and economic cooperation
The declaration emphasized the need to reform the existing international financial structure to make it more equitable.
The summit discussed the possibility of establishing an independent cross-border settlement and custody infrastructure called BRICS Clear, an initiative complementary to existing financial market infrastructure, as well as a voluntary independent BRICS reinsurance capacity, including BRICS (Re)Insurance.
The leaders also called for strengthening correspondent banking networks among BRICS countries and aligning national currencies.
The parties further agreed to share standards and methodologies for managing special economic zones.
While all BRICS countries were encouraged to invest in research infrastructure, it was also proposed to transform the New Development Bank into a new type of International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, tailored for the 21st century.
Strengthening humanitarian assistance and cultural exchanges
The declaration stressed the importance of humanitarian assistance within BRICS and agreed to promote cultural cooperation. This included the establishment of museums, national galleries, libraries, theaters, and a film school alliance.
The declaration concluded by welcoming Russia’s assumption of the BRICS presidency in 2024 and pledging full support to Brazil during its presidency the following year.
The XVI BRICS Summit, which began on 22 October in Kazan, consisted of two sessions. The first session focused on the theme of Russia’s 2024 presidency, “Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security.”
The second session was organized in the BRICS Plus/Outreach format, titled “BRICS and the Global South – Building a Better World Together.”
For the first time, this year’s summit was held in an expanded format, with Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia joining Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
