BRICS adopts Rio Declaration, welcomes Indonesia as member

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (ANTARA) - BRICS leaders officially adopted the Rio Declaration during their 17th summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6–7, according to an official statement. 

Under Brazil's presidency, the declaration — released on Sunday — reaffirms BRICS’ collective commitment to strengthening multilateralism and reforming global governance to create a more just, inclusive, and democratic world order. 

Held under the theme "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance," the summit focused on rebalancing global power structures that BRICS considers outdated. 

In the declaration, BRICS leaders called for reform of the international system, which they say no longer reflects the geopolitical realities of the 21st century. 

"We reiterate our commitment to reforming and improving global governance by promoting a more just, equitable, agile, effective, efficient, responsive, representative, legitimate, democratic and accountable international and multilateral system in the spirit 
of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits," the declaration reads. 

The document underscores the important role of the United Nations (UN) and urges comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to better respond to global challenges in a fair and inclusive manner. 

BRICS also emphasized the need for greater representation of developing countries, particularly those in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, in international decision-making. 

Indonesia was formally welcomed as a new full BRICS member, while Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Uganda, and Uzbekistan were introduced as partner countries. 

The BRICS leaders also adopted the Framework Declaration on Climate Finance and the Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence, and endorsed the launch of the Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases. 

"These initiatives reflect our joint efforts to foster inclusive and sustainable solutions to pressing global issues," the leaders stated.   

Originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and now Indonesia.