BRICS Summit Signals Shift Towards Global South, Away from Western Influence

The 17th BRICS summit, held from July 6–7, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, is expected to mark a decisive shift toward empowering the Global South, as member states move to reduce dependence on the US dollar and condemn escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Under Brazil’s presidency, the summit brings together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newly joined members including Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

The agenda reflects growing alignment among emerging economies to assert greater autonomy in global governance and trade.

Finance ministers from BRICS nations have proposed reforms to the International Monetary Fund, calling for a more equitable distribution of voting rights and stronger representation for developing countries.

A renewed push to increase the use of local currencies in trade is high on the summit’s agenda, though no consensus has yet emerged on the creation of a common BRICS currency.

The gathering comes as the group faces growing economic pressure from renewed US tariffs introduced under former President Donald Trump.

Leaders are expected to issue a joint statement condemning what they describe as “unjustified protectionist measures,” pointing to the economic disruption caused by sweeping tariff hikes targeting key BRICS economies.

Also dominating the summit is the Middle East crisis, with BRICS nations expected to condemn recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military targets.

Iran, now a full member of the bloc, has called for collective support, arguing the attacks represent a breach of sovereignty and a threat to regional stability.

The group is likely to call for restraint and multilateral conflict resolution through the United Nations.

BRICS, formed in 2009, has grown from a forum for economic cooperation into a geopolitical alliance advocating for a multipolar world.

With the inclusion of new members from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, the bloc is broadening its influence across the Global South.

This year’s summit is seen as a key moment in the group’s evolution, as BRICS seeks to offer an alternative to Western-led institutions and present itself as a unified voice for the developing world.

gandae@businessdayafrica.org