BRICS advocates new means of payments and new members meet in Rio de Janeiro to boost alliances in the Global South

  Rio de Janeiro, one of Brazil's most symbolic cities, was the setting for a historic meeting between the BRICS countries, which now includes new strategic members. At a time when the world is undergoing intense geopolitical and economic transformations, the BRICS are advocating for new means of payment and new members are meeting in Rio de Janeiro with the clear mission of strengthening ties between emerging nations and proposing real alternatives to traditional models of global trade and finance.

This meeting marked the beginning of a new, more inclusive and representative phase, with a focus on strengthening the Global South.

What is BRICS and why is this meeting important?

BRICS is a group originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Together, these nations represent a significant portion of the global economy, the world's population and the planet's natural resources.

The big news, however, is the entry of new members into the group. With this, BRICS expands its reach and further influences global economic decisions.

New countries, new voices

The following are now part of the group:

Saudi Arabia

Iran

Egypt

Ethiopia

United Arab Emirates

These countries were officially integrated in 2024. Their inclusion strengthens the diversity of the bloc, offering a more comprehensive mosaic of cultures, economies and regional interests.

Why was Rio de Janeiro chosen as the venue?

 In addition to its beauty and infrastructure, Rio de Janeiro was chosen because it symbolizes Brazil's leadership within the bloc and its active role in articulating the Global South. The country has positioned itself as a diplomatic mediator and a strategic link between continents.

During the event, which was attended by political and business leaders, the focus was on charting paths towards a more cooperative, sustainable and technologically advanced future.

Main agenda items of the BRICS meeting

The decision by the BRICS to defend new means of payment and new members to meet in Rio de Janeiro is directly linked to a series of urgent issues for emerging countries. See the main topics:

1. New means of payment between the countries of the bloc

One of the most ambitious objectives of the meeting was to discuss the creation of alternative forms of payment in commercial transactions between members. This includes:

Reducing dependence on the US dollar

Adopting local currencies in bilateral agreements

Creating a common financial platform

Exploring digital international payment systems

 These measures aim to make countries less vulnerable to exchange rate fluctuations and sanctions imposed by Western powers.

2. Technological cooperation and innovation

 The bloc also sought ways to increase knowledge sharing in areas such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, digital agriculture and cybersecurity.

 Companies from member countries participated in joint panels to present solutions and seek multilateral investments.

3. Sustainability and clean energy

 The BRICS have committed to cooperating on sustainable projects, such as solar energy, biofuels and low-carbon technologies.

 Countries such as Brazil and South Africa, rich in natural resources, showed how they can contribute to cleaner and more accessible energy production models.

The importance of Brazil in this new phase

 Brazil played a prominent role in the event. As a founder of BRICS and the sole representative of Latin America, the country presented proposals for logistical, food and energy integration with the new members.

 The export of food, fertilizers and clean energy was placed as a key point to expand trade flows between members.

 In addition, Brazil reinforced its commitment to international democracy, the sovereignty of peoples and global balance.

What are the challenges ahead?

Despite the progress, the BRICS' journey to defend new means of payment and new members meeting in Rio de Janeiro is not without obstacles:

Cultural and political differences between members

Complexity of aligning different financial systems

Pressure from international organizations opposed to changes in the current order

Need to maintain transparency and good governance

Even so, the countries signaled their willingness to move forward together, respecting the particularities of each one.

Global impact of the expansion of BRICS

 The entry of new members and the defense of new means of payment have significant implications on the international scene. Among them:

Strengthening multipolarity

Reducing the dominance of institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank

Growing voice for developing countries in international decisions

Encouraging a new economic order based on cooperation and equity

What's next?

 After the meeting, working groups will continue to discuss the implementation of the proposals. The next BRICS meeting is scheduled for the end of 2025 and may bring new announcements on financial integration and the inclusion of more countries.

 In the meantime, the BRICS defend new means of payment and new members. The meeting in Rio de Janeiro continues to be a reference that it is possible to build a new logic of development, which is more fair, sustainable and plural.

Conclusion:

 The BRICS meeting in Rio de Janeiro represented a milestone for the countries of the Global South. With the entry of new members and bold proposals, such as the creation of alternative means of payment, the group showed that it is willing to lead a new phase of the world economy.

  In an increasingly polarized scenario, the BRICS point to a path based on balanced partnerships, technological innovation and mutual strengthening.

The world is changing and the BRICS want to be protagonists of this transformation.