During the 17th BRICS Summit held on July 6–7 in Rio de Janeiro, the main focus was on cooperation among Global South countries and the advancement of social, economic, and environmental partnerships. The summit, held for the first time in the expanded BRICS format, highlighted science and technology topics such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and global health as the main pillars of future collaboration.
The leaders, in a joint statement titled “Enhancing Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” emphasized that the ultimate goal of BRICS collaboration in science, technology, and innovation is to generate new productive forces for member development and advance sustainable development across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. These objectives will be pursued through mutually cooperative engagement and the promotion of friendship, understanding, and peaceful relations among members.
Regarding artificial intelligence, BRICS leaders recognized the significant developmental opportunities of this technology for a better future and stressed the importance of global AI governance to mitigate potential risks, meet the needs of all countries, and ensure inclusive, rule-based international cooperation. They also highlighted the need to empower developing nations and the central role of the United Nations in this process.
Climate issues were also addressed, with leaders emphasizing the strengthening of global responses to climate change through sustainable development and poverty eradication. Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for international synergy in tackling climate change, strict implementation of UN frameworks and the Paris Agreement, and enhanced cooperation in clean energy and carbon markets. The summit statement also reaffirmed BRICS commitment to environmental protection, sustainable development, and strengthened global environmental governance.
Global health was another key focus area. Leaders emphasized the importance of resilient, equitable, and inclusive health systems to achieve universal health coverage and ensure timely and fair access to medicines and health services. BRICS cooperation includes strengthening capacities for prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases, experience exchange, use of traditional medicine and digital health systems, and significantly contributes to international efforts. Additionally, the leaders acknowledged the need for collaboration in nuclear medicine through the BRICS working group.
China also committed to fulfilling its pledges, responding to global needs within its capacity, taking tangible actions, and cooperating with other countries towards a greener, healthier, and more sustainable world. At the conclusion of the summit, the Global AI Governance Statement, the Climate Finance Framework, and the BRICS Partnership for Eliminating Social Diseases were adopted, signaling practical steps by the bloc to strengthen technological cooperation and sustainable development worldwide.
Code; 1001-20251001
