Rio de Janeiro: President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Brazil to attend the XVII BRICS Summit, following an invitation from President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of the Federative Republic of Brazil. The summit, taking place from July 6 to 7, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, serves as a political and diplomatic coordination forum for countries from the Global South.
According to African Press Organization, the theme for this year’s BRICS Summit is “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” The discussions are expected to focus on diversifying trade, enhancing resilience, and fostering growth and development for South Africa. The summit will explore synergies between BRICS, COP30, and G20 outcomes, particularly concerning global governance of artificial intelligence and prioritizing accessible and transformational climate finance.
BRICS leaders aim to advocate for reforms in global governance systems to ensure they are more inclusive and representative of current realities. This includes striving for greater participation of the Global South in global decision-making processes, such as within the United Nations Security Council. South Africa’s objectives in BRICS include fostering growth, strengthening intra-BRICS relations, and shaping equitable global governance reform.
During the summit, leaders are expected to deliberate on topics like global governance reform, peace, and security, and will discuss a BRICS Leaders Statement on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence. The summit will feature the adoption of a BRICS Leaders Framework Declaration on Climate Finance and the launch of the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases. The event will conclude with the adoption of the Rio de Janeiro Declaration.
The summit will be attended by leaders of BRICS member states, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. Leaders of partner countries such as Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan will also participate. Additionally, outreach countries Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay have been invited by Brazil.
International organizations, including the United Nations and the African Union, will also take part in the summit. President Putin will participate virtually, and Premier Li Qiang will represent China. President Ramaphosa is joined by key South African officials, including the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Ronald Lamola, Minister in The Presidency, Ms. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. David Masondo, and Deputy Minister of Trade Industry and Competition, Mr. Zuko Godlimpi.