BRICS News & Bulletins

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All tags COLLAB BRICS Brasil BRICS Brasil Radio Bulletin BRICS BRASIL NDB Policy Summit Climate

COLLAB

BRICS Leaders’ Declaration Condemns Wars and Calls for Reform of Global Governance

Jul 17, 2025 • 9:30 PM

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BRICS Brasil

BRICS Brasil Bulletin #23 — Summit in Brasil Marks Turning Point

Jul 16, 2025 • 4:40 PM

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COLLAB

BRICS Bank Welcomes New Members, Calls for “Sustainable Reglobalization”

Jul 15, 2025 • 7:21 PM

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BRICS Brasil Radio Bulletin

BRICS Brasil Bulletin #22 — Rio Pledges Inclusive Governance

Jul 14, 2025 • 9:46 PM

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BRICS BRASIL

Brazilian Chairmanship Continues Through December

Jul 14, 2025 • 8:11 PM

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BRICS Brasil Radio Bulletin

BRICS Brasil Bulletin #21 — Lula on Climate, Health & Finance

Jul 9, 2025 • 5:20 PM

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NDB

NDB at 10: Green Lending Roadmap & Local Currency Push

Jul 8, 2025 • 10:00 AM

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Policy

Ministers Outline BRICS AI Principles

Jul 6, 2025 • 2:10 PM

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Policy

Cross‑Border Payments Pilot Moves Ahead

Jul 2, 2025 • 9:00 AM

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Climate

Energy Ministers Agree Just Transition Toolbox

Jun 28, 2025 • 3:45 PM

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Policy

Health Track Launches Pooled Procurement

Jun 24, 2025 • 11:30 AM

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Policy

Open Standards for Secure Data Exchange

Jun 20, 2025 • 1:00 PM

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Climate

Smallholders Linked to Climate‑Smart Finance

Jun 16, 2025 • 4:25 PM

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Policy

Scholarship Network & Degree Recognition

Jun 12, 2025 • 10:40 AM

Open

Policy

Inclusive Supply Chains for MSMEs

Jun 8, 2025 • 12:05 PM

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Policy

Tourism Roadmap: Visa Facilitation & Co‑Marketing

Jun 4, 2025 • 6:00 PM

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Policy

Open Research Commons & Mega‑Projects

Jun 1, 2025 • 9:30 AM

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Policy

Creative Economy Exchange & Heritage Fund

May 28, 2025 • 2:55 PM

Open

Policy

Resilient Infrastructure Blueprint for Cities

May 24, 2025 • 8:30 AM

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Policy

Women in BRICS: Mentorship & STEM Grants

May 20, 2025 • 5:45 PM

Open

COLLAB Close

BRICS Leaders’ Declaration Condemns Wars and Calls for Reform of Global Governance

Jul 17, 2025 • 9:30 PM

BRICS leaders issued a strongly worded declaration condemning armed conflicts and unlawful interventions, underscoring the urgency of peaceful dispute resolution under the UN Charter. The document places reform of global governance at the center of today’s agenda, arguing that institutions created decades ago no longer reflect contemporary realities or the weight of the Global South. Leaders also called for fairer representation in international financial institutions, greater voice for developing economies, and more predictable development finance aligned with national strategies.

Beyond security and governance, the declaration addressed artificial intelligence, climate finance, and inclusive digital transformation. Members advocated for human‑centric AI principles, transparency in high‑risk applications, and cooperative research to reduce barriers to access. On climate, they urged increased grant‑based and concessional finance, recognizing differentiated responsibilities while spotlighting just transitions. The communiqué further promoted open, secure information and communication technologies, regional connectivity, and interoperable digital public infrastructure that protects privacy and fosters innovation.

Taken together, the text signals a coordinated push: to reduce conflict, elevate multilateralism, and channel investment into sustainable growth. It frames BRICS as a platform where pragmatic collaboration can unlock affordability, technology transfer, and shared standards without compromising national priorities. Implementation will hinge on concrete roadmaps, peer learning, and measurable outcomes across sectors from health and energy to education and resilient infrastructure.

BRICS Brasil Close

BRICS Brasil Bulletin #23 — Summit in Brasil Marks Turning Point

Jul 16, 2025 • 4:40 PM

Under Brasil’s chairmanship, an expanded BRICS coalition presented a unified vision that resonated far beyond the summit venue. The Bulletin highlights historic progress on climate action, artificial intelligence cooperation, and health security. With the bloc representing a substantial share of global GDP, delegates framed the moment as evidence that the Global South is not a substitute bench but a co‑author of the playbook for sustainable development. The report points to concrete pilots, timelines, and dedicated working groups that convert ambition into operational tasks.

On climate, members advanced green industrial policy dialogue, just transition financing, and adaptation support for vulnerable communities. In AI, they set out pathways for safety testing, responsible data use, and talent exchange. Health commitments prioritized manufacturing of essential medical supplies, pooled procurement, and early‑warning systems.

The Bulletin closes with a call to action: scale successful projects, align investment with national development plans, and encourage private‑sector participation through de‑risking and clear standards. This turning point is measured by delivery—transparent tracking, peer review, and practical results that improve people’s lives.

COLLAB Close

BRICS Bank Welcomes New Members, Calls for “Sustainable Reglobalization”

Jul 15, 2025 • 7:21 PM

Marking its tenth anniversary, the New Development Bank (NDB) welcomed new members and outlined a strategy for “sustainable reglobalization”—a pragmatic approach to reconnect markets while cutting carbon and strengthening resilience. The plan favors local‑currency lending, diversified funding sources, and project pipelines that create jobs, enable clean energy, and expand digital and transport connectivity. By aligning operations with national priorities, the Bank aims to reduce exposure to currency volatility and channel capital where it has the greatest development multiplier.

NDB signaled a sharper focus on impact: rigorous environmental and social standards, transparent procurement, and post‑completion evaluations that capture real‑world outcomes. The anniversary portfolio review showcased lessons from early projects and identified opportunities in water security, urban mobility, and climate‑smart agriculture.

Looking ahead, the Bank encouraged co‑financing with regional institutions, sovereign wealth funds, and private investors, emphasizing blended structures that crowd in capital while keeping debt sustainable. The message is clear: growth and sustainability are complementary when projects are bankable, affordable, and community‑anchored.

BRICS Brasil Radio Bulletin Close

BRICS Brasil Bulletin #22 — Rio Pledges Inclusive Governance

Jul 14, 2025 • 9:46 PM

The 17th leaders’ meeting produced 126 commitments spanning global governance, finance, health, climate, AI, and more. The audio Bulletin explains the architecture behind that number: clustered initiatives, each with a lead institution, timelines, and indicators. The pledge to inclusive and sustainable governance centers on renewing multilateral bodies so they better represent present‑day demographics and development realities. Technical working groups were tasked to turn declarations into draft standards, investment frameworks, and knowledge exchanges that can be replicated across regions.

Crucially, the Rio outcomes lean on cooperation among cities and states, not just national ministries. This multi‑level governance approach is meant to accelerate implementation in areas like public transport, waste management, and digital government, where sub‑national actors already run services that shape people’s daily lives.

By focusing on practical tools—playbooks, model laws, and interoperable platforms—the Bulletin presents a road from principles to projects, with an emphasis on transparency and public participation.

BRICS BRASIL Close

Brazilian Chairmanship Continues Through December

Jul 14, 2025 • 8:11 PM

Following historic agreements at the 17th Summit, Brasil will continue to chair BRICS until December. The extended chairmanship allows continuity for negotiations launched earlier in the year, including sectoral compacts on health manufacturing, green industry, and digital public infrastructure. Organizers noted that more than 200 meetings have been held, culminating in concrete progress across finance, trade, education, and culture.

The next phase emphasizes delivery: converting frameworks into funded projects and measurable community benefits. Stakeholders will prioritize co‑financing opportunities, capacity‑building for regulators and municipalities, and pilot programs that test standards in real‑world settings. Public dashboards will track milestones and share open resources to help practitioners replicate success.

Maintaining momentum through year‑end, the chair plans additional ministerials, technical workshops, and outreach with civil society and the private sector to ensure broad participation and accountability.

BRICS Brasil Radio Bulletin Close

BRICS Brasil Bulletin #21 — Lula on Climate, Health & Finance

Jul 9, 2025 • 5:20 PM

Opening the third session in Rio, President Lula underscored three priorities: confronting climate change denial with science and investment; defending global health as a public good; and mobilizing sustainable finance at scale for developing countries. The speech argued that progress depends on cooperation—sharing technology, building resilient supply chains, and ensuring that financial flows reach communities rather than stall in intermediaries.

He called for pragmatic steps: localization of vaccine and diagnostics manufacturing, concessional climate finance, and public‑private partnerships to accelerate the energy transition. The address also highlighted the role of culture, education, and youth exchange in strengthening ties among BRICS societies.

As the session moves forward, the Bulletin points to a packed calendar: sectoral dialogues, city‑level pilots, and tangible deliverables aligned with national plans.

NDB Close

NDB at 10: Green Lending Roadmap & Local Currency Push

Jul 8, 2025 • 10:00 AM

The New Development Bank’s 10‑year review set out a roadmap to scale green lending while expanding local‑currency operations. Priorities include project pipelines for resilient cities, water and sanitation, distributed renewable energy, and nature‑positive infrastructure. To reduce currency and refinancing risk, the Bank plans to deepen partnerships with domestic capital markets and mobilize savings through sustainable bonds, including opportunities for retail investors.

The roadmap emphasizes value for money: competitive procurement, lifecycle costing, and robust monitoring to ensure assets deliver climate and development dividends across decades. Institutional learning from early projects will inform new guidelines on community engagement, gender equality, and accessibility.

By pairing innovation with prudence, the Bank seeks to unlock affordable finance while protecting debt sustainability and environmental integrity.

Policy Close

Ministers Outline BRICS AI Principles

Jul 6, 2025 • 2:10 PM

Digital ministers proposed a set of BRICS AI principles centered on safety, transparency, fairness, and human oversight. The draft outlines risk‑based evaluation for high‑impact systems, privacy‑preserving data governance, and cooperation on compute access, benchmarks, and open tools. Capacity‑building for regulators and SMEs is highlighted to ensure that innovation ecosystems are inclusive and widely distributed.

Implementation will pair voluntary codes with interoperable standards and public procurement pilots. The goal is to enable trustworthy AI that serves development objectives—improving health diagnostics, supporting climate adaptation, strengthening public services, and expanding educational access—while minimizing harms.

Next steps include stakeholder consultation, sandbox testing, and a reference catalog of best practices shared across member states.

Policy Close

Cross‑Border Payments Pilot Moves Ahead

Jul 2, 2025 • 9:00 AM

A BRICS task force advanced a cross‑border payments pilot designed around ISO 20022 messaging and robust anti‑fraud protections. The initiative aims to cut transaction costs for MSMEs, speed settlement, and improve transparency while respecting national regulations and capital controls. Technical workstreams are building APIs, security layers, and dispute‑resolution mechanisms that can interoperate with domestic systems.

Stakeholders stressed the importance of consumer protection and financial inclusion, with special attention to underserved regions and small exporters. If successful, the pilot could demonstrate how digital rails and common standards can foster trade without compromising sovereignty or security.

Further phases will test cross‑currency quoting, local‑currency settlement options, and open compliance tooling for smaller institutions.

Climate Close

Energy Ministers Agree Just Transition Toolbox

Jun 28, 2025 • 3:45 PM

Energy ministers endorsed a just transition toolbox focused on job‑creating clean industries, worker reskilling, and community‑led planning. The package includes model schemes for upgrading grids, integrating variable renewables, and improving energy efficiency in buildings and transport. It also maps pathways for industrial decarbonization, from green hydrogen to circular economy practices that reduce waste and boost competitiveness.

Officials emphasized energy security and affordability: diversifying supply, modernizing transmission, and leveraging smart systems to manage demand. The toolbox encourages collaboration with universities and local firms to build talent pipelines and accelerate technology diffusion.

Reporting templates and shared indicators will help compare progress and identify what works in diverse contexts, ensuring no region is left behind.

Policy Close

Health Track Launches Pooled Procurement

Jun 24, 2025 • 11:30 AM

Health ministers launched pooled procurement for vaccines, diagnostics, and essential medicines to reduce costs, stabilize supply, and expand access. The approach aggregates demand across members, promotes local and regional manufacturing, and sets quality standards that speed regulatory alignment. Procurement reforms will be paired with transparency portals and technical assistance so that smaller facilities can participate.

Complementary initiatives include disease surveillance, workforce training, and resilient cold‑chain logistics. By coordinating investments and data sharing, the health track aims to improve outcomes, particularly for rural and underserved communities.

Evaluation will focus on affordability, stockout reduction, and health impact, with regular public reporting to sustain accountability.

Policy Close

Open Standards for Secure Data Exchange

Jun 20, 2025 • 1:00 PM

Digital ministers endorsed a note on open standards for secure data exchange. The paper proposes interoperability across identity, payments, and registries using privacy‑preserving techniques. It emphasizes open APIs, security baselines, and certification to build trust among governments, firms, and citizens. The approach seeks to avoid vendor lock‑in, foster competition, and enable cross‑border services while safeguarding sovereignty.

Next steps include pilots in trade facilitation, e‑invoicing, and social protection delivery. Shared repositories will host reference code, documentation, and conformance tests to help implementers move quickly yet safely.

The note positions open standards as the backbone of efficient digital public infrastructure and inclusive growth.

Climate Close

Smallholders Linked to Climate‑Smart Finance

Jun 16, 2025 • 4:25 PM

Agriculture ministers launched a platform that connects smallholders with climate‑smart finance, agronomic advice, and market access. The system aggregates satellite data, weather services, and local extension inputs to tailor recommendations and reduce risk for lenders. By bundling micro‑insurance and results‑based incentives, the platform aims to catalyze adoption of resilient practices—soil health, efficient irrigation, diversified crops—while lifting incomes.

Partnerships with cooperatives and agri‑SMEs will extend services to remote communities. Open data principles and farmer consent mechanisms are built‑in to protect rights and promote trust.

Over time, the platform will support carbon‑smart measurement and verification, linking producers to emerging green value chains at home and abroad.

Policy Close

Scholarship Network & Degree Recognition

Jun 12, 2025 • 10:40 AM

Education ministers expanded the scholarship network and advanced mutual recognition of degrees. The initiative opens pathways for students and researchers to move fluidly across institutions, share laboratories, and co‑author work that addresses regional challenges. Mobility programs will prioritize inclusive access, with stipends and support services that make exchange feasible for a wider range of learners.

Mutual recognition pilots will involve accrediting bodies and professional councils to align outcomes and competencies. Digital credentials and secure registries will simplify verification for employers and universities.

By linking talent across borders, the network aims to amplify innovation, cultural understanding, and long‑term partnerships.

Policy Close

Inclusive Supply Chains for MSMEs

Jun 8, 2025 • 12:05 PM

Trade ministers launched an initiative to make supply chains more inclusive for MSMEs through digital trade corridors, simplified compliance, and access to affordable logistics. The plan includes shared vendor registries, interoperable e‑invoicing, and dispute resolution mechanisms tailored to small firms. Training and mentorship programs will help entrepreneurs adopt standards and unlock new markets.

Public procurement pilots will test how large buyers can onboard MSMEs and reward sustainability performance. Financial instruments—guarantees, receivables finance—will improve cash flow and resilience.

By lowering barriers and increasing transparency, the initiative aims to create jobs, diversify exports, and foster innovation across regions.

Policy Close

Tourism Roadmap: Visa Facilitation & Co‑Marketing

Jun 4, 2025 • 6:00 PM

Tourism ministers endorsed a roadmap to make travel simpler and more sustainable through visa facilitation, digital entry processes, and joint marketing campaigns. The plan also supports community‑based tourism, heritage preservation, and skills development for hospitality workers. By improving connectivity and traveler experience, the roadmap aims to grow visitor numbers while protecting cultural and natural assets.

Data sharing on flows, seasonality, and sustainability indicators will aid planning and reduce pressure on hotspots. Coordinated events and multi‑destination itineraries will showcase diverse regions and extend stays.

Implementation will proceed via pilot corridors, feedback from industry, and accessible online resources for SMEs.

Policy Close

Open Research Commons & Mega‑Projects

Jun 1, 2025 • 9:30 AM

Science ministers endorsed an open research commons to share datasets, tools, and compute resources. The commons will underpin joint mega‑projects in areas such as clean energy, public health, and climate resilience. Common licenses and governance rules will encourage collaboration while protecting privacy and intellectual contributions.

Interdisciplinary teams will work on grand challenges with milestones and open publications. Training programs will help researchers adopt reproducible methods and make use of shared infrastructure.

By widening access to knowledge and tools, the research commons aims to accelerate discovery and translate results into public benefit.

Policy Close

Creative Economy Exchange & Heritage Fund

May 28, 2025 • 2:55 PM

Cultural ministers announced a creative economy exchange alongside a heritage fund for restoration and digitization. The exchange will link artists, startups, and venues through residencies, co‑production grants, and touring circuits. The fund will support conservation projects that blend traditional knowledge with modern techniques, ensuring that diverse histories are preserved and accessible.

Digital platforms will showcase works, enable fair compensation, and reach new audiences. Training in management and IP will help creators sustain careers and scale collaborations.

Culture is positioned not as an afterthought but as a driver of social cohesion, innovation, and inclusive growth.

Policy Close

Resilient Infrastructure Blueprint for Cities

May 24, 2025 • 8:30 AM

A cities forum released a blueprint for resilient infrastructure in secondary cities, focusing on flood management, heat mitigation, and sustainable mobility. The blueprint outlines procurement models for mid‑sized municipalities, including standardized contracts and community engagement processes that reduce delays and improve outcomes.

Case studies demonstrate how nature‑based solutions, smart sensors, and inclusive design can cut costs and deliver co‑benefits: cleaner air, safer streets, and better public spaces. The document also offers financing options that blend grants, concessional loans, and private capital.

Peer‑to‑peer exchanges and open toolkits will help city leaders adapt the blueprint to local needs and budgets.

Policy Close

Women in BRICS: Mentorship & STEM Grants

May 20, 2025 • 5:45 PM

The Women in BRICS initiative launched a mentorship network and STEM grants to support girls and women at key transition points—from school to university and from research to entrepreneurship. The program pairs mentees with experienced practitioners, offers seed funding for innovation, and builds communities of practice across cities and campuses.

Grant calls will focus on solutions that expand opportunity: ed‑tech for learning continuity, climate resilience in communities, and inclusive health technologies. Monitoring will track outcomes such as retention, leadership roles, and business creation.

By investing in talent, the initiative aims to accelerate productivity, reduce inequality, and inspire the next generation of leaders.