October 22-24, Kazan will host the XVI BRICS Summit under Russia's chairmanship. This will be the first summit in its expanded format, as the group now includes 10 countries. So far, 32 states have confirmed their participation, with 24 nations represented by heads of state. The summit will also feature the participation of the UN Secretary-General, and heads of the SCO, CIS, EAEU, the Union State, as well as the president of the New Development Bank.
Motto of Russia’s Chairmanship
The motto of Russia’s chairmanship is "Strengthening Multilateralism for Fair Global Development and Security." It reflects Russia's commitment to enhancing international cooperation and ensuring equitable development for all nations.
BRICS Expansion
BRICS cannot be ignored on the global stage. Even when the group consisted of just five members (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), it played a significant role. Now, with the addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, BRICS’ influence has grown even stronger.
Economic Influence
BRICS countries cover more than 30% of the Earth’s land area, account for 45% of the global population, produce over 40% of the world’s oil, and make up about a quarter of global exports. According to forecasts, by 2028, BRICS countries' GDP based on purchasing power parity will reach around 37% of the global total, while the G7’s share will fall to just 27%.
Bilateral Meetings
A key part of the summit is the bilateral meetings. The Russian president alone has more than 20 such talks planned. Among the key meetings are talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Key Outcomes of the Summit
The BRICS countries will adopt a final declaration following the summit in Kazan. Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs ruled out the possibility of BRICS transforming into a military alliance, emphasizing that it remains a multidisciplinary strategic partnership covering politics and security, economics and finance, culture, and humanitarian relations.
Importance for the Arctic
The BRICS Summit in Kazan will also be significant for the development of the Arctic. In the context of global warming and growing interest in the region’s resources, cooperation among BRICS nations could contribute to the sustainable development of the Arctic. This includes joint projects on resource development, as well as environmental protection and biodiversity conservation efforts. Could BRICS become an alternative to the Arctic Council? While there's no definitive answer, more experts are leaning towards this possibility.
In conclusion, the BRICS Summit in Kazan will be a major event aimed at strengthening multilateralism and promoting fair global development, including in the Arctic.
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