This is according to International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, who spoke in Russia on Tuesday.
“The BRICS bloc is a legitimate voice of the global south regarding global governance reform. We also remain a critical player in global agenda-setting for economic, political, and social cooperation,” Pandor said.
Foreign Ministers from the expanded BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations met for a two-day meeting. The meeting focused on current international relations, global governance reform, and conflict resolution.
First meeting since BRICS expanded
The meeting is the first since the bloc expanded in 2023. It now includes Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia. The meeting was chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The minister believes that the expansion of BRICS is evidence of the bloc’s growing importance. Also the critical role of cooperation in collectively promoting the shared interests and values of emerging and developing countries.
“It also signals our hunger for a body in the globe that embraces progressive ideals. [The expansion] also seeks to alter the current nature of international relations to a more inclusive, equitable, and development-oriented world.”
Pandor told her colleagues about the “current complex divided global environment”. She said it demands that BRICS continue to advocate for multilateralism. This to play a critical role in fostering stability and cooperation in times of significant geopolitical uncertainty.
“Therefore, for our collective, multilateralism remains the only solution to successfully address global challenges. These are poverty, inequality, underdevelopment, climate change, migration and disease. Also human trafficking, terrorism, and hunger,. And to ensure an environment of sustainable peace and continuous development.
Development goals not yet achieved
“I am convinced that our mutually beneficial cooperation through BRICS uplifts communities. This it does instead of increasing their vulnerability,” she added.
Pandor said it is evident that the world is currently falling short of achieving the development goals. These were outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This, she said, was due to increased economic risk for the most vulnerable. Also persistently low growth for those with the greatest need.
“We have to urgently accelerate our collective action to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
South Africa, Pandor stressed, is committed to a successful Summit of the Future.
“We are convinced that it could support efforts that bridge the development divide. And also provide new solutions to tomorrow’s challenges.
“We believe the summit presents an opportunity to revitalise the multilateral system. To also fulfil our promises to reform the current system of global governance. This in order to make it more representative and inclusive for everyone,” Pandor said.
- SAnews.gov.za
