(AseanAll)  — Starting this Wednesday, January 1, 2025, Brazil officially takes the helm of BRICS, the prominent forum for political and economic cooperation among nations of the Global South, according to the Brazilian government website.

The presidency marks a pivotal moment for the country as it seeks to advance a vision of more sustainable and inclusive global governance, foster deeper economic ties, and mobilize financing to combat climate change.

BRICS, an acronym representing Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded its membership to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Iran. This enlargement solidifies the group as a central platform for collaboration among developing nations, collectively representing significant global economic and population shares.

Brazil has outlined an ambitious agenda under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” Its presidency will prioritize two main areas: advancing Global South cooperation and reforming global governance structures.

These themes translate into five key priorities:

1. Facilitating Trade and Investment: Promoting economic integration through the development of efficient payment systems.

2. Regulating Artificial Intelligence: Encouraging inclusive and responsible AI governance for development purposes.

3. Addressing Climate Change: Enhancing financing mechanisms to support global efforts, in coordination with the COP30 climate summit.

4. Public Health Collaboration: Strengthening cooperation projects among member countries, focusing on improving public health systems.

5. Institutional Development: Bolstering the internal frameworks of BRICS to ensure effective governance and decision-making.

“If you want to build a better world, a sustainable world, BRICS has to be part of this construction. And it’s important to have an understanding among these countries, because this understanding helps achieve broader agreements [with other nations],” stated Ambassador Eduardo Saboia, Brazil’s BRICS sherpa, in an interview with Agência Brasil.

GLOBAL SOUTH COLLABORATION - The forum’s objectives extend beyond its immediate membership, aiming to enhance economic, political, and social cooperation while increasing the influence of Global South nations in international governance. Ambassador Saboia highlighted the importance of mutual understanding among BRICS members, noting that the group’s diversity is a strength. “These countries, with their distinct political systems and unique challenges, come together annually, fostering solutions that benefit their populations,” he emphasized.

EXTENSIVE AGENDA - As the host nation, Brazil will oversee the organization and coordination of more than 100 meetings, starting in February and continuing through July in the capital, Brasília. These gatherings will bring together officials, policymakers, and experts to deliberate on the presidency’s priorities. The discussions will culminate in the BRICS Summit, scheduled tentatively for July in Rio de Janeiro, where heads of state and government will chart the bloc’s future course. Brazil’s mandate will run until December 31, 2025.

ROTATIONAL LEADERSHIP - The BRICS presidency rotates among member states in the order of the acronym, but with the inclusion of new members, the bloc is expected to revisit its rotational formula. The changes reflect BRICS’ evolving dynamics as it continues to adapt to the shifting geopolitical landscape.