As of 1 January, Brazil will assume the rotating presidency of BRICS, a group that brings together Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, as well as new members recently incorporated. With a growing weight in the world economy, BRICS now has ten full members and plans to include new partners by 2025.

The mandate, which will last one year, marks the country's return to the leadership of the group at a time of expansion and debate about reforms in global governance and greater co-operation between emerging economies.

The Brazilian government has prioritised strengthening cooperation between countries in the Global South, encouraging the use of local currencies in international trade, advancing inclusive artificial intelligence projects and tackling the challenges of climate change. Under the slogan ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance’, Brazil intends to align the BRICS agenda with strategic issues of global interest.

(Source: Brasil de Fato, on 2 January)